Chelinda  Lodge  Nyika  Trails

Walking the Nyika Trails from Chelinda Lodge

Nyika National Park Vacations

A different kind of safari in Malawi’s hidden north

In the far north of Malawi, Nyika National Park treats those that venture here with one of the most unique safari experiences in Africa.

Nyika National Park offers a striking contrast to the typical image of the African bushveld or savannah – its rolling montane grasslands are more reminiscent of the Yorkshire Dales, where sightings of roan, eland, zebra, and other antelope stand out all the more in such an unexpected landscape. It’s also one of the best places in Malawi to see leopard – sometimes even during the day – thanks to the park’s cool, high-altitude climate and the shelter of scattered evergreen forest.

Covering 3,200 square kilometres and rising to over 2,500 metres, Nyika is Malawi’s largest national park and a paradise for birders and botanists alike. Around 400 bird species have been recorded, including sought-after highlights like the endemic red-winged francolin, Denham’s bustard, augur buzzard, and wattled crane. During the rainy season, the hills come alive with colour as proteas, gladioli, and over 200 species of orchid bloom in spectacular displays.

Stay in the spacious pine log cabins of Chelinda Lodge, tucked into a pocket of hagenia woodland and forest. Enjoy fireside dining under the stars, with views across open grasslands often dotted with roan, eland and zebra. It’s the perfect base for exploring the park – whether by game drive, guided walk, birding excursion, or mountain bike.

Ottilie says: “Nyika gives you a real sense of wilderness. Whether you’re out in a 4x4, walking the trails, or cycling through the hills, it’s a place that feels completely off the map – and that’s what makes it so special.”

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AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024

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