As a consequence of the colonial era when both countries were administered by Britain, a cross-border reserve was established on the plateau.
Consequently Zambian visitors must enter Malawi to reach it (the nearest Malawian entry points are at Chisenga and Katumbi via the M14).
The Zambian side is undeveloped except for a colonial-era resthouse, built around 1946, which used to be the only accommodation in either park.
After independence, 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 Nyika Plateau and two smaller highland areas to the north are the only representatives in Zambia of the Southern Rift montane forest-grassland mosaic ecoregion.