Volunteer
Take a look at our volunteer opportunities, and internship programmes on out Volunteering Page, and read our reviews and recommendations to see how we offer a unique experience.
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Who are we?
Butterfly Space is a socially responsible community project and non-profit
eco-lodge, empowering our community in Nkhata Bay, Northern Malawi
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The Eco-Lodge
Our non-profit eco-lodge is beautifully set on the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, surrounded by the stunning mountain backdrop of Nkhata Bay. We offer a range of accommodations to suit all preferences, from spacious, private en-suite rooms to budget-friendly chalets, dormitories, and lakeside camping shaded by nature. Guests can enjoy use of snorkels and paddleboards, relax in our hot open-air shower, or support our eco-tourism experiences initiatives by unwinding with a soothing massage, or enjoying the beautiful scenery and rich local culture through a variety of activities organized by our local community. We provide free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, as well as a communal workspace. See our Accommodation options here.
Community Projects
Butterfly Space, a UK registered charity, works with communities to support diverse grassroot projects which focus on sustainable development, environment, and education. Our goal is to empower communities to drive significant and sustainable changes, working towards UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Our vision is to develop and support beneficial sustainable projects which empower those who benefit from them to govern, encourage and develop them, encouraging self advocacy, self development and motivation”
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Internships & Volunteering
Immerse yourself into a new exciting culture with our varied and impactful volunteering and internship opportunities. Work directly with communities, share and learn new skills, and contribute to the important work that is happening here on the ground, at a grassroots level. Our volunteer and internship programs have been developed with integrity, and intent to encourage meaningful, ethical & sustainable volunteering practices to provide & enhance educational, practical, and creative opportunities.
What People Say
Ann-Sofie Puggaard
12:31 22 Sep 22
Nice place, awesome backpacker-vibe, great food and affordable accommodation as well as drinks and food! The pool table... is nice and was always very popular. Their sun deck is amazing and good for tanning and chilling!read more
Mahana Myriam
11:47 26 Nov 21
Amazing location and view. Very nice vibes and people. Great concept. Value for money +++.
Torbjörn Wester
14:30 24 Nov 21
Wonderful place with the lake as your neighbor. Friendly, including atmosphere makes Butterfly feel like your home.... It’s by far the best lodge to stay in Malawi if you want to be in one place for a longer period of time. I worked here from my laptop for 17 days and thanks to excellent cellphone reception internet is reliable and fast even by European standards.Food is also great.read more
Jeremy Whipp
10:38 29 Oct 21
The best place in Malawi by far. Run by the most awesome crew of Josie, Holly, Stefan and their team, they make such... welcoming, fun, and hospitable hosts. We have lived our time here so much, the food is delicious, great access to the lake via a private beach, and butterfly is such a force for good in the community. Couldn’t rate it higher!read more
Stephan van den Berg
00:19 14 Oct 21
Not the best if you want a quiet night of sleep. Music till after 02:00.
Sophie Schegg
11:42 05 Oct 21
The place is beautiful and staff are amazing. Good vibes ! Lots of travelers and many activites to do.
Herbert Bolokonya
18:51 30 Sep 21
Best place for a tranquil experience. If you want to connect with nature this is the place to be. Not 5 star but you... will enjoy the viewread more
Lee West
04:47 07 Sep 21
Didn’t stay here but went to some of their parties/gatherings on the beach. Great music and art. Good atmosphere.
Luke Wetherall
09:47 18 May 21
The best lodge in Nkhata bay! Right on the shores of Lake Malawi. Brilliant atmosphere and comfortable rooms. The... owners are super nice and will go out of their way to make sure you have the best time. Top tip, say yes to the organised the boat ride!read more
Travel Malawi with Mervis
10:09 20 Apr 21
Affordable rates, unique accomodation, good vibes and great hosts, Good food and it's an eco lodge. I highly recommend.
Throttle Adventures
17:02 05 Nov 19
This backpackers is simply awesome. Built on a hill so don’t expect flush toilets. They use composite toilets and... showers which are great. The staff are amazing. The food delicious. Lots of things to do around. Kayaking from the backpackers. Nice pub by the lake with good music. We had a great time here and extended our stay like 3 times.read more
Jill Kelsall
13:10 16 Sep 19
This is a beautiful setting and indeed the people are kind and welcoming. They have good live music some nights. ... However, the Butterfly Space suffers from poor management. In our four days here their own "treated" water supply ran dry several times, so toilets could not be flushed etc. for several hours. When we brought this to their attention, they said they'd turn it on even though the chlorine had not had time to take effect. I, my partner and at least two other guests became ill in this time. With dubious "water treatment", and facing a miserable gastric illness, staving off dehydration by using our Grayl bottle was difficult as no water came through the taps. In addition they ran out of bottled water on the day we arrived and over all four subsequent days no bottled water was available. The staff and the guests wash clothes in the lake with OMO. The kitchen ran out of gas for cooking and substituted charcoal, despite their so called "eco" brand. The menu is problematic as they have none of the ingredients required to make most of the dishes such as fruit, milk, and other basics. The rooms are grubby, paint is faded or dirty and the bedding is coarse and hot. Mattresses are very thin. The common areas are overrun with ants and the bathrooms host palmetto bugs (big cockroaches). The bar man is distracted or asleep most of the time and seems burdened by simple requests. Laundry was done and returned dry but so wrinkled that I had to wet it and hang it to dry again. It is a shame that more energy is not devoted to maintenance and provisioning, as this space is wonderful and the lake is entrancing.read more
Stefan Karakashian
12:21 06 Aug 19
Butterfly Space is a warm and friendly environment in which I was made to feel right at home during my stay. This... non-profit lodge supports a wide range of exceptional community projects which are well worth getting involved in. We also had many lovely times chilling on the decked area next to the bar looking out onto Lake Malawi. Best of luck!read more
Gomezgani mhango
23:06 01 Jul 19
Great place to be. I enjoyed the sunrise, it was beautiful along the stress of Lake Malawi. Good food, stylish... apartments. Great customer service. Thumbs up.read more
Jeroen Annelies
13:10 06 Jun 19
We love staying at Butterfly, especially now they have done a lot of work recently. The place is so much nicer and... cleaner than it was before! You can see they have new management with eye for detail who puts love into the lodge.The philosophy of Butterfly is fantastic; their love for the community, the nice mix of locals, expats and travelers in the bar, and not to forget - one of the best places for a sundowner.read more
