Nkwichi Lodge is a hidden, hand-built lodge located in the north-western corner of Mozambique, on the eastern side of Lake Malawi (or Lake Niassa as it is called on the Mozambican side). The cornerstone of the Manda Wilderness, Nkwichi Lodge offers luxurious accommodation in 4 open-plan chalet and 2 Premier chalets, looking out onto dazziling white sands and individual, blue-water bays.

All chalets have thatched roofs with open plan bedrooms to catch the cool breezes from the lake. The chalets are comfortably furnished, using natural materials, with the main feature a large four-poster bed. A unique feature of all chalets is the outside bathrooms with hot water showers crafted into overhanging trees and baths built into boulders and rocks. Each chalet also offers an attractive private dining area. The chalets have been designed to blend in with their natural surroundings, they are fairly open to the bush which is important to note

Named 'The Lake of Stars' by David Livingstone himself, when he came across it in 1859, due to the lanterns of the fisherman at night resembling a sky of stars, the tropical waters in front of Nkwichi Lodge, are so clean, that you are able to swim and drink simultaneously, whilst snorkeling above the greatest population of Cichlid fish in the world!

Relax on dazzling white "squeaking" sand or in the shade of giant baobab tree Clamber over prehistoric rocks stretching into crystal-clear water or swim in secluded bays overlooked only by chattering birds. Snorkel among flashes of brightly coloured shoals of fish only yards from shore or paddle a canoe along the lakeshore and discover untouched niches of tiny bays. Stargaze at an African sky or choose a good book, climb in a hammock and let the world pass slowly by.....

Now, with your batteries all re-charged and ready to go:

Follow an experienced guide on a trek through bush stretching up to the lofty mountains of the Great Rift Valley or join a safari on a sailing dhow, a gently chugging launch or a fast speedboat to distant coves. Sail to the old Portuguese town of Cobué and the nearby Malawi islands of Chisumulu and Likoma – site of one of Africa’s largest cathedrals. Canoe down the remote Rio Messinge through untamed country far from human life of journey into the hinterland to track animals re-discovering their ancient routes and natural habitats thanks to community conservation.

...these are just some of the things to do at Nkwichi Lodge!

But Manda Wilderness is much more. 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. Nkwichi Lodge has been recognized as a pioneering eco-tourism establishment and has been awarded many accolades, including the most recent Condé Nast Traveler World Saver Award in the ‘Doing it All’ category for small resorts 2012.

LAKE OF STARS BED

Imagine, nestled on your own private private beach or rock island archipelago, gazing up to a star-filled sky while the flow and ebb of water and the cry of distant animals serenades you to sleep; gently awaken to panoramic views of dawn stirring the lakeshore to life, with otters paddling around while you jump into a canoe to a picnic breakfast under a 2000-year-old Baobab tree.

This is just one of the stunning locations where guests of Nkwichi can enjoy a stellar slumber under a blanket of stars. A king-size bed will be set up on a viewpoint in the wilderness or on a rock island near the lodge, bestowing unforgettable and unique vistas of Lake Malawi. Nearby, yet hidden away, a Guest Management Team waits to tend to every requirement.

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