Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2025
Organisation: Fisherman’s Rest Lodge and Community Projects
Address: P.O. Box 6 Mbame, Blantyre Rural, Malawi
Contact email: [email protected]

1. Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At Fisherman’s Rest Lodge and Community Projects, we respect your privacy.
When you get in touch, make a booking or subscribe to updates, we only collect the information we genuinely need to help you enjoy your stay and keep you informed.

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect:

• Your name, email address and telephone number
• Booking details (e.g. dates of stay, guest numbers, special requests)
• Messages sent through our contact or booking forms
• Email addresses for newsletter sign-ups

We do not collect or store card details directly. Payments are handled securely by Stripe.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Process and manage your lodge bookings
• Communicate about your trip or enquiry
• Send newsletters (if you choose to subscribe)
• Improve our website and guest experience through anonymous analytics

4. Our Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR and Malawi’s Data Protection Bill, we process your data on the following grounds:

• Contract: to fulfil and manage your booking
• Consent: when you subscribe to emails or newsletters
• Legitimate Interests: to respond to enquiries and maintain efficient business operations

5. Who We Share Information With

We share only what’s necessary with trusted partners who help us deliver our services:

• Stripe – payment processing
• WooCommerce – booking management
• Flodesk – email newsletter delivery
• Google Analytics – website statistics
• FROM Wales – our UK partner organisation that supports in-country booking management

Some booking information (e.g. guest names and dates) is shared with our Malawi-based team to manage your stay. All data is handled securely within the same organisation.

6. Cookies and Analytics

Our site uses Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors use the website.
These cookies collect anonymous information and do not identify you personally. You can adjust your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer.

7. Where and How We Store Your Data

Your information is stored securely on:

• Our website server
• Flodesk (for email subscriptions)
• Google Drive and Dropbox (for booking records and administration)

Access is restricted to staff in the UK and Malawi who manage bookings and guest services.

8. How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep booking records and enquiry emails for as long as needed to fulfil our legal and administrative requirements. Marketing emails are stored until you unsubscribe or ask for removal.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request a copy of the information we hold about you
• Ask us to correct or delete your data
• Withdraw your consent at any time (for newsletters or marketing)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected].

10. International Transfers

Because our organisation operates in both the UK and Malawi, some personal data may be transferred between these locations. We take appropriate steps to ensure your information remains secure and protected under both UK GDPR and Malawian law.

11. Links to Other Websites

Our site may include links to trusted partners or external websites. We’re not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites, so please review their policies when visiting them.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in law or our operations. The latest version will always be available on this page with the date of revision clearly shown.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, please email [email protected].
We’ll do our best to respond promptly and transparently.