This remote rustic lodge is peacefully secluded beneath the mountains overlooking Lake Niassa. A stellar example of ecotourism meeting barefoot luxury, Nkwichi Lodge functions as a conservation scheme, providing employment and funding for local communities while preserving the region’s natural beauty.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Residing beneath the mountains of Lake Niassa (Lake Malawi) in south-western Mozambique, Nkwichi Lodge has an idyllic shoreline setting. With direct access to beautiful white-sand beaches and clear blue waters, the lodge is ideally situated for water-based activities like snorkelling, sailing, swimming and fishing.
There are a number of ways to travel to reach Nkwichi. From Malawi, a small charter plane will take you from Lilongwe to Likoma Island. Those travelling through Mozambique can take the scenic four-hour drive from Lichinga to Cobue, with its dramatic views across the Rift Valley escarpment. A short boat trip from either Likoma Island or Cobue will complete your journey.
Facilities
Housed in an open-plan, double-storey thatched structure, the communal areas consist of an upstairs lounge and bar with lakeside views, a dining area for use on the rare occasions when the weather is not good, a library and a small boutique shop. Guests can expect very good standards of food, and dining arrangements are flexible.
Rooms
The lodge’s accommodation occupies five hand-built chalets, a private villa, and a more secluded honeymoon lodge. Each of the chalets has an open-air bathroom featuring outdoor bathtub carved from indigenous rocks and a tree-hanging shower. The placement of the lodges makes the most of the beautiful lakeside views, while lush vegetation provides ample privacy.
Inside, there’s a warm, snug atmosphere in the rustic rooms, with handcrafted furniture and four-poster beds made from natural materials. The villa is ideal for groups or families, with private beach access, a personal chef, and large alfresco dining areas.
Activities
A great variety of water-based activities are available around Nkwichi, thanks to the region’s wonderfully clear waters and abundant marine life. Guests can canoe along the Rift Valley shoreline, take fishing trips in a traditional dug-out boat, snorkel amongst a kaleidoscopic display of tropical fish, or relax on a sunset dhow cruise.
On dry land, there is plenty more to explore, with magnificent white-sand beach coves and idyllic bays, hiking trips through the nearby woodlands, guided nature walks, and cultural trips to local villages.
For an extra special treat, book in advance the “Lake of Stars” experience – a candlelit alfresco dinner and sundowners followed by a night spent under the stars, complete with a grand four-poster bed secluded on a moonlit beach.
Full Board
When to go
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Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Like the majority of Southern Africa Mozambique has distinct wet and dry seasons. With small regional variations aside, the wet season starts between October and November and lasts through to April or May. These rains are however not ‘Monsoon’ like, largely due to the significant rain shadow effect of Madagascar which essentially acts as a giant buffer. Rainfall amounts are therefore surprisingly small considering its location along the Indian Ocean. The dry season lasts from April or May all the way through to October or November, with clear skies dominating. The occasional shower is still possible during this time, just unlikely. The countries location so close to the equator as well as to the Indian Ocean makes temperatures relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of between 23°C/73°F and 82°C/82°F.
Explore Lago Niassa – Mozambique’s Lake Malawi Properties
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
