Lake Malawi's Nkwichi lodge has recently been offering what they call ‘Star-beds’. With room for two, this ‘experience’ could certainly be described as magical, and just reading about it gives you butterflies

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - October 1st, 2012 - Lake Malawi's Nkwichi lodge has recently been offering what they call ‘Star-beds’. With room for two, this ‘experience’ could certainly be described as magical, and just reading about it gives you butterflies! A recent visitor to a ‘star-bed’ described their experience.

“To start off the most romantic night, we took a canoe along the beach front to a more private beach just a small distance from the main beach. As we drew closer to the beach we saw it: an empty clean beach made of white sand. The beautifully-laid four-poster bed covered by a transparent white net and spread with so many pillows was a welcoming site.”

“Willard came and set up a bonfire for us and, as the sun fell, it was amazing to spend the last lit moments of that day in each other’s arms watching the sunset over the clear waters. A delicious three-course dinner was served and the fun began. We feasted our senses on the sound of splashing waves, the sight of clouds racing by and then decided it was time to retire to bed. As we cuddled, we talked and laughed, trying to identify different star-signs from the sky. With time slipping by, the full moon emerged from behind the baobab trees to add to the beauty and ambience…. What an unforgettable and wonderful experience!”

Other news from Nkwichi

Following two years of preparation and study, three of Nkwichi’s Guest Management team have just passed their Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) Level 1 exam! Two other staff have also received their local guide qualification! The FGASA courses are recognised as the definitive certificate for guiding in Southern Africa.

Over two years, the team explored and examined the remote reaches ofManda Wilderness, tracked elusive leopards around the lodge concession and expanded their knowledge of the night skies above the beach. With continued collaboration in the future, building on skills learned in Level 1, guests visiting Nkwichi will now be able to unlock the secrets of the wild side of the Lake of Stars!

Nkwhici describe as the 'best beach on the Lake of Stars' by African explorer Kingsley Holgate

Nkwichi was lucky enough to welcome intrepid African explorer Kingsley Holgate and his team to the squeaky sands as part of their latest adventure – the Great Rift Valley expedition. Traversing the world’s most famous fissure, which extends 6,500km from the Red Sea to the coast of Mozambique, the team started in Djibouti and are winding their way south, taking in mountains and deserts, lakes and rivers, on foot, bike, car and boat, testing both metal and mettle on the way. Stopping at the lodge for 2 days the team collaborated with Nkwichi as part of their ‘United Against Malaria’ campaign delivering mosquito nets to expectant mothers in nearby villages and to the Cobue maternity clinic. Nkwichi staff and guests joined Kingsley and co at their end of their stay in a ceremony filling a Zulu gourd, perhaps the most well-travelled African artefact in the world, with some of Nkwichi’s exquisitely clear water, which is meant to honour each of the places they visit. Before setting off on the next step of the expedition, gazing out over the vast expanse of the lake and untouched shoreline, Kingsley let the soft sand fall through his fingers and exclaimed, “This really is the best beach on the Lake of Stars…” Well, if anyone should know, he should!

A Lodge Dog’s Life

Many patrons of Nkwichi have already been welcomed by the new, ever-enthusiastic Ernesto, the lodge’s first pet!

Rescued from Lichinga at an early age, and the only survivor of seven, Ernesto fills his days happily annoying the lodge’s menagerie of Monitor Lizards and Rock Hyrax’. Most pleasingly of all, he rescues sugar bowls and bread rolls from the short-tempered, resident Vervet monkeys. Believing he is the boss, Ernesto is waiting to host any guest on the squeaky sands!

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