In January 2009, armed with his distinctly warm Scottish nature and his exploratory outlook on life, Malcolm set out on an African journey that would shape his future for years to come. He stumbled across Nkwichi Lodge and the Manda Wilderness Project whilst trekking through the Mozambican bush and his heart and imagination were captured by the beauty of both the place and its people.
Malcolm has a strong background in the service industry, having worked in hotels and restaurants all over the world. His travels have taken him throughout Australasia, Asia, North and Central America and, of course, Africa before finally settling in Berlin for 3 years to work as a chef at an innovative and cutting-edge 'Imbiss'.
Graduating with a 1st class degree in History and Political Science from the universities of Glasgow and British Columbia, Malcolm has always had an avid interest in development and has been involved throughout his travelling career in its application, from teaching in township schools to setting up HIV awareness programmes in rural areas.
Nkwichi Lodge allowed Malcolm the opportunity to continue his service industry career while at the same time focusing on working with the communities to ensure job creation and community development and yet at the same time preserve the pristine natural environment for future generations and tourists to enjoy alike. Malcolm now works tirelessly as General Manager of Manda Wilderness Ltd and is the driving force behind the project's successes. A more dedicated, engaging and friendly character you will not find; a resonation of the surrounding Nyanja Community.
Led by Francis Makawila; the ever smiling ever helping team of highly trained men will make you delicious fresh cocktails on arrival and help with your every need throughout your stay here. Their traditional as well as academic knowledge of the surrounding environment will ensure that you are always entertained and interested in all that you see and all that you don't.
Responsible for the delivery of both guests and supplies; these men, headed by Mr. Andrew Bwanali, will ensure a safe & friendly welcome to Nkwichi Lodge; a leisurely cruise across to Nkwichi from Likoma Island or the sleepy Mozambican village of Cobue... you may not be happy to see them again when it's time to leave.
Delicious meals with fresh organic vegetables, from the Manda Wilderness Agricultural Project, divine fish and healthy fruits are produced by the kitchen. A strong team of chefs create sumptuous delights in their custom built kitchen making certain you are happy and satisfied at the end of each meal. Trained by highly qualified chefs from Europe they have perfected many dishes to compliment your experience of visiting northern Mozambique.
Headed by a wonderful and extremely capable woman, Mrs. Rebecca Mswarchi the team takes great pride in their work and will ensure the most comfortable stay for all our guests. Crispy white sheets, spotless chalets and pressed clothes are a given and with the personal attention and care you will not be disappointed, keeping everything together and running smoothly behind the scenes.
Hard working and wonderfully talented these are the men who have built every stick of furniture in your chalet, each so very different from the next. They have gone out into the forest and hand selected material so as to ensure minimal impact to the environment, they have carved each one by hand manipulated the wood without the aid of machines of any sort; guaranteeing no air or noise pollution in the process. Headed by Pedro Mwawa, an expert in the field, perfection is what they strive for.
Without their expertise we would not be able to accommodate our guest in such style, hand thatching the roofs, selecting and carrying in the rocks and pebbles that make up each area of the lodge. Headed by Andrew Kaiwala and his wonderfully funny sense of humour they are a great bunch, taking delight in their hard work we appreciate so much.
Strong and brave, they will ensure your personal safety and the safety of the lake reserve bordering the lodge. Headed by Mr. Stanley Piri, the night watchmen make it a point that the lodge is as serene in the night as it is the still mornings you awake.
Most of the delightful fruits, vegetables and herbs guests dine on come from the Manda Wilderness Agricultural Project. Initially set up by Nadia Bowes, the Manda Wilderness Agricultural Project is based on a variety of perma-culture methods. Headed by Emmanuel the farm strives for self sufficiency, and distributes its knowledge to local communities to assist in the agricultural sustainability of the land.
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