Northern Region: Nyika, Wildlife and History

Northern Region offers several distinct reasons to visit: the landscapes of the Nyika Plateau, wildlife watching, mission history and a notable cathedral on Likoma Island. When planning your trip, consider whether you would prefer to focus on nature and activities or on history and religious heritage. The places and themes named here offer different perspectives on a journey through the region.

Nyika: Plateau, Wildlife and Activities

Nyika National Park is known for its landscapes above the Nyika Plateau. Nganda Hill is described as reaching 2,600 metres above sea level. The park is home to 85 mammal species and more than 420 bird species; these figures may change as surveys are conducted and classifications are updated.

Activities also offer different points of focus. In Nyika National Park, activities include trekking along the trail from Chelinda to Livingstonia Mission and trout fishing. Trout fishing in Nyika National Park is associated with three reservoirs and most of the rivers within the park. The comparison is clear: a named hiking trail on one hand, and trout fishing across several bodies of water on the other. If you plan to take part in either activity, check visitor access in advance.

Wildlife Watching in Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve

Visitor options at Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve include wildlife watching by vehicle and on foot. If you want to include either option in your trip, check current visitor access in advance.

History and Buildings

The history of Livingstonia Mission dates back to 1894. On Likoma Island, St Peter’s Cathedral is the principal church of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Malawi; in Malawi, it is considered one of Africa’s largest churches. Its institutional role and size offer two distinct points of interest for culturally minded travellers. The museum in Stone House tells the story of the arrival of Europeans in Malawi and the first missionaries. The house was formerly the home of Dr Robert Laws and is a National Monument. The museum’s contents and the building’s history thus provide two complementary perspectives on local history. If you plan to visit the museum, check visitor access in advance.

Malawi in a Broader Context

Lake Malawi National Park in Malawi includes Miombo woodlands on land, an aquatic ecosystem and a total of 13 islands. Its habitats range from rocky shores and sandy beaches to wooded slopes, swamps and lagoons. Lake Malawi is home to 30 percent of all known cichlid species worldwide. This natural profile offers a different mix of themes from the plateau, wildlife and activities of Nyika National Park: on land and in the water, different habitats take centre stage.

The Chongoni Rock-Art Area in Malawi also includes rock art from farming traditions, as well as paintings by BaTwa hunter-gatherers dating back to the Late Stone Age. Without trained staff permanently stationed there, the area is officially not open to the public.

Discover more destinations: Mzimba, Nkhata Bay, Chintheche, Maganga, Chiweta, Southern Region, Central Region.

Return to the main travel overview: Malawi.