MANDA NKWICHI LODGE

Sit back, relax and imagine this scene.

You are in Africa, sitting under the shade of a fig tree, looking out over one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. To your right rock pools filled with crystal clear water, teem with fluorescent coloured fish darting amongst smooth ancient boulders. On your left lies a white sandy beach stretching away from you, backed by pristine green forest. All you can hear is the warm waters of this tropical lake lapping against the beach. Out on the lake the silhouette of a fisherman in his wooden canoe passes by as he paddles home with his day’s catch.

ACCOMMODATION

Chalets ; When you arrive by boat from the lake you would never know there is human habitation here. Each Chalet has been carefully tucked away in the tree line so that the original lakeshore scenery is unspoiled. Once you walk up the sandy paths you will discover your ‘temporary home’ made of local stone, wood and thatch.

There are 7 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 that blow from the lake under the shady thatched roofs.

The central feature in each chalet is the enormous, sturdy 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 tastefully decorated with local lampshades.

Each chalet has its own en-suite bathroom which has been 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. A few of them have bathtubs so that guests can lie back and relax as the sun goes down around them.

Houses

Makolo House ;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.

Activities :

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.

Walking, Bird watching,  Likoma Island Tour, Relaxing...

WATER 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, Snorkelling, Sailing, Canoeing

Safaris ; Manda Wilderness Reserve: A 600square km game reserve has been created in alliance with the local communities to protect the wildlife in this wilderness area. The scenery varies enormously as you move inland from the lakeshore through acacia woodland, grassy plains bordered by streams and rivers and past deep rocky gorges. Species include sable, elephant, reedbuck, leopard and over 300 species of birds.

Lake Niassa: The lodge dhow, Miss Nkwichi, is ideal for expeditions on the lake north or south of Nkwichi. Accompanied by an experienced guide you will sail along the lakes stunning shoreline. There are several islands including Likoma and Chisumulu with deserted sandy beaches to stop