Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
The folks at
Ntchisi Forest Lodge
can point you to a number of marked trails that you
can walk with or without a guide. A popular route is the trail through the forest to the
summit of Ntchisi Mountain. It's about 4km away, so allow about three hours for a return
walk (more if you enjoy bird- watching). You can also hire mountain bikes, visit the
nearby villages and meet a local healer, learn how to cook
nshima,
or even take drumming
classes.
Sleeping
Ntchisi Forest Lodge $$$
( 0999-741967;
www.ntchisi.com
; campsite per person US$8, d/tw/f per person US$95,
children under 12 US$65)
Originally built as a 'hill station' in 1914 for the colonial dis-
trict commissioner who came here to escape the heat of his normal base in Nkhotakota,
the lodge used to be run by the Department of Forestry, but has now been privatised.
There are five bedrooms, a lounge with fireplace, a large terrace, a garden with plenty
of comfy chairs and chill-out spots, and a restaurant serving delicious locally sourced pro-
duce, including herbs and veggies from the garden. Electricity is provided by solar and
wind power, evenings are candlelit, and it supports the local community and economy.
This is a very child-friendly place. It can provide babysitters during the day and make
special kids meals, and is planning to build a special children's play area.
LODGE
Getting There & Away
There is no public transport to the lodge so you'll have to have your own wheels. To get
here from Lilongwe, aim north on the M1 and turn right (east) at Mponela on the T350.
You will reach a crossroads after about 35km; turn right here towards the village of Dowa,
then after another 10km, turn left (north) at a junction to Ntchisi village. About 12km
north of this junction (you'll pass through the village of Chindembwe first), a dirt road
turns right (east) to the forest reserve; there is a signpost to Ntchisi Forest Lodge.
