Pakachere Backpackers

Pakachere is a backpackers hostel mostly run by local staff. It is situated not far from the centre of Zomba where you can enjoy the local markets and experience the Malawian life style.

Paka has a nice atmosphere, lovely staff & beautiful gardens, and some room for improvement.. We have been working hard but it goes slowly and we still have many dreams like solar power and faster internet. We recently built a stage, barbecue area for outdoor cooking and upgraded our access road.

Our main priority is SUSTAINABLE TOURISM. For us that means 1) job security, decent salaries and respect for our staff; 2) buy locally, save water & recycle; 3) keep dreaming of and working towards solar power, waste reduction & reforestation. All this, and of course offer our guests an informal meeting place where people can relax, enjoy and feel comfortable in a safe & clean lodge. Security and cleanliness very important to us. We do have covid mitigation protocols and received the Safe Travel Stamp from the UNWTO. We are still on reduced opening hours and our staff are on 60% until we can afford to go 'back to normal'.

At Pakachere we have different accommodation options. You can choose between dorms, private self-contained bedrooms and the campsite. You can enjoy our bar and restaurant where we serve local and international meals. Please ask about our specials and talk to us if you have dietary requirements; we can cater for vegans, have some nice gluten-free options and if available in the shop, soy milk for people with lactose intolerance. Along the way from Pakachere to the centre you will find all important needs for a backpacker; a bank, post office, supermarkets, medical clinics, the immigration office and various sport facilities.

We provide day trips accompanied by a local guide to some of the most incredible places in and around Zomba, like Zomba plateau, the botanical gardens, Malape Pillars, Lake Chilwa, Mount Mulanje and Liwonde National Park. Furthermore we are happy to share information about what to do in Zomba and where to go in Malawi. On our website you find travel information for north and south, and general info about traveling in Malawi. You ca download our 100% subjective travel guide from our website.

Pakachere, all together under one tree.

Please note:
Check in: from 2pm (usually possible earlier!)
Check out: before 11am

Method of payment upon the arrival: cash only!

Breakfast is not included. Taxes are included.
We accept cash payments only (no credit cards)