One of only two places to stay in Malawi’s emerging Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Tongole Wilderness Retreat has recently changed its name having previous been a ‘Lodge’. The change to ‘Retreat’ was in part to emphasise that this wonderful and unique accommodation offers so much more than a simple ‘safari lodge’. Set on the banks of the dramatic Bua River in the heart of a true wilderness, this is somewhere that offers a genuine escape from the towns and cities and hustle and bustle of daily life. An area of untouched beauty where nature is still in charge and totally respected, there is much more to see and do here than simply ticking off a few animal sightings.
Canoeing on the Bua River
This is one of the most relaxing activities in the reserve. Guests can enjoy the cool breeze of the day as they gently drift along the river, encountering some birds and at times, wildlife that comes to drink water in the river. This is a very popular activity especially after the rains when the river is calm.
Hike to Kasukusuku Mountain
Kasukusuku Mountain (5km away from the camp into the jungle) is a great spot to hike to in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Make your way to the peak and spend a few hours with a picnic admiring the views before hiking back down. On top of Kasukusuku mountain, guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the entire reserve and even see Lake Malawi to the east. The hike to Kasukusuku Mountain usually takes around 4 hours as a round trip. Many guests compete against previous hikers’ records!
Forest Bathing at Muta Falls
Forest bathing is the latest trend for nature lovers. And it’s not about catching a suntan through the canopy of trees! It’s all about absorbing the sounds, sights and smells of the natural world – and has proven health benefits. At Muta Falls, guests can sit or lie down on a big rock, absorbing the nature that surrounds them and listening to the melody that water can make as it collides through the rocks.
Fishing on the Bua River
Fishing on the Bua River is a must-do activity for the avid fisherman. The river is home to the rare Lake Salmon fish which is unique to this environment. Fishing equipment can be provided by Tongole.
Bush walks through the Reserve
Bush walks are one of the popular activities at the Retreat. Walks can vary between 1 hour and 3 hours depending on the choice of the guest. Guests get to familiarise themselves with the names of the trees, common wildlife in the reserve and the extraordinary birdlife. The reserve has more than 250 species of birds and has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International.
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