The high grassland
Endless golden grass.
Dr. Thomas Wagner, Agricultural and Environmental Consulting and Research — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Joachim Huber from Switzerland — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Joachim Huber from Switzerland — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Joachim Huber from Switzerland — CC BY-SA 2.0
Nyika National Park is Malawi's largest park at 3,200 square km, covering most of the Nyika Plateau in the north of the country. It has high rolling grassland, small forests in the valleys, cool air and frequent mist, quite unlike the usual image of hot Africa and among the country's finest landscapes. Its name means where the water comes from, or perhaps wilderness or short grassland. The top is often in cloud, and in the cold dry season dense fog called Chiperoni arrives. More than 200 types of orchid flower here, especially from January to April. UNESCO placed it on its Tentative List in 2000, and a small part on the west lies in Zambia. You travel red dirt roads between golden and green grass, with endless hills. Zebra are common near Chelinda, along with eland and roan, and elephants and lions are sometimes seen, while leopards are rarely spotted. Over 400 bird species are recorded, including Denham's bustard and the wattled crane. It also has Chisanga Falls and trout pools. The park's mapped point is 77.8 km in a straight line north of Mzuzu, and one dirt road leads in from Rumphi. Bring a four-wheel drive and plenty of fuel, and pay cash at the gate. It is easy to get lost away from the roads, so do not leave them without a local guide. Nights are cold, so bring warm clothes, and carry your passport near the border.
Endless golden grass.
Over 200 types.
Near Chelinda.
Nyika Plateau, northern Malawi, near the Zambian border
All year, especially January to April with the rains.
The road is dirt, so one is best, especially in rain.