Nyika National Park

• Beautiful scenery
• Over 200 orchid species
• Amazing animal diversity

The Nyika National Park lies on a spectacular 2000m plateau, from which fantastic views of Lake Malawi and the rest of the country can be had. Writers, journalists and travellers have sung the praises of Nyika, describing the scenic mountain landscapes and rolling grasslands as of the most beautiful in Africa. Four rivers originate on the plateau and flow down into the surrounding forests and lower regions via delightful waterfalls.

During summer, the grasslands come alive with a lovely display of wild flowers, dotted with over 200 orchid species, of which 12 species are unique to Nyika. Birdwatching is very good, with almost 400 recorded species. Particular birds to look out for are the wattled crane, Denham’s bustard, bar-tailed trogon and Auber buzzard.
 
Wildlife that is readily seen includes eland, roan, other antelope, zebra, warthog, hyena, leopard, jackal and serval cats. About 100 mammalian species have been recorded in the park. Travelling through the clear mountain air of the Nyika on horseback has been described as an unparalleled African experience.

Special features include:

• Juniper Forest
  There is a specific section in the national park where a forest reserve has been proclaimed to protect the Juniperus procera, the southernmost stand of the tree in Africa
  
• Jalawe rock
  For a breathtaking viewpoint, travel to Jalawe rock from which you can see all the way to Lake Malawi. The rock consists of a single piece of granite that sticks out from the plateau with a dazzling, sheer drop of hundreds of metres on three sides