The chalets of Nkwichi Lodge have been designed to blend in with the environment. Trees, rock outcrops and the lie of the land have all been incorporated into the structures. All chalets have been set back from the lakeshore, making them invisible from the lake. Chalets, offices and other facilities were designed to use a minimum amount of concrete - so if the lodge were to close, the buildings and structures could easily be removed and the lodge site restored to natural wilderness, without trace of human habitation. Finalist of the Tourism for Tomorrow Award in 2005.Awards Manda Wilderness Project (including Mchenga Nkwichi Lodge) was a finalist in the 2005 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, a finalist in the Conde Naste Traveller Magazine's Eco-tourism destination awards and the award for Best Investor in Niassa Province, Mozambique

Manda Wilderness directly employs 35 local staff, who have been trained to maintain and run the lodge, transport guests and to work as tour guides. The project is currently the largest private employer in the Lago district. Manda Wilderness arranges funds for community development projects and works closely with the community and involves them is all decision-making. So far, these funds have largely been spent on the building of schools in the area - on the condition that the communities contribute to the project through free labour. Funds are currently being collected to sink wells and buy a maize mill.

Agricultural Training. In an area where subsistence farming is virtually the only means of survival, agricultural training goes a long way towards improving the nutrition of the communities of the Lago District.A volunteer at Manda helps to diversify agriculture & horticulture productions amongst the local community.Lago District is genuinely one of the most remote parts of Africa. The population is spread over thousands of square kilometres, with few roads, and no electricity, much of this area remains pristine wilderness. The Manda Wilderness Agricultural Project depends on preserving this paradise. Sustainable agriculture now takes place in 8 villages of the total 14 in the project area. 56 vegetable gardens were established last year after beneficiaries received training in the importance of soil conservation, natural pest control, plant care, improved irrigation methods and sustainable methods of farming. Due to the success of the project, it was decided that the project would establish a Demonstration Farm to act as an additional teaching tool in training local farmers to build and expand on the knowledge and successes already achieved.The demonstration farm, complete with overnight accommodation will enable agricultural training of the community to become more thorough and diversified. Experience with specific crops and activities will be gained without risking their own land, capital or labour. The farm will be a centre in training, making and marketing of craft products made from local materials such as candles, soap, paper making, woven crafts and wood carvings. These will be sold to and through Nkwichi Lodge. The farm is located 20 minutes walk from the lodge and guests are welcome to see for themselves the work and progress that's taking place.