Responsible Tourism
At Butterfly Space, eco-tourism has always been at the heart of what we do. From the beginning, we’ve believed that travel should not only be inspiring for our volunteers and visitors, but meaningful and beneficial for the communities and environment around us.
We integrate sustainable practices into daily life at the lodge—using compost toilets, managing waste responsibly, harnessing solar power, and growing food organically where we can. Beyond the lodge, we support the local economy by promoting community projects, training local staff in tourism skills, and collaborating with projects that protect the land and empower the people.
We’re proud to celebrate the rich culture of our area through community events, open mic nights, and concerts, offering a creative platform for local artists and musicians to shine. Every guest who stays with us becomes part of this growing network of conscious travelers helping to build a brighter, greener future in Northern Malawi.
Cultural Events & Live Music
We love creating a space where culture and community come together, and our beautiful deck over the lake is the place where we have hosted all types of events, from spontaneous Tonga jam sessions from passing local musicians with hand-made instruments and cultural dancers, to lively drumming sessions and open mic nights. Because of our inclusive space, Butterfly has become a hub for creativity and connection. We regularly host cultural events and special gatherings, and we’re always open to local school group visits and community celebrations…everyone’s welcome to join in and share this special space.
Supporting Community in Tourism
We believe tourism should benefit everyone involved. That’s why we actively support and promote the amazing services provided by our community without taking commission or a ‘cut’. We offer training opportunities to help community members develop skills and start their own businesses, including massage therapy training from dedicated, qualified volunteers, tour guide training through our partnership with Planeterra, and even support for Mkhana Café, which now proudly runs the restaurant at Butterfly Space Eco-Lodge.
Through the Adventure North Eco-Tourism initiative, we’re working to connect travelers with authentic, safe, and enriching experiences, while empowering local people with the skills and confidence to thrive in the tourism sector. We also provide free advertising space on our Activities page to help promote community-run tours, workshops, and services—making it easier for visitors to discover and support what’s happening around them.
Adventure North Eco- Tourism
Adventure North is an initiative started by Butterfly Space and supported by Mervis, and other Eco-Lodges. It was created to bring together a growing network of eco-lodges, homestays, and community-based tourism vendors across Northern Malawi. With a new website developed by a Roots Intern, the campaign aims to provide a shared platform where local communities and responsible travel agents can showcase the unique and diverse experiences the region has to offer. From cultural exchanges to nature-based adventures, Adventure North is committed to promoting sustainable tourism that supports local livelihoods and our environment.
Our Kitchen
At Butterfly Space, we rent our kitchen to Mkhana Café, run by our talented chef, Friday. This arrangement allows us to create shared business opportunities while continuing to focus on community projects and volunteer programs. By giving Friday the space to run the kitchen as his own, we’re helping him build valuable business skills. We offer support through training, menu development, and marketing, ensuring he has the resources to grow his café. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone, from our guests enjoying delicious meals to Friday building a sustainable business for his future.
“Running the kitchen at Butterfly as my own business has been a dream come true. It’s given me the chance to grow, be creative with food, and support my family doing what I love.”
— Friday, Head Chef at Butterfly Space
Investing in Our Team
Our team aren’t just staff, we live together, work side by side, and support each other like family. We believe in building long-term, nurturing relationships where everyone feels valued and seen. Through ongoing training, we help our team grow into roles they’re passionate about, from management to hospitality to guiding. We’re especially proud to support women in leadership and to offer inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities. It’s not always easy, but we face the challenges together, lifting each other up every step of the way.
Climate & Biodiversity Initiatives
At Butterfly Space, we are committed to environmental sustainability through our permaculture gardens, on-site tree nursery, and agroecology and permaculture programs in local communities and schools. We focus on soil regeneration, promoting indigenous species, and organic farming methods, and promoting biodiversity. Working with our youth through schools and clubs empowers the next generation with sustainable practices. Our community outreach efforts help local farmers restore the land and protect biodiversity. Together, we are working towards a greener future by supporting both the planet and the people who depend on it.
Eco Friendly Facilities
- Our showers are mostly heated by solar, and some by mains power because we have many trees which we are reluctant to cut!
- Don’t forget to use our star lit, solar heated outdoor shower, which helps us to water our gardens.
- Most of our toilets are eco friendly. Remember to add a scoop of sawdust and ash after using them, and keep the seat down. This generates heat which turns your waste into healthy compost, which we use in our indigenous tree nursery, which you can visit on-site!
- We have a male and female urinals, which naturally filters the liquid through the rocks, safely into the ground where it cant cause any harm.
- Grey water from showers empties into our permaculture gardens so it can be absorbed by the thirst plants!
- Milk, crisp, sugar packets and bottles are reused for our tree nursery. Please save them!
