Nkwichi Lodge is a hidden hand-built lodge on the dazzling northern Mozambique shores of Lake Niassa (otherwise known as Lake Malawi). It offers a rare chance to savour an unspoilt corner of real Africa. It is located in the Manda Wilderness Community Conservation Area which was created to protect and manage a 120,000 hectare community reserve on the shores of Lake Niassa.

Explore on foot, by canoe, in sailing dhows. Laze in a hammock above a secluded cove. See for yourself how responsible tourism supports local people and their timeless surroundings. Sugar-white 'squeaking' sands, washed by clear fresh water teeming with tropical fish.

Nkwichi. The ideal romantic interlude. The perfect eco-tourist match for an African safari.

Due to the lodge's remote location close to the southern border of Tanzania, most of our guests 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.

Nkwichi Lodge lies on the Mozambique shoreline at one of the most beautiful points on Lake Niassa. It has been carefully designed to provide comfort and privacy for guests. 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.

Chalets

There are 6 chalets in total. 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. The sheets are freshly pressed as are your beach and bathrooms towels. Alongside bedside tables with flowers are carefully arranged by the lodge's staff. In the evenings there are electric lights in each room.

Each chalet has its own en-suite bathroom cleverly designed so 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 the living rock.

Each chalet has a thatched veranda to cool guests from the midday sun, complete with carved armchairs and hammocks for siestas.

Houses

Makolo House offers the ultimate private retreat, located deep in the African bush. Secreted amongst the trees the house overlooks the lakeshore and offers complete peace and relaxation. The house is cleverly designed using natural local materials and has two en-suite bedrooms with a high thatched roof providing a great feeling of space. There is an upstairs platform which is a perfect place for the kids to hang out, or to relax and watch the sunset over the lake. The location is ideal for taking walks out to explore the bush, and there is private access down to the lake for swimming. Meals will be provided on site by your own chef, and you are a ten minute walk from the main lodge - where you can take full advantage of all the facilities.

Songea House and Chalet: For a private escape with family or friends, this unique house and chalet duo combines idyllic accommodation, a great 'entertaining' venue, luxurious outside dining, a secluded private beach and breath-taking views of the lake. The main house has an extremely spacious open-plan design, with a grand dome 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 - making this the perfect choice for small groups. The chalet's natural open design has picture-perfect views of the lake. The en-suite bathroom has a wonderful double-bath (great for sharing!), and is cleverly designed so that you can enjoy the great views across the lake while relaxing in your bath or shower.

Meals will be provided on site by your own chef, and you are a ten minute walk from the main lodge - where you can take full advantage of all the facilities.

Meals are an important part of everyday life at Nkwichi. No 2 meals are ever the same with the chef's delicious range of recipes and the numerous locations where guests can dine for different meals during the day.

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.

Lunches vary depending on what you do each day. Guests often take part in activities which take them away from the lodge during the day. One of the highlights of people's stay is the walk to one of the largest baobab in Africa. It is estimated to be well over 2000 years old. Lunch is served under the shade of this spectacular living antique.

If you are feeling lazy and just want to relax on the beach, the main lodge dining room provides a raised view out over the lake. If you are away from the lodge walking, canoeing or visiting local community projects, delicious picnics will be provided wherever your guide takes you.

Dinner is a moveable feast. The staff will make a point of asking each guest whether they would like to eat with everyone else in the lodge or prefer to dine with a companion or as a private party. There are a number of locations for dinner. One of the guest's favourite spots is down on the beach beside the lake under the stars. Alternatively dinner can be served at people's chalets or on the lakeshore deck. Try a new place each evening.

Nkwichi has one of Africa's most impressive 'kitchen gardens'. The Manda Wilderness Horticultural Project on the neighbouring farm is run by the Manda Wilderness Conservation Project. Local farmers have learnt how to grow fresh fruit, vegetables and other food to supply the lodge with delicious produce each day. The lodge chefs use their imagination and skills to provide a mixture of western recipes along with more traditional African food.

Flexibility and attention too detail is our ultimate goal in providing excellent service for your stay at Nkwichi Lodge.

On the wild shore of Lake Niassa, the 9th largest lake in the world, is where we built Nkwichi lodge. 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.

Land: Nkwichi has a great variety of exciting and interesting activities. Whether you are visiting for the first time as a couple, as a family with children or in a small group there is plenty to get involved. For those people who have been on safari and are looking to relax for a few days the beach at Nkwichi rivals any on the Indian Ocean. Guests who want to explore the surrounding areas will find a fascinating 'trail' of local cultural and environmental interests.

• Walks
• Bird Watching
• Likoma Island Tour
• Relaxing.

Lake: Lake Niassa (as its known in Mozambique) is the 9th largest freshwater lake in the world. As you stand on the shoreline looking out over the blue water it feels as though you are looking out to sea - it's an enormous expanse of crystal clear water shimmering in the bright sunshine. This freshwater environment provides a wonderful opportunity for guests to explore the lake with a number of activities , along its shores, and beneath its transparent surface.

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Sailing
• Canoeing.

Safaris: Visit and camp out in Manda Wilderness Reserve, home to sable, elephant, reedbuck, leopard and over 300 species of birds. Alternatively, the lodge dhow, Miss Nkwichi, is ideal for expeditions on Lake Niassa north or south of Nkwichi.

The above rates are a guideline. Please enquire for current applicable rates and any special offers.

Rates are full board and include all meals and non-motorised activities but exclude drinks.