The forested Viphya Plateau is a peaceful area of stunning scenery. It forms the spine of central and northern Malawi, snaking a cool path through the flat savanna, dusty towns and sunny beaches that are visible on either side.

Situated on the Viphya Plateau, amongst the mountains is Viphya Forest. It is said to be the largest man-made forest in Africa (although Johannesburg also makes this claim). It has an area of 560km².

The plateau has many trails ideal for hiking. Your hike may lead you to one of the beautiful rivers or through one of the sloping valleys. Luwawa Forest Lodge provides a great base for a whole range of activities including rock climbing, cycling, team building exercises, abseiling, trail walking, canoeing, and orienteering.

The lodge overlooks Luwawa Dam which is ideal for fishing. The well-stocked dam provides a variety of fish including wide-mouthed bream. Horse riding is also available on the plateau. Reintroduced this year, Luwawa Forest Lodge are now offering the option to do the trails on horseback.

If you enjoy the outdoors and appreciate nature, then Viphya will not disappoint. There is a variety of colourful birdlife including the Scaly Francolin, Olive Woodpecker, and the Red-faced Crimson-wing, as well as antelope such as bushbuck. Not forgetting the monkeys, which are often seen darting through the trees. As well as an abundance of wildlife there are wildflowers and trees not found anywhere else in Malawi.

1. Luwawa Mountain wilderness trail:
   Spend 3 days hiking over the Kawandama Mountain, through pristine indigenous forest and finish near Kande Beach resort on the shore of Lake Malawi. This is a fantastic trail providing the opportunity to see the best of Malawi.
2. Horse riding:
   Enjoy the beauty of day rides in the Viphya and Tremendous Horse Trails will provide a guide who will show you spectacular scenery and shady forests. 2017 will see 3-day horse safaris introduced with a trail of about 75km in length with log cabins places about 25km apart.
3. Guided forest walks:
   The guided forest walk gives you the opportunity to learn more about the flora and fauna of the plateau. A highly knowledgeable guide will escort you and educate you on the history of the area as well as the wildlife and plant life.

There are huge opportunities to explore the Malawian wilderness when visiting Viphya Plateau. If you are an active explorer and nature lover you will adore the plateau, there are so many activities to keep you busy and lots of wildlife to see.

Luwawa Forest Lodge is ideal for groups; the range of activities on offer and suitable accommodation makes it a must-visit location. With their team building courses and emphasis on working together it is ideal for school groups, volunteer groups and companies.