Nyika National Park

Nyika National Park, Malawi's first certified park, was established in 1965. The park is a world of montane landscapes that stretches across vast swaths of the central Malawian plateaux, the largest of the country's national parks with over 3200km2 of beautiful, rolling scenery and one of the most unique natural habitats in East Africa. The Nyika Plateau, located in northern Malawi, is unique in Africa. The Plateau is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its cultural and natural beauty.

It's a place of verdant grass plains and colorful orchid beds, where elephants roam and water buffalo congregate among the scrub, and it's known as the headwaters for many of the region's riverways. The Nyika Plateau's montane vegetation attracts a large number of antelope, and zebra are common. Smaller mammals like warthogs and bush pigs can also be found in the park. Furthermore, Nyika has the highest leopard population in Malawi! There have been several sightings of nomadic males, as well as a female lion! However, due to the size of the park, they are difficult to spot, so keep your eyes peeled!

Horseback riding safaris are extremely popular among visitors, as are hiking and bird watching. Nyika is a birder's paradise, with over 400 species making the park their home!

• Entrance fees:
  • International Visitors: USD $10
  • International Residents: USD $7
  • Malawians: USD $1
  • Accompanied Children under 12: Free
• Offers: Private Vehicles: USD $3 to USD $15
• Opening time: early-18.00 daily
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Location: northern Malawi