Nkwichi Lodge, Lake Niassa
Nkwichi is unique amongst Mozambique’s Lodges – as it is set on the wild shore of Lake Niassa, the 9th largest lake in the world, and perhaps better known as Lake Malawi. The lake 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.
The beach on the shores of the lake with its fine, white sand is the central feature at the heart of the lodge. Each Chalet has been carefully tucked away in the tree line so that the pristine lakeshore scenery is unspoilt. There are 6 chalets in total, accommodating 14 guests. Each chalet is uniquely designed and positioned, with a large 4-poster bed as a central feature, covered by a beautifully crafted white mosquito net. Each chalet is en-suite, and the design is such that you can bathe outside under the tree canopy in complete privacy. All of the bathrooms have showers hung from overhanging branches with hot and cold running water. Some have bathtubs carved out of rock. All chalets boast a thatched veranda, complete with carved armchairs and hammocks for siestas.
In addition to the chalets, you can choose Makolo House or Songea House and Chalet. Both houses offer private retreats and are some 10 minutes’ walk from the main lodge. Each has its own chef. Makolo boasts 2 en suite bedrooms, making it excellent for a small family or part of friends. You have a private access to the lake for swimming. Songea House and Chalet allows for entertaining, lets you enjoy al fresco dining, and has the use of a private beach. The main house has an extremely spacious open-plan design, with a domes thatched roof. The main feature of the house is a large circular reception room with a unique sunken sitting area. An attractive staircase leads to the upstairs bedroom which has a balcony overlooking the central room downstairs. A separate chalet a short distance from the main house provides additional accommodation. The chalet's natural open design has picture-perfect views of the lake. The en-suite bathroom has a wonderful double-bath, and is designed for you to enjoy the wonderful views across the lake.
Nkwichi’s meals are special – with no two being the same, as the chef has a delicious range of fare, which is allied to the numerous locations where you can dine. The Lakeshore Deck is a popular place to have breakfast each morning, sitting under the shade of the enormous fig tree.
Lunches vary depending on what you do each day. You might choose to be away from the lodge all day, which means your lunch will be served in some unique and interesting places. If you just want to relax on the beach, the main lodge dining room provides a raised view out over the lake. Dinner can be enjoyed in a number of areas, and private dining too, is popular.
The Chefs take enormous pride in using vegetables, fruit and other produce that has been grown locally on the Manda Conservation Project Farm. They cook a variety of delicious western meals but often add a touch of their own local recipes to introduce guests to their own traditional meals.
The beach on the shores of the lake with its fine, white sand is the central feature at the heart of the lodge. Each Chalet has been carefully tucked away in the tree line so that the pristine lakeshore scenery is unspoilt. There are 6 chalets in total, accommodating 14 guests. Each chalet is uniquely designed and positioned, with a large 4-poster bed as a central feature, covered by a beautifully crafted white mosquito net. Each chalet is en-suite, and the design is such that you can bathe outside under the tree canopy in complete privacy. All of the bathrooms have showers hung from overhanging branches with hot and cold running water. Some have bathtubs carved out of rock. All chalets boast a thatched veranda, complete with carved armchairs and hammocks for siestas.
In addition to the chalets, you can choose Makolo House or Songea House and Chalet. Both houses offer private retreats and are some 10 minutes’ walk from the main lodge. Each has its own chef. Makolo boasts 2 en suite bedrooms, making it excellent for a small family or part of friends. You have a private access to the lake for swimming. Songea House and Chalet allows for entertaining, lets you enjoy al fresco dining, and has the use of a private beach. The main house has an extremely spacious open-plan design, with a domes thatched roof. The main feature of the house is a large circular reception room with a unique sunken sitting area. An attractive staircase leads to the upstairs bedroom which has a balcony overlooking the central room downstairs. A separate chalet a short distance from the main house provides additional accommodation. The chalet's natural open design has picture-perfect views of the lake. The en-suite bathroom has a wonderful double-bath, and is designed for you to enjoy the wonderful views across the lake.
Nkwichi’s meals are special – with no two being the same, as the chef has a delicious range of fare, which is allied to the numerous locations where you can dine. The Lakeshore Deck is a popular place to have breakfast each morning, sitting under the shade of the enormous fig tree.
Lunches vary depending on what you do each day. You might choose to be away from the lodge all day, which means your lunch will be served in some unique and interesting places. If you just want to relax on the beach, the main lodge dining room provides a raised view out over the lake. Dinner can be enjoyed in a number of areas, and private dining too, is popular.
The Chefs take enormous pride in using vegetables, fruit and other produce that has been grown locally on the Manda Conservation Project Farm. They cook a variety of delicious western meals but often add a touch of their own local recipes to introduce guests to their own traditional meals.
Nkwichi has a great variety of exciting and interesting activities. The lodge is located at the foot of the escarpment in the Rift Valley. This means it only takes a few minutes to walk up behind the lodge, gain some height and look out over the lake towards Malawi. The lake attracts a great number of bird species, making the area great for birders. After breakfast you might want to take a launch or dhow across to Likoma Island which remains part of Malawi despite being on the Mozambique side of the lake. A guide will lead you around this interesting community showing you several places of local importance.
There can't be a more inviting place to swim than the Nkwichi beach. Mchenga Nkwichi means 'the sand that squeaks' - it’s true. The sand is so fine underfoot and as white as you can imagine. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in this incredible fresh-water lake. You can spend hours exploring the underwater world – as you gaze below the surface and meander through the rock pools along the lakeshore.
Nkwichi has a catamaran for guests who want to take advantage of the daytime breezes that blow onshore. You might also try your hand at canoeing - one of the most peaceful ways of exploring the local lakeshores. The lodge has its own Canadian style canoes which are sturdy and comfortable.
Another unique aspect of Nkwichi is the Manda Wilderness Reserve – which has been created in alliance with the local communities to protect the wildlife in this wilderness area. The scenery is surprisingly varied, with acacia woodland, grassy plains bordered by streams and rivers and deep rocky gorges. Species include sable, elephant, reedbuck, leopard and over 300 species of birds.
Camping trips into this wilderness area can be arranged from the lodge. Each morning your guide will lead you out on foot on a gentle walk pointing out the fascinating variety of flora and fauna. All camping equipment is provided along with food and a chef to cook the fish that can be caught fresh from the lake on to a bush barbecue.
There can't be a more inviting place to swim than the Nkwichi beach. Mchenga Nkwichi means 'the sand that squeaks' - it’s true. The sand is so fine underfoot and as white as you can imagine. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in this incredible fresh-water lake. You can spend hours exploring the underwater world – as you gaze below the surface and meander through the rock pools along the lakeshore.
Nkwichi has a catamaran for guests who want to take advantage of the daytime breezes that blow onshore. You might also try your hand at canoeing - one of the most peaceful ways of exploring the local lakeshores. The lodge has its own Canadian style canoes which are sturdy and comfortable.
Another unique aspect of Nkwichi is the Manda Wilderness Reserve – which has been created in alliance with the local communities to protect the wildlife in this wilderness area. The scenery is surprisingly varied, with acacia woodland, grassy plains bordered by streams and rivers and deep rocky gorges. Species include sable, elephant, reedbuck, leopard and over 300 species of birds.
Camping trips into this wilderness area can be arranged from the lodge. Each morning your guide will lead you out on foot on a gentle walk pointing out the fascinating variety of flora and fauna. All camping equipment is provided along with food and a chef to cook the fish that can be caught fresh from the lake on to a bush barbecue.