Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NKWICHI LODGE
Apart from its convenient location as part of a larger southern Africa circuit linking Mozambique and Malawi, the
main reason to come to Cóbuè is to get to the highly recommended
Nkwichi Lodge
(
www.mandawilderness.org
;
s/d with full board in chalet US$395/640, in private house US$450/700)
. It's one of the most appealing and genu-
inely community-integrated lodges we've seen in the region, and worth the splurge. It offers the chance to explore
an area of southern Africa that is about as remote as it gets, while enjoying all the comforts, and contributing to be-
nefit the local community and environment. The lodge is linked with the Manda Wilderness Community Conserva-
tion Area, a privately initiated conservation area along the lakeshore that also promotes community development
and responsible tourism. The surrounding bush is full of birds, with ospreys, palm nut vultures, Pell's fishing owls
and fish eagles all regularly seen.
Accommodation is in six spacious hand-crafted bungalows, with private outdoor baths and showers built into the
bush, and several looking out onto their own white-sand coves. There are also two private houses, each with lake
views, private chef, and lots of space and privacy; they're ideal for groups. The lake at Nkwichi is crystal clear and
safe for swimming and there's a dhow for sails and sunset cruises. You can also arrange canoeing and multinight
wilderness walking safaris, or visits to the lodge's demonstration farm. Boat transfers from Cóbuè and Likoma Is-
land can be arranged.
Getting There & Away
AIR
There's an airstrip in Cóbuè for charter flights. More common is to charter a flight from
Lilongwe (Malawi) to Likoma Island (about US$300 per person one way, book through
Nkwichi Lodge (
Click here
)
) and then arrange a boat transfer from there with the lodge.
BOAT
The
Ilala
ferry was out of service at the time of research. Meanwhile, fishing boats ply
daily in the mornings between Cóbuè and Likoma Island (about US$7 one-way). Mozam-
bique visas are issued in Cóbuè. If you're travelling to/from Malawi, you'll need to go to
Immigration (on the hill near the large antenna) to get your passport stamped.
Ferry service is supposed to restart imminently at ports on the Mozambican side of the
lake, including Cóbuè, so check with the lodges for an update.
BUS & CAR
A daily
chapa
runs between Metangula and Cóbuè, departing Metangula about 7am and
Cóbuè about 8am (Mtc150, four to five hours).
The road between Cóbuè and Metangula (75km) is unpaved but in good condition, and
there's secure parking at Khango Beach and Rest House Mira Lago in Cóbuè. Walking
