Machenga Nkwichi “Squeaky Sand” Lodge is situated on the eastern shores of Lake Malawi on the western Mozambiquan coast. The lodge lies in a large conservation area known as the Manda Wilderness project and sits on its own 650 hectares adjacent to the lake shore. The project’s aims are to assist in the process of re-building a community that has suffered the ravages of a long civil war and to protect the natural environment. The lodge employs about 35 local people and they in turn support over 400. A wonderful spot, and a commendable project.  |  | |
There are four kilometres of beaches and rocky shoreline, rivers, forest and bush on a portion of which the Lodge has been innovatively designed and built using a mix of traditional methods and western styles, specifically to blend with the natural environment. Nkwichi Lodge has spacious and comfortable accommodation in seven open-plan cottages. A few are very close to the beach looking out on to dazzling white sands and individual, blue-water bays. Others are set back amongst the dunes. All are different and most are very much open to the elements at the front although there are rattan blinds to pull down at night. Some bathrooms are detached from the rooms and are brilliant fun for they are most definitely a place to shower or bathe under the stars, if that’s your thing. Loos are also separate and are the long drop compost type (flush loos are planned). It all works, but it is not, shall we say, conventional. Power is by solar panel. There is a reception area plus upstairs dining room. Dining though may be on the beach or on the drinks platform. On ground level there is a cloakroom area with two flush loos. 
Mostly it’s a place to chill and, as the mood takes you, become involved with the local Nyanja people and their community-led projects such as school-building and road construction. These village communities have set aside a huge nature conservation area where wild animals from elephants to delicate antelope (but tricky to see) together with rare plants and flocks of birds roam free of fences, farming and hunting. The lake itself, with over 1,000 species of fish in every colour imaginable, is but a stones throw away. Oh yes, and the dazzling white powdery "squeaking" sand, which you will never forget.
| Style | Wilderness beach hotel | | Air/Con | No | | Dining | Yes | | Children | Yes | | No. of Bedrooms | 7 | | Pool | No | | Activities | Rock & coastal walks, snorkelling, canoeing, Schools visits, swimming and chilling. Available at additional costs are game tracking, canoeing, river running, dhow sailing, boating, sail visit to the ancient Portuguese town of Cobue and surrounding islands. | | Price Range | From £75.00 pp full board pppn. |
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