What to do in Nyika

Ascend to Africa's most wonderfully unexpected wilderness, where rolling 'whaleback' hills stretch as far as the eye can see—and sometimes float above the clouds at a rather impressive 8,000 feet. This isn't your typical African safari landscape; think more Scottish Highlands with zebras, or the Alps with leopards lounging about. During the rainy season, orchids burst forth in a spectacular display that would make any botanist weak at the knees—over 200 species if you're counting. Keep your binoculars handy for the Denham's bustard strutting through the grasslands, though it's the massive herds of eland and roan antelope that steal the show, gathering in numbers that would make the Serengeti jealous. Mountain bike across trails where elephants occasionally lumber up from the lowlands (clearly seeking better views), or trek to hidden waterfalls and mysterious 'magic lakes' that could have been plucked from a fantasy novel. As dusk settles, listen for the cackling of hyenas while scanning the forests near Chelinda Lodge—home to one of central Africa's densest leopard populations, though these spotted cats clearly prefer to keep their admirers guessing.