Chelinda Lodge

The main lodge is reminiscent of a European ski lodge, built almost entirely of wood (with the exception of the stone bar) and warmly lit by no less than three fireplaces; one separates the lounge and dining room, while another forms the centrepiece of a second lounge. The atmosphere is cosy and convivial. Outside is a large wooden deck with panoramic views of the plateau, and stairs leading down to a counter and some bar stools; perfect for a sundowner.

There are 7 double-storey chalets (including one family unit with two rooms) sleeping a total of 16 guests. Each wooden cabin has a spacious, open-plan bedroom with twin beds and a sitting area in front of a fireplace, which is lit for you on chilly evenings. Upstairs is basically another living area with a good view. En-suite bathrooms have both baths and showers, with steaming hot water supplied by the communal donkey-boiler.

The best way to experience Nyika is on foot with a professional guide; they'll open your eyes to an astonishing array of plants, from grasslands to Miombo woodland and natural forest, and walk you alongside herds of Crayshaw's zebra, roan antelope and eland. On game drives you can look forward to occasional sightings of elephant, hyena, leopard and side-striped jackal; and don't forget your binoculars as Nyika is a birding hotspot! A network of dirt tracks makes for exhilarating mountain bike missions, and fly fishing in the trout dam is a fun alternative.