Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

Pros & Cons

• Great unexploited wilderness area
• Two excellent lodges which cover most budgets
• Camping is available
• A chance to support a great conservation effort
• Activities include game drives and walks, canoeing and fishing
• Limited accommodation options in the park
• Limited road network in the park
• Wildlife viewing is difficult due to dense vegetation

Wildlife

Although hugely depleted of wildlife, there are viable and now growing populations of most large safari animals including elephant, buffalo, eland, sable and greater kudu. Predators are rarely seen, but lion, leopard and spotted hyena are present in small numbers. African Parks has relocated different species of antelope and 520 elephants from Liwonde and Majete to Nkhotakota.

• More about Nkhotakota WR's wildlife

Scenery

This large reserve stretches from the Great Rift Valley in the west of the country to just short of Lake Malawi in the east. The rugged terrain covers a range of habitats with vast patches of miombo woodland, grassland and pockets of rainforest. There are several scenic rivers in the park, and both lodges are situated on the banks of the Bua river.

Weather & Climate

Nkhotakota has a warm climate and defined Wet and Dry seasons. As is typical in the tropics, temperatures are quite consistent throughout the year, but it gets noticeably hotter in October, just before the rains. Heavy rainfall and high humidity can be expected from December to March. June and July are the coolest months, and early mornings can be quite chilly.

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Best Time to Visit

The best months for wildlife viewing are July to October, when the bush has dried out and animals gather at predictable water sources. At this time, the bush is also less thick, which makes animal spotting easier. Bear in mind, however, that October can be incredibly hot. Nature is at its most beautiful in the Wet season from November to April, but roads can become difficult to navigate and animals are dispersed.

• More about the best time to visit

Want to Visit Nkhotakota WR?

• Nkhotakota safaris and tours
• Tour operators for Nkhotakota