Why we like it
- Nyika Plateau reveals endless picturesque mountains, rolling hills, small streams and waterfalls
- A natural paradise where endemic chameleons, frogs and toads, several unique local birds, and a variety of butterflies attract enthusiasts from afar
- Spread over 3,000 square kilometres, Nyika Plateau is a haven for endemic flora and 200 species of orchids
This vast national park on a high-altitude plateau is very different from all other parks and reserves in the country. The mountain scenery is a big attraction of the park – walking and mountain biking are popular activities, in addition to game drives. Although this isn’t a Big Five destination, there is a good amount of wildlife on the plateau.
The 3134 square km Nyika National Park is a wild, untouched and remote upland area, with the distinction of being the only big game Afro-montane area in south-central Africa. The vistas are immense, and it’s a botanist’s delight in summer with alpine flowers and carpets of orchids, including 11 localised species. Leopards are a highlight of the park, which boasts one of the biggest populations in central Africa. This vast national park on a high-altitude plateau is very different from all other parks and reserves in the country. The mountain scenery is a big attraction of the park – walking and mountain biking are popular activities, in addition to game drives. Although this isn’t a Big Five destination, there is a good amount of wildlife on the plateau.
Important populations of roan, eland, Crawshay’s zebra, southern reedbuck, bushbuck, warthog, spotted hyena and side-striped jackal also reside here. It’s estimated around 400 bird species occur in Nyika, many with highly restricted distributions, making it a key birding destination in Africa.
The best time to visit Nyika Plateau is during the wet season months from November to April. At this time, fair weather makes morning and afternoon drive more pleasant. This is different from other regional parks because of the Nyika Plateau’s high altitude and cold temperatures. Some animals tend to move to lower slopes in the Dry season, from May to October.
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