Established in 1997, the Manda Wilderness Community Trust is a small, little-visited conservancy on the shores of Lake Niassa (or Lake Malawi) in north-western Mozambique. It offers over 1,000 square kilometres of pristine and varied wilderness, encompassing savannah plains, swamps and wetlands, mountain foothills and mangroves.
For many years, Manda was one of the most impressive wilderness areas in Mozambique. Sadly, the civil wars of the 80s saw the big game decimated by poachers, but in the years since the creation of the Manda Community Trust it has begun to recover. It is now possible to see lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, all manner of antelope, and even the rare African wild dog in Manda, though most of these species occur in very limited numbers—do not expect a big game safari.
What Manda does offer is a quiet, intimate safari away from the crowds. 4x4 safaris aren’t really possible in the reserve, due to the lack of roads, but walking safaris are surprisingly rewarding. And when you add Lake Niassa, which provides great opportunities for snorkelling, the wildlife experience is impressive.
Manda Wilderness is located in the remote north-west of Mozambique, meaning it’s actually more practical to visit the reserve via Malawi, with Likoma Island serving as the gateway. There’s just one lodge in Manda Wilderness, the community-run Nkwichi Lodge, but it is spectacular (see link to our full write-up below).
In and around Manda Wilderness, Mozambique
There’s a great deal to see and do around Manda. At Nkwichi Lodge, you can take a dhow boat or canoe onto Lake Niassa, go snorkelling or swimming, or explore the coastal forest and beaches on foot during guided game walks.
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