has not been supported by any scientific survey in the past 20 years and all mammals suffer changes in populations which can be rapid. Being mainly nocturnal they are rarely seen, although tracks and signs have been regularly found. There are a number of species of smaller mammals such as warthogs and bushpigs, the smaller cats and porcupine. Elephants are often seen anywhere on the plateau but buffalo are rare or probably extinct now. Hoof prints associated with them in the north of the park probably represent wandering domestic cattle from Uledi. Lions and elephants have recently been seen on the high plateau. Over 400 species of bird have been recorded in the park. The rare Denham’s bustard and the wattled crane are among those to be seen, as is the red-winged francolin - endemic to Nyika. Other attractions include waterfalls, the most impressive being Chisanga Falls where the North Rukuru river falls off the plateau to Thalire District, neolithic rock shelter, trout pools and even a "magic lake". The recently refurbished Chelinda Camp and the brand new log cabin lodge provide excellent accommodation and facilities. There is an airstrip for fly-in safaris. The lower-lying Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve is close to the Nyika National Park and can be accessed off the Rumphi Road on arrival or departure to the Nyika entrance gate at Thazima. The adjacent Zambian park The land west of the plateau road as it traverses the top is in Zambia, which also calls its portion Nyika National Park, comprising just 80 km2. As there is no other road, Zambians can only reach it via Malawi. The Zambian park includes a colonial-era resthouse with splendid views west. Once it was the only accommodation in either park, in those days people from Malawi staying there did not have to pass through any border formalities, but paid a "Zambia entrance fee" along with their accommodation bill. The rest house closed in 1998. Proposals to re-open it did not progress and it currently (2015) remains derelict. World Heritage status This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on May 17, 2000, in the Mixed (Cultural + Natural) category. It has not yet progressed to acceptance. External links Description by malawitourism.com World Conservation Monitoring Centre Nyika National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Central Zambezian miombo woodlands Geography of Northern Region, Malawi Miombo National parks of Malawi Protected