Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
Wildlife & Animals
Malawi Parks
By Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Malawi.
After years of neglect, wildlife numbers are still low in Nkhotakota, but this is changing rapidly with the efforts of African Parks. Elephants are often found drinking in the Bua river, and other species can also be encountered including yellow baboon, vervet monkey, buffalo, zebra and warthog. Lion, leopard and hyena are present, but rarely seen.
Wildlife Highlights
Nkhotakota was the stage for the biggest translocation of elephants ever undertaken. A total of 520 elephants have been moved to the park from Majete and Liwonde, where their numbers had become more than these smaller parks could manage. Hopefully, Nkhotakota will once again soon be an important conservation area in Malawi.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The Dry season from May to October is the best time for spotting animals in Nkhotakota. Wildlife is easier to find because vegetation is thinner, and animals gather around the rivers and other water sources.
Wildlife Rating Per Major Park
- Liwonde NP 3.8/5 10 Wildlife Ratings
- Majete WR 3.8/5 6 Wildlife Ratings
- Nyika NP 3.2/5 6 Wildlife Ratings
