Friendly, caring staff make this a home-from-home
Spacious pine log cabins sheltered by a pocket of hagenia woodland and forest.
Location: Perched on the dramatic Nyika Plateau in northern Malawi, Chelinda Lodge offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by rolling grasslands and hagenia woodland. The high altitude brings a fresh, crisp climate year-round, making it a standout destination for nature lovers seeking quiet reflection in Malawi’s largest national park.
Rooms: The lodge features beautifully crafted pine log cabins, each offering en-suite bathrooms, large bathtubs, and fireplaces to keep guests warm in the cool highland evenings. Luxurious touches include plush bathrobes and hot water bottles for cosy nights. Each cabin opens onto a private deck with sweeping views of the surrounding hills.
Amenities: Chelinda Lodge combines rustic charm with homely comforts. Guests can unwind in the inviting lounge area, curl up with a book from the lodge’s well-stocked library, or enjoy a drink beside a crackling fire. A spacious viewing deck provides the perfect spot for stargazing or soaking in panoramic views of the plateau.
Activities: Explore Nyika’s open terrain through guided hikes, mountain biking, fly fishing in clear trout-filled streams, or birdwatching. Game drives and night drives offer the chance to spot zebra, roan antelope, leopards, and other wildlife across the vast plateau.
Sustainability: Chelinda Lodge supports the long-term preservation of Nyika National Park through low-impact tourism. By staying here, guests contribute to conservation efforts and local community development initiatives that help safeguard this extraordinary highland ecosystem for future generations.
Let me help you create your perfect Malawi holiday.
Best places to stay in Nyika National Park
Malawi Trip Inspiration
When to go to Malawi
Find out the best time to visit Malawi with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time for bird watchers, migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere flock to Malawi's National Parks. The rains are in full flow with impressive thunderstorms lighting the sky across the country regularly - many lodges around the shores of Lake Malawi will be closed during this time.
February
Rain continues to pour regularly in February. The bird watching is incredible particularly in the high altitude Nyika National Park with many flowers blooming carpeting the lower plateaus.
March
In March the weather is still somewhat unsettled with regular rains, these diminish as the month goes on. Birders will be in paradise, young birds are spreading their wings for the first time preparing for their epic journey back to the Northern Hemisphere.
April
Rains begin to subside, the sun starts to shine and temperatures increase. Wildlife viewing is good, observers can watch animals emerge across Liwonde National Park. In particular antelopes are in rut and visitors to Malawi's National Parks can experience incredible clashes between rival males.
May
Days become sunnier and cooler during May. Wildlife viewing is at its best due to less vegetation and the animals gathering together around waterholes.
June
June days are long and sunny, but it's Malawi's winter and the temperatures drop significantly at this time of year. The evenings and mornings are very cold in the highland regions, with log fires lit. The dry season means animals congregate around the Shire River in Liwonde National Park for easier access to water and rich green vegetation - large numbers of elephants can be present at this time of year due to dwindling water levels.
July
July is a perfect time to visit Malawi, skies are clear there are less mosquitoes and there's virtually no rain. Although its high season, most of the National Parks won't be crowded despite the spectacular sightings of larger elephant herds - often reaching into the hundreds!
August
In August the weather warms, with daytime peak temperatures averaging around 30°C, whilst night time averages rise to 10°C. If you want to experience large wildlife herds, this is the time of year to visit. Water is diminishing and spaces at watering holes are becoming limited leading to increasing tensions between the animals. It's an amazing time to enjoy the delights of Lake Malawi's azure waters, with temperatures perfect for watersports or relaxing in the sun lakeside.
September
Night time temperatures rise rapidly, whilst daytime averages remain in the mid 20°Cs. With clear skies and dry vegetation concentrations of animals are still great but starting to dwindle in comparison to July and August. Lake Malawi is popular this time of year, the increased wind conditions make it perfect for an afternoon sail.
October
October is a humid month, temperatures regularly rise above 40°C and night times are increasingly warm. If you want to witness the world's largest antelope, the eland, can often be seen as they start regrouping for their breeding season - with herds reaching into the hundreds it makes for an awe inspiring sight.
November
The green season, November witnesses the first few storms of the rainy season arriving. It marks the arrival of the many migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere.
December
In December the rains become more regular, with thunderstorms occurring every few days. With lush green scenery animals can be difficult to see because of the thick vegetation and the abundance of water. But birders will have an amazing time witnessing the incoming flurry of migratory birds.
Speak to a Malawi expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair
Ben
Ottilie
Plan with an expert
Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315
A tailor-made itinerary just for you
Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.
Value guarantee
Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.