Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, spanning 1,800 km², is Malawi's oldest and largest reserve, featuring dense woodland and three major rivers flowing into Lake Malawi. Historically home to a rich diversity of wildlife, the reserve faced severe challenges due to decades of ivory poaching, which had decimated its elephant population by 2014. However, with a partnership between the Malawian Government and African Parks, significant restoration efforts began. Between 2016 and 2017, nearly 500 elephants and over 2,000 other animals were reintroduced, followed by further restocking in 2022. These initiatives have revived the reserve, bringing hope to local communities through improved employment, enterprise, and infrastructure. Today, Nkhotakota is not only a vital wildlife habitat but also a growing source of sustainable tourism, benefiting both the environment and surrounding communities.