Nyika Plateau 1999

The Nyika Plateau is an area of high montane grassland in Malawi, and was said by Laurens Van Der Post to be the most beautiful place he had ever seen in Africa. Mile after mile of golden rolling grassland dominate a high plateau at over a kilometre in altitude. The region is under intense pressure however, as poaching is decimating the wildlife. Monty was aksed to lead an expedition by the Scientific Exp loration Society, to investigate the impact of poaching, attempt to establish a management plan, and explore the least accessible regions of the plateau.

This was a demanding project due to the nature of the terrain, the altitude, and the remoteness. The constant presence of groups of armed poachers was also moderately exhilerating, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the poachers and the armed rangers who accompanied the team. The expedition also had to deal with grass fires sweeping towards their camp, and the evacuation of the team cook who became critically ill. Nonetheless the project was a great success, with valuable data gathered, various proposals set up for a management plan, and long stories told beside many a crackling camp fire.

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