Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

Best Time to Visit

3 Nkhotakota Safaris

Expert

By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Malawi.

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The best months to view wildlife are from July to October (the latter half of the Dry season). This is due to water in the bush having dried up. Animals tend to gather around remaining water sources at this time, making them relatively easy to see. Be aware though that the heat in October can be punishing.

Best Time July to October (Dry bush, animals are easy to find)

High Season July to October (Never busy, but high season rates)

Low Season November to June (Low season rates apply)

Best Weather April to August (It is cooler and hardly ever rains)

Worst Weather December to March (Hot and wet weather)

May to October –Dry Season

Best time for wildlife watching
Not much rain and plenty of sunshine
It never gets very busy
With few mosquitoes to bother people, the malaria risk is low
High season rates are applicable from July to October
Skies are very hazy and the bush looks brittle and dry
October can be unbearably hot
Chilly mornings from May to September when the mercury plummets

Wildlife Photos

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+18 Photos

November to April –Wet Season

Scenery is idyllic – green and fresh
There are few tourists and rates are lower
Best time for birders as migratory birds are present
Lots of newborn animals
Wildlife viewing is not as good as the Dry season
The weather is hot and muggy
Malaria is a bigger concern than in the Dry season
Rains can badly affect the roads