safari cost ·  best season  ·  general info  ·  what to bring 

The high mountain Nyika Plateau is unlike anywhere else in Africa - vast, beautiful and tranquil. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded between the two reserves (out of a total of 650 for Malawi). And in the summer months the wildflowers that carpet the grasslands are a sight to behold. As the only commercial operation in the park, you assured of ultimate exclusivity in this unspoiled wilderness.

Chelinda Lodge, high on the Nyika Plateau, is one of the highlights when visiting Malawi. With some of the best riding safaris available in Africa, one can have incredible sightings of the rare roan antelope, leopard, sable, hyena and much more. All safaris are guided by David Foot who is highly respected guide and has been in the area for many years. Riding on the Nyika Plateau is an unforgettable experience.

There are two options available:

· CHELINDA TRAIL
A luxury safari based at Chelinda Lodge with morning / afternoon rides, as well as other options of walking or driving (including night drives).  Accommodation is in a beautifully furnished ensuite log cabin (with its own log fire) with a panoramic view over the Nyika hills.  Minimum 1 guest, maximum 16 guests.

· MPHEREMBE TRAIL
A luxury tented safari of 2 - 10 night duration with two nights at Chelinda Lodge to begin with and one or two at the end.  A tented camp is moved ahead every second day by vehicle with the camp staff.  The walk-in tents have made-up beds and hanging shelves.  Hot showers can be taken under a traditional safari "bucket shower".  Total of 4 - 7 hours riding daily.  Minimum 2 guests, maximum 8 guests.  As well as tailor made safaris, every month between April to December there is one 10 night set departure and one 7 night set departure.

(Herewith a sample itinerary)

DAY 1: CHELINDA LODGE
On arrival at Chelinda Airstrip you will be met by a Nyika Horse Safaris representative and driven 5 km to Chelinda Lodge.  The lodge sleeps sixteen guests in eight log cabins with panoramic views over the rolling grasslands of the Nyika plateau and this is where you will spend the first 2 nights of your safari.

DAY 2: CHELINDA LODGE    
This first day will allow you to get acquainted with the horses and allow us to match the correct horse with each rider before we head off into the wild, remote areas of the Nyika wilderness.  Exploring the local area around Chelinda will provide a wonderful opportunity to ride alongside herds of wildlife including eland, reedbuck, roan antelope and zebra as well as the chance for you to put your horses through its paces.

DAY 3 & 4: NORTH RUMPHI TENTED CAMP
Today you will head off over the grassland to our tented camp nestled next to the North Rumphi River with magnificent views towards Nganda Mountain, the highest of the Nyika (2600 m).  Our camp has been moved ahead by vehicle and is ready for our arrival after several hours in the saddle. The tea will be on the table and hot showers waiting - or a refreshing swim in the river! From this camp we can ride to the top of Nganda Mountain to enjoy the spectacular panorama across Lake Malawi to the hills of Tanzania, more than 60 miles away.

DAY 5 & 6: NORTH RUKURU TENTED CAMP
We cross the plateau to find the tented camp close to the dramatic western escarpment that drops 2000 feet to the villages below.  The North Rukuru River is a great place for troutfishing so with luck trout will be on the menu!  From this camp we can ride down to the Chisanga waterfalls that drop in spectacular fashion off the edge of the plateau and on our return have long canters along the escarpment edge.

DAY 7 & 8: LUTETE CAMP
The ride to this camp in the southern part of the park is a long one but is worth it as the scenery changes, with rocky outcrops and patches of evergreen forest appearing as we drop to lower altitudes.  These patches of forest are home to many species of birds which we may have time to look for. The camp is on the edge of the 'miombo' woodland and here the colours and flowers will be different again.  The Nyika is also well known for its wonderful array of wildflowers that carpet the grasslands, including over 200 species of orchids.

DAY 9 & 10: CHELINDA LODGE
The ride back to Chelinda Lodge is another tough day with some steep terrain to negotiate but as we climb back onto the high plateau the country opens up and the horses will be keen to get home. The last day at Chelinda can be spent riding, walking, or trout fishing and is a good time to partake in a night drive with a chance to find hyena and leopard with a powerful spotlight. Or finish your safari with a race down the airstrip!

DAY 11: SAFARI ENDS

Your flight out from Chelinda to your next destination - maybe to Lake Malawi or the tropical islands of Moçambique.

Cost:
Please contact us for a detailed quote

Included:
Accommodation in twin bedded Safari Tents or Chelinda Lodge, all meals, professional guide and activities at Chelinda Lodge.

Excluded:
International flights, air transfers, National Park fees (US$5 per person per day), drinks, gratuities, personal expenses, airport and departure taxes, visa costs, comprehensive travel insurance.

Transfers:
Lilongwe to Mzuzu: Air Malawi flights on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at approximately US$77 pp one way followed by Mzuzu - Chelinda charter seat rate US$115 pp one way (minimum two).

Best season:
January to March: Warm but wet (however excellent for flowers)
April to June: Cool clear days (some rain in April)
July to August: Cool days, cold at night
September to December: Warm and Dry (some rain in November)

General Information
Riding Ability:  We cater for beginner to advanced riders, matching horses to your ability.  It is an advantage to know the basic aids and to be fit before joining our safaris.  Children are accepted but they must be strong competent riders.

Types of Horses:  Thoroughbred, part Thoroughbred, part Boerperde and cross-breeds.  All are between 14 - 16 hands, even tempered and well schooled.

Tack: All tack is western Mclellan for comfort over long distances. These saddles were designed for the US cavalry. We also have western saddles available.

Size of Rides:  Rides are limited to a maximum of eight guests accompanied by a professional guide and second staff member.

Length of Ride:  Between 4 - 7 hours in the saddle each day, with regular rest stops for the horses and picnic lunches en route.  Riders can walk for short periods. There are opportunities to ride at all paces with plenty of trotting and cantering on safe open game paths.

Accommodation:  Large walk-in safari tents with made-up beds and hanging shelves.  Towels, hot water bottles, water jug and glasses also provided.  Wash basin outside tent.  Central long drop toilet at each camp and traditional safari "bucket shower."

Meals:  Meals are served in the mess tent or under the open sky.  Full cooked breakfast available, light picnic lunches and three course dinners all prepared by camp staff.

Terrain: Rolling montane grasslands, with evergreen forest patches, rocky outcrops and many streams and bogs.  Miombo woodland at lower altitudes.  Riding involves many ascents and descents.

Other Activities:  Birdwatching, walking, nightdrives and trout fishing (bring your own rod).

Safety:  A safety talk is given prior to every trail, in conjunction with a familiarisation talk about the horses and a full medical kit travels with the back up vehicle.  This is a malaria free area.

Insurance:  All guests are advised to take out a fully comprehensive medical and travel insurance.

A 50% refund will be given where notice of cancellation is received in writing 30 days before the commencement of the safari.  There is no refund for cancellations received less than 30 days before the starting date of the safari.  No refund is possible if a guest does not complete the safari.

Information We Require On Booking: Age, weight, height, riding experience in detail and any special dietary requirements.

What to Bring:  (Clothes List)
Jodphurs
Half chaps
Warm jacket
Windcheater
Light Cotton Trousers
Long Sleeved Shirts ( protection from high altitude sun.)
Sweatshirt
Hat                                          
Tracksuit for evenings
Riding Gloves
Swimsuit for the brave!
Riding/Walking shoes
Camera,  &  film      
Binoculars
Sunblock / Lipice or Chapstick                                   
Sunglasses                            
Flyfishing rod

TRANSFERS
Air Malawi has scheduled flights between Lilongwe and Mzuzu on a daily basis. From Mzuzu there are regular charter flights to Chelinda Lodge. We will book these flights for you.

Please Contact Us formore details

Term and conditions: Please read our terms and conditions for more information on how to book, travel insurance, cancellation fees, baggage and other important issues.