Dzalanyama Forest Lodge | The Wild Collective

An Ornithologists Dream

Miombo Woodland coupled with hidden streams, waterfalls and hills makes this birding paradise fit for anyone.

Hiking, cycling and walking trails end at a cozy lodge and campsite with all the facilities you need to make it home.

Away from even any phone signal, this is the perfect place to switch off.

Welcome to Dzalanyama Forest Reserve

Nestled within the miombo woodlands of western Malawi, Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is a hidden sanctuary where nature sets the pace. Renowned for its exceptional birdlife, peaceful forest trails and cool mountain climate, the reserve offers an escape into one of Malawi’s most unspoilt wilderness areas. Spend your days hiking through ancient woodland, mountain biking beneath towering trees, searching for rare orchids and butterflies, or simply unwinding to the sounds of the forest. Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife or complete tranquillity, Dzalanyama is a place to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with the natural world.

Activities

Birding

Over 300 species recorded, including many endemic.

Hiking

Scenic trails through Miombo Woodland

Waterfalls

Swim beneath hidden fresh water waterfalls

Mountain Biking

Challenging routes for all levels of riders

Photography

Remote Camping

Stunning landscapes, birds and wildlife

Escape to your own private area of forest

Stay

ACCOMMODATION

Rooms & Chalets

The main house offers two en-suite rooms (one double & one twin) as well as one non-ensuite room with a sharing toilet and separate bathroom (With a bath).

These rooms, located down a short corridor offer families the perfect group booking. cozy and quaint with direct access to the living room, kitchen and the verandah beyond.

We have two outside chalets built into the tree line next door to the main house, both ensuite and offering either a twin or a double room. With their own private verandah and private access.

Kitchen, main dining verandah, bbq facilities and living room are all shared amongst guests with a tea and coffee 'help yourself' section available throughout the day.

CAMPING

Main site & Remote

Off-set from the main lodge, the campsite is located at the edge of the Mataka stream and right next to our little waterfall.

The campsite is made up of three sites and has an eco-toilet and hot water showers, a braai area and a fire pit each as well as a picnic bench.

Additionally we have two remote camping sites located in the forest. These sites have an eco pit latrine and located at the edge of streams. Note, these sites are remote, there is no fireplace, no running water or electricity. Perfect for really going off the grid!

If you are camping, your fee includes a bundle of firewood per site per day, enough for cooking - should you want extra, it's mwk 1,500 for 6 pieces. We provide hot water, ablution facilities and a place to wash your dishes. You are responsible to bring your own catering equipment and supplies. If you wish the lodge to prepare your food, this is dependent on if they can manage over nd above providing for lodge guests. It's mwk 2,000 per person per meal extra that covers gas, equipment and staff costs. Your meals can be served in the courtyard.

CONSERVING THE FOREST

Dzalanyama Forest Lodge is located in a highly vulnerable area of Malawi for deforestation and poaching.

Though we try our hardest to preserve, reforest, educate and conserve this stunning area - It's quite the challenge!

To date we have been involved in:

Dzalanyama School & Kachere School in rebuilding classrooms and dormitories, maintaining buildings and facilities, encouraging inter-school relationships and supporting educational clubs for wildlife and nature.

The lodge has also donated equipment to the department of forestry to help their scouts patrol the area and shut down illegal charcoal kilns and reduce the wood off-take.

We have supplied numerous household with alternative fuel use such as bamboo and taught these homes how to use bamboo for cooking, how to grow and cultivate it and keep their households sustained for the long-term.

Annually the lodge collects indigenous seeds and these grown and replanted back into the forest in areas with noticeable damage. We have since planted 500 trees.

Your stay is essential to the preservation of the forest and we thank you for visiting!

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