Nyika National Park is moving forward – and Chelinda is ready for you

Nyika National Park has drawn travellers, naturalists and writers for generations. Laurens van der Post wrote about the plateau in his 1952 book Venture to the Interior, and more than 70 years later much of what he found is still here: huge open spaces, a deep quiet and a real sense of being somewhere remote. What has changed is the momentum. After years of difficult access and tired infrastructure, Nyika is turning a corner, and we would love you to be part of its next chapter.

Why Nyika National Park feels different

If you have already done the classic big-game safari, Nyika offers something else entirely: rolling hills to the horizon, wildflowers in the grass, crisp mornings and very dark night skies. It suits families, birders, photographers, walkers and cyclists, or anyone who simply wants a few quiet, comfortable days. We will not promise the biggest game sightings, but we can promise a remarkable park and a welcoming team.

Three ways to stay at Chelinda

Chelinda Lodge is for guests who want a fully catered stay. The log cabins sit high on the plateau with views across the grasslands, and every room has its own fireplace, which you will appreciate when the mountain temperatures drop. Meals are freshly prepared by our team, so your days are free for an early walk, an afternoon's fishing or simply sitting with the view. Evenings mean good food, a warm fire and a drink with fellow guests.

Chelinda Camp offers both catered and self-catering stays. The cottages and rooms sit among the pines, looking over a peaceful dam that pulls in plenty of birdlife, and each has its own fireplace. If you would rather not cook, a chef can be arranged in advance. It works especially well for families and groups of friends who want their own space and their own schedule.

Our bush campsite is for the more adventurous. Tucked among the pines with one of the finest sunset spots on the plateau, it has a toilet block, a small kitchen, covered areas for tents and a fireplace at each pitch. After dark, the stargazing is exceptional. It is a simple setup, and that is exactly the point.

Birding in Malawi's highlands

With more than 420 bird species recorded, Nyika is one of the best places for birding in Malawi. Its grasslands and forest patches hold species such as Denham's bustard, blue swallow, bar-tailed trogon and Malawi batis, and our guides know where to look and listen. You do not need to be a dedicated birder to enjoy it.

The plateau is just as rewarding for plant lovers. It is home to a remarkable range of rare and endemic plants, and in the flowering season the grasslands fill with wildflowers and orchids. Guided flower walks show off a side of the park that many visitors overlook.

Plenty to do, or nothing at all

Be as active or as relaxed as you like. Game drives and scenic excursions take you across the plateau in search of Crawshay's zebra, roan antelope and eland, with some spectacular viewpoints along the way. Night drives show a different side of Nyika, with the chance of serval, spotted hyena, leopard and, with luck, honey badger.

There are guided walks, birding and forest walks, seasonal orchid walks and fly fishing for rainbow trout in Chelinda's dams, with equipment and permits available. Nyika's tracks are ideal for mountain biking, running and hiking, and athletes come here to train at altitude. You can also hire a guide to join you in your own vehicle, or ask our team for independent routes.

A Malawi family safari with room to breathe

Nyika is a fantastic place for families to spend proper time together outdoors. There is plenty of open space around Chelinda for children to explore while parents relax, and our guides enjoy introducing younger guests to fly fishing, wildlife and birds.

With a little advance planning, we can also arrange a visit to the local school in Chelinda village, or a friendly football match with the village children. Fair warning: they will not go easy on you. Conservation education is a big part of life here too, with organisations such as Lessons in Conservation and Children in the Wilderness helping young people learn about the wildlife and landscapes on their doorstep.

What is changing on the Nyika Plateau

In 2023, the Government of Malawi and Peace Parks Foundation signed a 20-year co-management agreement for Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Through the Nyika Vwaza Co-management Trust, work is under way to strengthen conservation, improve roads and park facilities, support local communities and develop sustainable tourism.

The journey up is already better. Recent grading on the main access road has cut the drive from Mzuzu by around an hour in good conditions. There is more to do and conditions still change with the weather, so please ask our team for the latest road advice when you plan.

At Chelinda, our own small team has been busy with the lodge deck, a cosy new reading nook, staff training and garden improvements at both lodge and camp. Everyone pitches in here, and it is not unusual to find a guide helping with the washing up. The aim is simple: a better stay, without losing the character.

Nyika at a glance

• Where: Northern Malawi, high on the Nyika Plateau
• Stay: Chelinda Lodge (catered), Chelinda Camp (catered or self-catering, chef on request) or our bush campsite
• Best for: families, birders, walkers, cyclists, photographers, anyone wanting quiet
• Getting there: by road via Mzuzu
• Fits well with: a wider Malawi itinerary – see our Journeys

Frequently asked questions

Is Nyika National Park good for families?

Yes. There is lots of open space around Chelinda, guides who enjoy working with children, and activities from fly fishing to cycling. Chelinda Camp is particularly popular with families who want their own space.

What is the difference between Chelinda Lodge and Chelinda Camp?

Chelinda Lodge is fully catered, with log cabins and meals prepared by our team. Chelinda Camp offers catered or self-catering stays, with cottages and rooms among the pines, and a chef can be arranged in advance.

Is Nyika good for birding?

Very. More than 420 bird species have been recorded, including Denham's bustard, blue swallow, bar-tailed trogon and Malawi batis.

How long does it take to get to Nyika?

Road access from Mzuzu has improved, with recent grading saving about an hour in good conditions. Times vary with the weather, so contact our reservations team for current advice.