Nkwichi Lodge
Nkwichi, which means “the sand that squeaks”, is a lost hideaway on the pristine Mozambican shores of Lago Niassa (Lake Malawi). Its 5 large spacious chalets were hand-built using local materials, which mingle with the miombo woodland that stretches from the vast Manda Wilderness Conservation Area all the way down to white sand, washed by crystal-clear water. The Chalets house enormous beds with gleaming tree-trunk mosquito-net posts, living areas and private toilets. The outdoor bathrooms are surrounded by tangled greenery from where you can laze back in a huge bubble bath sculpted into primordial rock.
Nkwichi also offers a private house called Mokolo House that is best-suited for groups or families. It sleeps 2 adults and 2 to 3 children, or 4 adults – in 2 bedrooms. The house comes with a private chef and a guest services team, as well as a private beach. Dinners can be enjoyed wherever takes your fancy that day – on the beach, on your veranda or on a deck overlooking the lake under giant trees. The beach bar is where everybody gathers for sundowners around the bonfire. Here you can pick up snorkelling gear and a kayak to explore the waters of the lake, which is filled with millions of colourful fish. Alternatively, set off back through the forest to look for pangolins and zebras. More than a lodge, Nkwichi is a complete experience offering a unique taste of Africa with exquisite lakeside scenery and unparalleled tranquillity.
Why we like it here
The ultimate way to savour Lake Malawi is from the vantage point of a Star Bed, which is set on a deserted, virgin beach surrounded by breath-taking baobabs. Alternatively choose the star bed on a private rock island close to the shore under the African night sky.
Nkwichi is wonderfully isolated – you can only get there by boat.
Enjoy fresh fish from the lake and fresh food from the farm.
This eco-lodge supports many projects in the area.
All chalets have either a beach or a lake view.
Things to be aware of
Isolation means access is slightly laborious; i.e. either a charter flight followed by a boat trip or a long car journey followed by a boat trip.
The lodge is somewhat off the grid – with no charging points in the rooms, only lights.
Nkwichi is part of Mozambique. There is an immigration point an hour’s boat ride away for guests coming in via Malawi. Arriving at Likoma Island (Malawi) by ferry or by plane, guests will be stamped out of Malawi by Likoma officials, hop on a boat across to Cobue, stamp into Mozambique (and get a visa on arrival if they wish) and then carry on to Nkwichi.