Activities
Tongole Wilderness Lodge is made for adventure: guests enjoy complete freedom to choose how they spend their time. Trek through the bush, canoe down the Bua River or drive through the vast Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.
Wilderness Adventure
The breathtakingly beautiful Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is one of Africa’s last truly un-discovered wildlife areas. Nkhotakota supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Large mammals found here include elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and sable antelope and there are plans to re-introduce species such as giraffe and even black rhino. Birdlife International has classified the Reserve as an Important Bird Area (IBA). With over 280 species of birds already recorded it is believed that further exploration of this largely uncharted area will likely increase this figure considerably. A wealth of nature along with never-before-seen landscapes serves to make this a true, undiscovered gem. A full list of wildlife sightings can be found here.
Bush Walks
A great way to view the stunning diversity of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is on foot. You will be accompanied by a highly trained guide whose knowledge of local flora, fauna, cultural and history is unmatched. Visitors learn to read animal tracks, explore the medicinal properties of indigenous plant life, and immerse themselves in the vast world of insects and bird life that sustains the vast African forest
Fishing
The Bua River is famous for hosting the spawning run of the Mpasa (Lake Salmon). As such we offer superb fly and freshwater fishing trips which can be organised together with drinks and a picnic.
Fly Camping
Fly camping’ is the term for luxury walking safaris where visitors sleep out in the open with only a mosquito net between them and the African sky. Guests often embark on day hikes through the bush with their private guide, and camp is set up each evening in a new locale. For many visitors, fly camping will be the height of their Tongole experience - the sheer vastness of their surroundings, the peaceful rhythms of nature, and the opportunity to be alone in the African bush is a stunning and memorable experience.
River Trips
For another exhilarating experience spend an afternoon canoeing down sections of the Bua River. Availability is dictated by the seasonal level of the river.
Canoe & Boat Safaris
One of the best ways to potentially see wildlife or rare birds is to do a Canoe safari morning or evening accompanied by one of Our qualified scouts after which either a riverside breakfast or sundowners in the evening sunset.
Culture
For a unique cultural experience, spend an afternoon at a traditional local village - a great opportunity to learn more about Malawi’s rich culture. See how the local communities live and view some of their craftwork.
* NB whilst there is wildlife we cannot guarantee sightings as this is a genuine wildlife reserve and animals have been born in the wild and remain in the wild.
