Dzalanyama gets new trails, forest bathing sites & upgraded ecolodge for 2021

Land and Lake Safaris, one of Malawi’s long standing tour operators and owners of the delightful Dzalanyama Forest Lodge, are currently making huge developments to welcomes guests in 2021.

Over the past six months, Land & Lake Safaris have been working hard to develop activities in the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve and can now introduce them to visitors to the lodge. Guests can now take part in forest walks and hikes, explore the forest on newly developed mountain biking trails and relax in two purpose-built and designed forest bathing areas.

The walking and mountain bike trails around the lodge have been developed by Land and Lake themselves over the past few months. Currently 7 walking trails have been mapped out with preplanned routes recommended by the team. Trails were cleared, trail signage posted and then a further 10 large trail maps were placed in strategic places to guide hikers. A trails booklet was developed and this is now available for all lodge guests free of charge. Three of the walking trails also cater for leisure cyclists and Land and Lake have also developed 3 extra trails, suitable only for more experienced mountain bikers. A selection of 8 Mountain bikes are now positioned at the lodge conveniently for guest use. The Mountain biking trails are available for download from the Land & Lake website in KML and GPX format.

Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is a perfect environment for Forest Bathing, a popular trend in recent years that has taking hold around the world. To heighten its potential, three forest bathing sites were identified and are being developed. Each site is now positioned in a remote and discreet area of the forest, all overlooking permanent water. On-site facilities include a thatched shelter – A Frame, an eco pit composting latrine and of course water provision facilities. Sites allow and can accommodate forest bathers, walkers, picnickers, and each can cater for rustic overnight bush sleep-outs too.

Dzalanyama Lodge will soon be established as a fully catered eco lodge. The lodge aims to cater for day and overnight visitors with meals, refreshments and a wide range of activities too.

To align with Land and Lake Safaris sustainability and environmentally-friendly credentials, the lodge’s solar capacity is being upgraded to a 3 Kva system from the current portable solar lighting to allow for permanent lighting, electrical charging points, room fans and to increase the lodges refrigeration capacity. Solar geysers are being installed to enable the lodge to move away from the reliance of wood fired geysers and gas cooking facilities, completing this transition.

Renovations have been underway internally too. Kitchen and storage areas have been expanded, creating a larger open plan living area. The front verandah size has been increased and the team are building a patio and gazebo on the side to allow for open air dining and recreation. All work and changes are expected to be completed by June 2021, by which time the lodge will be able to fully cater to day and overnight visitor demands.

A further project that was completed recently was their development of National Picnic Sites. A total of 17 sites were identified in Malawi and the concept allows the local communities to run and develop the sites. Find out more on this project in our separate article here.

Find out more about Land & Lake Safaris on their dedicated page here.