Kuti Wildlife Reserve is a community-owned park. Thirty percent of all revenue is used for projects such as tree planting, rehabilitation of boreholes, and clinics and seedling production to help the surrounding villages. Kuti has a good variety of mammals, and bird-watchers are in for a treat. As there are no dangerous animals, visitors are free to walk, cycle and drive independently, though guides are available as well.
-
Best Time To Go
- July to September and December to January (Animals easy to spot)
-
High Season
- July to October (Busier, especially on weekends)
-
Size
- 30km² / 12mi²
-
Altitude
-
101-339m /331-1,112ft
View Photos
Pros & Cons
- Community-owned park giving back to local communities
- Budget and mid-range accommodations are available
- Well-equipped campsite with ablution block and cooking facilities
- Easy day trip from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, and Senga Bay
- Self-drive (including night drives), cycling and walking permitted
- Small reserve with degraded bush from having been a cattle ranch
- Lacking in wilderness appeal
Wildlife
Kuti is a release site for rehabilitated animals from Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. Large mammal species include giraffe, plains zebra, greater kudu, nyala, reedbuck, impala, oribi, duiker and Sharpe’s grysbok. Of particular interest is the sable antelope. This usually rare and shy animal is breeding successfully in the reserve, and there are now over 100 of them in different herds. More than 250 bird species have been recorded.
Scenery
This former cattle ranch has been restored to its natural glory. Despite its small size, Kuti encompasses grassland, woodland, wetland and , providing habitats for a range of animals. The focal point of the reserve is a large lake, with water lilies and papyrus, that teems with birds.
Activities
Self-guided in your own vehicle are permitted. However, given the small size of the reserve and the lack of dangerous large mammals, it is more fun to explore on foot or by mountain bike. Guides are available but not mandatory for both of these activities. Kuti is also a great spot for bird watching on foot, and it occasionally hosts special events such as fun runs.
Weather & Climate
The weather and climate of Kuti is comparable to that of Malawi in general. More information:
Best Time To Visit
Kuti can be visited throughout the year. Wildlife viewing is best in the Dry season (May to October), especially from July to September, and at the start of the Wet season (November to April), from December to January, when the landscape is green but the grass is still short.
Getting There
Kuti can be easily visited independently or as part of an organized tour. The reserve is mostly accessible in a 2WD car, although a 4x4 vehicle might be necessary after heavy rain. The reserve is just 10km/6mi from Salima town and 30km/19mi from the resorts at Senga Bay. It is around 100km/60mi from the capital, Lilongwe, and the drive takes about 2 hours*.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Health & Safety
Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Malawi, as well as our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below for more information: