Darn Good Digs in Africa

Darn Good Digs are travelers' all-time favorite hotels, inns, and b&b's that have rooms from US$1 to $150. All Darn Good Digs are independently owned, and stand out for their originality, spectacular locations, scrumptious food, and great vibes.

Malawi - Mayoka Village
South Africa - Mosetlha Bush Camp



MALAWI

Traveler Review

Mayoka Village, Nkhata Bay, MalawiMap

Nominated By: Anonymous, Brooklyn, New York, USA, June '08


Price Range: US$4-$25 per person # of Rooms: Kid-Friendly: Yes


What makes Mayoka Village so Darn Good? Mayoka Village is the kind of place you come to planning on staying for a few nights, but end up staying for weeks. It’s incredibly fun, cheap, and laid-back. Mayoka sits right on the shores of Lake Malawi and the views are amazing.

Location: Mayoka Village is located in the warm heart of Africa. The clear, tropical fish-filled waters of Lake Malawi are perfect for snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking, and equipment can be borrowed or rented right at Mayoka. Mayoka Village is within walking distance of the mellow resort town of Nkhata Bay, known for its highly reputable scuba diving school and white sand beaches.

Rooms: During my two years in the Peace Corps, I visited Mayoka Village no less than seven times and stayed in almost every type of room. My favorite was a chalet built on stilts with a balcony overlooking the lake. Other options include traditional mud huts and the more newly built stone cottages with private bathrooms and stone bath tubs. Those on a super tight budget can stay in a dormitory or camp out in the garden. All accommodations at Mayoka Village are built using traditional Malawian materials, such as bamboo, stone, mud, and thatch, and are spread out on a rocky hillside by the lake.

Food: The outdoor bar and restaurant serve great food using fresh, local ingredients and offer plenty of choices for vegetarians. Plus, the beer is really cheap. Gary and Katherine, Mayoka’s friendly owners, host huge weekly barbecues and Malawian buffets.

Vibe: Mayoka Village has a chill, backpacker kind of feel. It’s most happening on Friday nights when Gary and Katherine’s famous barbecues merge into all-out dance parties, with local musicians providing the entertainment. Gary and Katherine built the lodge with the support of the community, and Mayoka continues to provide jobs and raise funds for local improvement projects.

Things to Keep in Mind: It’s a bit tough to get to Mayoka Village, but well worth the journey. Also, be careful of bilharzia when swimming in certain parts of Lake Malawi.



SOUTH AFRICA

mosetlha bush camp mosetlha bush camp mosetlha bush camp mosetlha bush camp

Traveler Review

Mosetlha Bush Camp, Madikwe Game Reserve, North West, South AfricaMap

Nominated By: Gerald Draper, Johannesburg, South Africa, June '08



Price Range: R1350 per person (includes 3 meals & 2 daily safaris) # of Rooms: 9 Kid-Friendly: Over 8


What makes the Mosetlha Bush Camp so Darn Good? The Mosetlha Bush Camp is a family owned and run, unfenced eco-lodge in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The field guides are exceptionally knowledgeable, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and the service is brilliant. Birdlife at the camp is amazing and you just might get some odd visits from bigger things!

Location: Madikwe, located in North West Province on the border of Botswana, is a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. This is Big Five country and on your morning or evening safari, you might spot elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions, and leopards, as well as African wild dogs, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hyenas, and much more!

Rooms: Mosetlha’s nine open wooden cabins are simple, comfortable, and raised on platforms to keep out the crawlies! All cabins have twin beds with good mattresses and proper duvets, and shared bathrooms are just a short walk away. The eco-lodge doesn't have electricity, is lit up at night by paraffin lamps, and has safari showers heated through a donkey boiler - we're talking a true bush camp experience!

Food: Cooking at Mosetlha is done over the open fire. The traditional South African meals are fresh and plentiful, a must because you are always so hungry in this environment! Guests dine together at a huge table under the open sky, and the Bush Camp has a bar and gas fridges to keep your beer cold!

Vibe: Mosetlha is down to earth and REAL! The Lucas family goes out of their way to make you feel at home.

Things to Keep in Mind: Remember your toiletries, torch, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, cash to settle your beer bill, tips, and reserve fees, and a good book – you’ll have leisure time between game drives! Also, advise in advance if you are a vegetarian.

Website: eco lodge madikwe, south africa - mosetlha bush campComment on Mosetlha Bush Camp


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