Description
Lake Niassa (or Lake Malawi) is the 9th largest lake in the world, at 560km long, 80km wide and up to 700m deep, it forms the eastern border between Malawi and Mozambique. The lake's fresh water is crystal clear and contains a greater variety of indigenous fish species of than any other lake in the world.
Nkwichi Lodge lies on the Mozambique shoreline at one of the most beautiful points on the lake. It has been carefully designed to provide comfort and privacy for guests. Each Chalet has been carefully tucked away in the tree line so that the pristine lake shore scenery is unspoilt. Guests are invited to explore the area on foot, by canoe, or in sailing dhows.
With a maximum of only 14 people staying at Nkwichi, the lodge can offer guests the highest levels of service in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
The beach on the shores of the lake with its fine, white sand is the central feature at the heart of the lodge. Nkwichi prides itself on practicing responsible tourism. By staying at the lodge guests are contributing to nature and the development of the community. The lodge provides wages for over 75 local members of staff. Their salaries support up to 15 members of their direct families. This means that by staying at the lodge guests will have an impact on the lives of over a thousand people.
Manda Nkwichi is situated within the Manda Wilderness Reserve, a protected area of 600 sq km that can be explored on bush walks and overnight camping expeditions. Wildlife includes leopard, elephant, buffalo, reedbuck, the rare sable antelope and over 300 species of birds.
The chalets all vary in size and design depending on their setting but are all made of local wood, stone and grass thatch. Each chalet has its own en-suite bathroom built outside under the tree canopy but with complete privacy. Recently two private houses have been opened, which are perfect for families and groups travelling together.
Accommodation
There are 6 chalets in total, allowing only 14 guests to sleep at the lodge at any one time. The chalets are located far enough apart to provide privacy. Each one is designed differently with their own unique characteristics. Some are built around rocks and trees surrounding the chalet. All of them are spacious attracting the breezes from the lake under the shady thatched roofs. The central feature in each chalet is the enormous, 4-poster bed, made of old tree trunks and covered in a beautifully crafted white mosquito net.
There are also two houses with 2 en-suite bedrooms and plenty of room for families or small groups to be secluded from the rest of the lodge, meals can either be provided by a personal chef in the house or guests can join the main dining room of the lodge.
Childcare
Although there are no specific child care facilities children are very welcome. Food and meal times can easily be adjusted to suit younger guests and babysitting can be arranged where needed.
Facilities
The Lakeshore Deck is a popular place to have breakfast each morning, sitting under the shade of the enormous fig tree eating fresh mangos and homemade muesli whilst gazing out across the blue water. Food and venue need never be the same - so guests can pick a different place for lunch and dinner each day if they wish.
Activities
Activities take place on land and on or in the lake, guided walks and birdwatching is offered from the lodge with expert local guides. On the lake snorkelling is excellent in the salt free, clear waters, sailing and canoeing is also available plus trips to explore the nearby Likoma Island.
When to travel
Sunshine, blue skies and temperatures averaging between 24°C and 27°C along the coast are the norm, except during the rainy summer season from about December/January through to April when everything gets soggy and sticky, and temperatures exceed 30°C in some areas. The best time to visit is from May/June to November, during the cooler dry season.
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Location and directions
Lake Niassa, Mozambique
Nkwichi lodge is situated on the wild shore of Lake Niassa, the 9th largest lake in the world. At 560km long, 80km wide and up to 700m deep, it forms the eastern border between Malawi and Mozambique. The lake's fresh water is crystal clear and contains a greater variety of indigenous fish species of than any other lake in the world. Nkwichi Lodge lies on the Mozambique shoreline at one of the most beautiful points on the lake.
How to get there
Arrive via Likoma Island, taking a light aircraft flight from Lilongwe. There are no roads for miles around the lodge so you will be collected by boat from Likoma airport and transferred to the lodge.
