Tel 1: +265 (0)999 512 645
Tel 2: +265 (0)998 422 988
Check out what you could be up to There's always something
There's always something
to enjoy at Luwawa
Being up in the highlands of the Viphya Plateau makes Luwawa Forest Lodge the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. We have a wide range of activities on offer including bookable excursions.
Walking & Wilderness
Trails
We have marked routes of varying distances for people of all capabilities so you can head out and discover, including a Gorge Walk for the seriously adventurous. We also have knowledgable guides that can assist you on your adventures. If you are interested in a packaged tour venturing further afield, we have several options including a hike to Lake Malawi!
Hike to Lake Malawi
- A 2 or 3 night option with bush camps in stunning areas
- 74 km trail including hike over Kawandama Mountain
- Descends the African Rift Valley escarpment
- Incredible views throughout the journey
Activities Enquiry
Mountain Biking &
International MTB Marathon Race
Mountain Biking around the highlands of Luwawa is a wonderful opportunity to venture further afield! Head out on two wheels with bikes available to hire from the Lodge.
Every year, the Luwawa Forest Lodge runs the International MTB Marathon where enthusiastic cyclists from Malawi ride a challenging track across this beautiful terrain. This 53 km race has now been Internationally ratified and is calendared by the UCI in Switzerland, the world governing body of cycling. The race is a great way to support and raise funds for the Luwawa Environmental Trust.
The 2023 event will take place on Saturday 17th June. For more info on the event, click this link below.
Activities Enquiry
Bird Watching
Experience superb bird watching at Luwawa, with many and varied habitats close to the Lodge. Stroll through the indigenous woodlands, wetlands and dam, plantation forest, high grassland plateau and the beautiful exotic Lodge gardens. You will see over 280 different species that have been identified by birding experts. Our specials include, Bertram’s weaver, Whyte’s barbet, broad-tailed warbler, red chested fluff-tail, Scharlow’s turaco etc.
Tick as they tweet
Let us help arrange a bird watching tour for you so you can tick your favourites off the list, and spot some of the rarest species!
Activities Enquiry
Fishing
Whether you enjoying Fishing as a pastime, or you’re a dedicated angler, Luwawa Dam offers a picturesque and peaceful spot for fishing. You can perch by the side of the banks on the jetty or fish from a boat. We have plenty of space for multiple participants.
Luwawa Dam is well stocked with fish including wide mouthed bream. Equipment is available from the Lodge for spinning and fly fishing.
Activities Enquiry
Canoeing & Kayaking
Canoeing & Kayaking on Luwawa Dam is a wonderful way to not only explore the dam and the thick bush that surround it, but also fish in the well stocked waters.
We have equipment available to hire from the Lodge including all the right safety gear, and tuition available from our guides too. These activities is great for adults and children or groups such as corporate team building days and schools.
Activities Enquiry
Donija Cultural VillageExperience
Walk or mountain bike 10 km to this well organised and busy Malawian cultural village. Along with its tree nursery, irrigation systems and fish pond, you can eat traditional Malawian food and experience true Malawian hospitality. Day visits or 24 hour stays are available.
Sleep in the village headman’s hut. See traditional crafts demonstrated and enjoy the entertainment of traditional dancing and songs of Northern Malawi. Proceeds to the village development fund. Minimum 2 days’ notice required.
Activities Enquiry
Horse Riding
Take to the saddle at the stables only 1km from Luwawa and gallop through the trees on horseback. We have 1, 2 or 3-hour rides available around the highlands.
Please discuss your horse riding requirements on arrival at the Lodge.
Activities Enquiry
Rock Climbing &
Abseiling
Luwawa Forest Lodge is great for thrill seekers with their 45 metre rock climbing pitch with small holds which make for an exhilarating climb for both beginners and improvers. Participants are also treated to fantastic panoramic views over indigenous forest at the top of the climb. There are also lots of opportunities for abseiling and bouldering.
Activities Enquiry
Working With Schools
Luwawa Forest Lodge has extensive programmes for school groups both internationally and locally. We have trained staff to instruct theses courses which combine environmental education including alternative energy, team building, community participation and project work. We also organise and guide exciting and challenging field trips for school groups into more remote areas.
Activities Enquiry
Corporate Team Building
Another niche market area here at Luwawa is our expertise in corporate team building. We have been running these professional courses for NGO’s, government departments and commercial businesses for over 15 years now. Some of our selected clients have been The Office of the President and Cabinet, The Anti Corruption Bureau, The United Nations Development Programme, to mention just a few. We also have conference facilities available. Get in touch for further information.
Activities Enquiry
Education is key
The Luwawa Centre for Environmental Eduation
The newly constructed Luwawa Centre for Environmental Education is now official open. The new venture, built by the Luwawa Environmental Trust, a great resource for environmental and wildlife conservation.
It doesn't end there
Other Activities
Orienteering by Mountain Bike – half day map and compass work on mountain bike to find hidden markers. Short course available.
Orienteering on Foot – beginners’ course, advanced course, tuition available.
Forest Bathing – Take in aromas of the sweet smelling pines throughout the Luwawa Forest or listen to the running waters of the Luwawa Falls. Luwawa is a great place to embrace Forest Bathing, the latest trend.
4×4 Adventure Drives – in own vehicle, in Luwawa vehicle with driver, or you drive, ask management for details. Locations- Kawandama Mountain (half day minimum) Thete valley view point. Waterfalls etc.
4×4 Training – in your vehicle, up hills, down dales, across rivers, through mud. It may be possible in a Luwawa vehicle, ask management for details.
Drive to Kamwe Fire Tower – sun-downer, your vehicle or lodge’s.
Drive to working Open Cast Mine – and get samples of rose quartz, tourmaline or aquamarine.
Table Tennis – in lodge squash court, all equipment provided.
Volleyball – location campsite entrance, ask for ball.
Children’s Garden Quiz – in the safety of our fenced garden.
Frisbee – ask management for Frisbee.
Kite Flying – ask management for kite, ask God for wind.
Children’s Play Area – also jungle gym in garden.
Bivouac Building – guided and assisted.
Permaculture Garden – and alternative energy tour. Ask management for details.
Archery – With traditional African hunting bows or modern fiber glass bows and arrows.
Sauna – Not technically an activity, but we’d thought we should let you know we have a sauna and cold bush shower!
Day trips out to places of historical and local interest – By vehicle, driven and guided, as appropriate. Mount Hora, (historic battle site, ancient iron workings etc), Elephant Rock, Kawandama Mountain summit, Thete Valley view point, etc.