Nyika National Park: The Gem of Malawi

Stunningly stretching across a vast area from Chisimuka, Rumphi district to Chitipa, Nyika is the largest national park in Malawi. On Nyika plateau are rare species of plants, flowers, birds and of course animals such as zebras. A book by Sigrid Anna Johnson “Nyika: A guide to Nyika National Park, Malawi (2017)” is a great testimony to the bewitching beauty of the top, the sides, the plants and the creatures both big and small that make Nyika their home. Indeed it’s a great privilege to visit Nyika National Park at least once in a life time.

Some of the activities one can do in the park include viewing of memorable and historic places; and creatures. For example, rock painting and iron-smelting sites, flowers, birds and game. In adddition, hiking, biking, leisure fishing etc. Nyika plateau has got several rivers and catchment areas for all living creatures in and around the park.

In terms of vegetative cover, Nyika is composed of Montane grass and rare species of trees that grow and create a unique view and habitat for wild animals including: Zebras, Monkeys, Hares, Porcupine, Ratel, Squirrel, Mongoose, Wild dogs, Hyenas, Jackals, Leopard, Serval, Caracal, Elephants, Bush pigs, Warthog, Bushbuck, Common Eland, Common Duiker, Antelopes etc.

The park can be reached by car through the ever-growing Mzuzu City or from Karonga to Rumphi district or by small planes. It’s not even exaggeration to proclaim to the world that visiting Nyika National Park is one of a few great endeavours mankind must take before the end of the age! Accommodation facilities are available for your convenience right on the plateau or at the Boma. It is also very possible to visit the park and return to Mzuzu City.

Take note: The natives on the foot of the mountain park, the Tumbukas, are very welcoming and always eager to see the next stranger in their community. Their hospitality has been practiced since  the early missionary days when the whites came to dwell among them. The district boasts both the highest levels of literacy and life expectancy in the country as evidenced by national statistics.

Investment opportunities are still available to further develop the plateau and surrounding areas with modern, classic social facilities. Therefore, well-wishers interested to leave a mark in Rumphi just like the early missionaries did; are most welcome with their gifts of development.