The Umodzi Guesthouse Building Project 2023/2024

More than Just a Guesthouse

Umodzi means unity, fellowship & togetherness in Chichewa. We chose this name for our guesthouse because we want our guesthouse to be a gathering space where diverse groups from around the world come together to serve our community and invest in our children. All profit after expenses from our guesthouse will be invested back into our programs, making it a critical in-country income generating asset that will lessen dependence on foreign donor dollars and create long-term, sustainable economic opportunity for our community.

Located half a kilometer from the shores of Lake Malawi in the Mangochi District, our guesthouse property will feature a main dormitory structure with his & hers bunk rooms and bathrooms (that sleep up to 10 each), and a common area that will include a full kitchen, dining area, lounge and covered outdoor patio. For guests that want more privacy, our guesthouse will also feature 3 private summer huts. Our guesthouse is currently under construction, with Phase 1 (the main structure) set to be completed Fall 2023 and available for booking starting January 2024. Phase 2 (the summer huts) is set to be completed by Fall 2024. See construction photos below.

Our guesthouse is being constructed with ISSB blocks (Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks) that will combat the deforestation challenge in Malawi and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Construction and management has been providing local employment and fair wages while all furnishings will be procured from local entreprenuers.