Water. Nature. Wildlife. Livelihoods. Opportunity.

The future of one of Malawi’s most important landscapes depends on the decisions we make today.

The Nyika-Vwaza landscape is one of Malawi’s most important natural assets. It protects globally significant grasslands, forests and wetlands, safeguards biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth, and contributes around 10% of the annual freshwater flowing into Lake Malawi, supporting the millions of people who depend on it.

Protecting an area of this scale requires long-term management, strong partnerships and sustainable funding. The Nyika-Vwaza Co-management Trust was established to provide that long-term foundation.

The Landscape

km²

Total landscape

Nyika National Park – 3 092 km2
Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve – 980 km2

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Of Lake Malawi’s annual freshwater supporting more than 10 million people.

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Plant species, including around 200 orchid species, with several found nowhere else on Earth.

Terrestrial vertebrate species recorded across the wider Malawi‑Zambia landscape.

Indirect beneficiaries supported through community development programmes.

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Million tonnes of
Manageable carbon stored across the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Where is Nyika-Vwaza?

Stretching across northern Malawi within the Malawi–Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area, the Nyika-Vwaza landscape connects mountains, grasslands, forests and wetlands into one of southern Africa’s most important ecological systems.

Experience the landscape

From the biodiverse grasslands of the Nyika Plateau to the wildlife-rich wetlands of Vwaza Marsh, discover the remarkable diversity of the Nyika-Vwaza landscape.

Smiling woman seated outdoors with a group of people in a rural African community

Locals celebrating together at a community event.

A panoramic view of lush green hills and mountains beneath a partly cloudy blue sky.

Two women walking along a sandy path beside a fenced rural area, carrying a water container.

Three uniformed soldiers walking through tall grass in a rolling green landscape under a cloudy sky.

Thazima Gate entrance to Nyika National Park with a wooden gatehouse and park information sign

A woman works among tall maize plants, hoeing the soil and clearing weeds by hand.

Protecting landscapes for the long term.

As populations grow and the effects of climate change become more pronounced, protected areas face increasing pressure. The natural resources they safeguard are becoming increasingly valuable, while the demands placed upon them continue to grow.

The Nyika-Vwaza Co-management Trust brings together government, communities and partners to guide the long-term management of the landscape under a shared vision for its future.

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Legacy Landscapes Fund perpetuity grant secured in 2025, providing operational funding for at least 50 years.