Travel Guide Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

Managed by African Parks, this 1,800 km² nature reserve, the largest in the country, is one of Malawi's first animal reserves. Crossed by three rivers, the reserve stretches over 30 km between 500 m and 1,738 m above sea level (Chipata Peak). It has been poorly visited for several decades due to the lack of any tourist infrastructure. It is only from 2010 with the creation of two lodges that this park is now open to visitors. The 44 hectares of virgin brachystgia forests are home to a rich fauna, including more than 600 elephants and about 50 lions. The park has not suffered as much from poaching as its neighbours because of its morphology (high hills, rivers) and especially its abundant high grass, making it difficult to observe animals. More than 3,000 animals were transferred in 2012 to repopulate the park and make it attractive. More than 280 bird species have been recorded, including many raptors.Admission: US$10 per person, US$3 per car