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Nyika Plateau

Misty grass hills, zebras in the distance, blooming fields full of orchids and a deafening silence. This part of Malawi has no savanna but a high plain overflowing with shades of green.

Overnight hike | FAQ

Overnight hike | FAQ 

High plain full of wildlife and flowers

The Nyika Plateau lies in the far north of Malawi and is the largest national park in the country. The plateau sits at an average altitude of two thousand metres which creates a cool climate, misty mornings and a completely different landscape compared to the rest of Malawi.

You find vast grasslands, rolling hills and valleys full of wildflowers, especially in the rainy season. Nyika is known for its large numbers of zebras, elands, roan antelopes, duikers and leopards. Bird lovers will also thrive here, more than four hundred bird species have been recorded.

Walking, mountain biking and safaris are the main activities. Accommodation is limited with Chelinda Camp as the best known base. The park is difficult to reach but for those who make the effort, Nyika is one of Malawi’s most enchanting secrets.

Things to do around the Nyika Plateau

This place is a true paradise for hiking lovers. Endless hills, misty grasslands and absolute silence.

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Verschillende reizigers zitten en rusten op grote rotsen op een met gras begroeide, hellende heuvel onder een gedeeltelijk bewolkte hemel. Rugzakken en spullen liggen verspreid in de buurt, wat duidt op een pauze tijdens hun trektocht door Malawi.

Overnight hike

In Nyika National Park you can take part in a very cool and special activity. You are going to tackle the hills of the Nyika Plateau. This area is beautiful in terms of natural landscapes and also the home of zebras, antelopes and even elephants and leopards.The rangers of this park have created multi day hikes especially for the raw adventurers who prefer to explore this park on foot instead of in a safari jeep. Together with these heroes you spend several days crossing the park, camping at the most unique remote spots and cooking your meals together over a fire. A real Charlie’s Travels experience. With some luck you may even spot wildlife along the way. A few days of pure nature, good company and a little bit of effort. A celebration.

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All your burning questions about Nyika Plateau answered

What is the Nyika Plateau?

The Nyika Plateau is a high altitude nature area in North Malawi known for its rolling grasslands, wildflowers, zebras and misty valleys. It lies at more than two thousand metres altitude and feels completely different from the rest of Malawi.

Which animals can you see on the Nyika Plateau?

You find zebras, elands, reedbucks, duikers, hyenas and with luck even a leopard. The plateau is also a paradise for bird lovers with more than four hundred species.

What can you do on the Nyika Plateau?

You can walk, mountain bike, spot wildlife, watch birds and enjoy spectacular views. There are very few other visitors so you experience pure silence and endless space.

How do you reach the Nyika Plateau?

You reach the plateau via Rumphi and then a long often bumpy road upwards. A four by four is strongly recommended especially during the rainy season or if you want to go deeper into the park.

What is the best time to visit the Nyika Plateau?

The dry months from May to October are ideal for exploration with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. From November to April the plateau is at its greenest but roads can become slippery.

Why is the Nyika Plateau so unique compared to other nature parks in Africa?

Because it feels like a mix between Scotland and Africa, vast grasslands, misty forests and hardly any tourists. The landscape is completely different from the savannas that usually come to mind when you think of Africa.

Do you need a guide on the Nyika Plateau?

For many walks or bike trips a guide is required or strongly recommended, both for your safety and to learn more about the rich flora and fauna.

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