​Overview – Kuti WR

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Kuti is a community-owned wildlife reserve. Thirty percent of all revenue raised is used for projects such as tree planting, rehabilitation of boreholes, and clinics and seedling production to help the surrounding villages. There is 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 themselves, though guides are available as well.

Best Time To Go Jul to Sep and Dec to Jan (Animals easy to spot)
High Season July to October (Busier, especially weekends)
Size 20km² / 8mi²
Altitude 101-339m / 331-1,112ft

Pros & Cons

  • Community-owned, gives back to local communities
  • Budget and mid-range accommodation available
  • Well-equipped campsite with ablution and cooking facilities
  • Easy day trip from 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

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Wildlife

Kuti works with Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, and is a release site for Lilongwe’s rehabilitated animals. Large mammal species you are likely to see include giraffe, Burchell's zebra, greater kudu, nyala, reedbuck, impala, oribi, duiker and 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.

Scenery

This former cattle ranch has been restored to its natural glory. Although small in size, the area covers grassland, woodland, wetland and savannah, providing habitats for a range of animals. The focal point of the reserve is a large lake with water lilies and papyrus, teeming with birds.

Weather & Climate

The weather and climate of Kuti is comparable to that of Malawi in general. More info:

Best Time To Visit

Kuti can be visited throughout the year. Wildlife viewing is best in the Dry season, especially from July to September, and at the beginning of the Wet season, from December to January, when it 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 might be necessary after heavy rain. The reserve is located just 10km/6mi from Salima town and 30km/20mi from the resorts at Senga Bay. It is located about 100km/60mi from 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, and our general wildlife viewing safety precautions page for more info:

Want To Visit Kuti WR?

Kuti Safaris

Kuti WR Safari Reviews

  • Expert Rating
    0.0/5
    0 Reviews
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • User Rating
    0.0/5
    0 Reviews
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding