This beach lodge in Mozambique on the Lake of Stars is only accessible by boat. The unspoilt scenery is quite stunning with aquamarine waters, fine beach sand and forest. Lake Niassa, a Rift Valley freshwater lake is one of the largest in the world and shared with Malawi.

Nkwichi Lodge blends seamlessly with its environment, tucked in amongst the fig trees and boulders. The chalets and private houses at this Mozambique beach lodge are all very unique and spacious and constructed from local stone, wood and thatch. Each chalet or house has superb views of Lake Niassa glinting in the sunshine.

Meals are an event and highly individualised at Nkwichi Lodge. Guests can dine in a different setting every day, each location has something special to offer. On excursions, delicious picnics accompany the guests. A favourite outing is a walk followed by lunch under one of the oldest trees in Africa.

There are many exciting activities at Nkwichi Lodge. First and foremost, relaxation is top of the list, followed closely by gastronomic delights, with no 2 meals ever the same. Guests can set off on guided walks or camping trips into the Manda Wilderness Reserve which is home to Elephant, Leopard, Sable, Reedbuck and over 300 species of birds. Lake activities include sailing, snorkelling and canoeing.

Manda Wilderness Nkwichi Lodge is the perfect retreat on its own or in a combination itinerary in Southern Africa. This Mozambique safari lodge can be reached in a variety of ways, whether by air charter to Likoma Island or via a number of adventurous routes.

• Voted Best Small Hotel Worldwide at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2008