Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

This is the largest reserve in Malawi, with significant numbers of elephant, as well as lion, buffalo and upwards of 11 species of antelope. Game sightings are fairly infrequent though, due to the rough terrain and dense vegetation.

Poaching has been a big problem in the past, but luckily changes are afoot and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife is now taking much more interest in Nkhotakota, and have recently acquired new vehicles for their anti-poaching scouts.

In fact all the facilities at Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve are due to be upgraded, and three concessions have been put forward for eco-tourism development. Currently the best camp to stay at is Bua, although its facilities are still very basic and camping requires that you bring everything that you need including tents, bedding and food.

We'd recommend staying at one of the lodges on the shores of Lake Malawi and taking a day trip into the reserve (the Nkhotakota Pottery and Safari lodges do day trips). Good walks can also be undertaken, with the help of a guide or ranger.

Enquire now |  Add to my enquiry