Manda Wilderness Project

Nkwichi Lodge’s Manda Wilderness Project

Nkwichi Lodge, cornerstone of Manda Wilderness is set on the eastern shore of Lake Niassa/Malawi, Africa’s third largest lake where the crystal clear water teams with spectacular coloured fresh water fish and along the shoreline pristine woodland is interspersed with sheltered bays, remote sandy beaches and rocky pools. The lodge has been carefully designed to blend into the local scenery. With only 7 chalets and maximum of 14 guests, Nkwichi provides genuine privacy for guests. Each chalet has its unique view, looking out on to dazzling white sands and individual, blue-water bays. All of them have thatched roofs with open plan bedrooms, hot water showers crafted into the overhanging trees and baths built into boulders and rocks. Hammocks on the veranda are ideal for watching the sunset over the lake. Fine food, attentive service and activities ranging from adventure trips to total ‘chill’ combine with a relaxed, friendly approach from local staff trained to the highest level. Nkwichi Lodge offers the rare chance to let time stand still.

But Manda Wilderness is much more – currently the largest employer in the Niassa province. Visitors see that the local Nyanja people gain from community-led projects such as school-building and road construction – projects the people themselves have chosen and which they are proud to show to guests. Village communities have set aside a huge nature conservation area, where wild animals (from elephants to delicate antelope), rare plants and flocks of birds roam free of fences, farming and hunting. The lake itself, with over 1,000 species of fish in every colour imaginable, is the latest target for Manda Wilderness conservation.

Explore the Wilderness on foot, in snorkel gear or by dug-out canoe. You will see the difference Manda is making – and by staying at Nkwichi Lodge, you will be part of it.

Transfers
The choices range from a spectacular flight across Lake Niassa, a stately passage on a historic lake steamer, or a drive across the rugged landscape of southern Malawi and northern Mozambique.

From Mozambique:
Road transfers can be arranged from the provincial capital of Lichinga to Cobue ($250 per vehicle). This takes around 4–5 hours, and this is followed by a short boat transfer ($25 per person) over to the lodge.
(Note: if you have your own plane or can charter one, there is a 1,000-metre airstrip at Cobue).