Liwonde National Park
Liwonde is stretched along the Shire River, south of Lake Malawi. The riverine landscape of the Shire dominates the western side of…
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Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
The Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve sits on the edge of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Hilly and covered in dense miombo woodland, this beautiful park is bisected by two permanent rivers that flow into Lake Malawi.
The tree-covered hills are dotted with occasional grassy openings and seasonal river gullies, whilst the south-west of the park is dominated by Chipata Mountain – a peak home to Afromontane forest and blue monkeys.
In spite of this beautiful landscape, for many years, the park was left almost unprotected and vulnerable to poachers. Once home to large populations of lions and elephants, Nkhotakota was almost devoid of large mammals by the turn of the millennium. Recently, however, things have begun to change, with the reintroduction of key species.
Why visit Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
- Experience a pioneering conservation project, managed by African Parks
- Hike through the park’s vast swathes of beautiful miombo woodland
- Visit waterfalls and canoe on the swirling Bua River
- Stay at the stunning Tongole Wilderness Lodge
Conservation success of African Parks
African Parks took over management of the reserve in 2015, ending decades of non-existent law enforcement and poaching. Quickly, they restored the park’s infrastructure and started to protect its boundaries, paving the way for the recovery of its wildlife. In 2016, one of the greatest animal translocations of modern times began with over 500 elephants and 1,200 other large herbivores translocated to the park. This huge project increased the elephant population tenfold and transforming the ecosystem.
Despite this incredible success, Nkhotakota still faces huge long-term challenges. Additional infrastructure is needed and the animals need to adjust to the environment. Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve currently offers a beautiful wilderness experience and a unique conservation story, but it is yet to become a safari destination.
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Where to Stay
Tongole Wilderness Lodge
Overlooking the Bua River in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Tongole Wilderness Lodge is true to its name.
With just five river-facing suites and surrounded by 180,000 hectares of rugged hills and miombo woodland, the lodge offers complete seclusion in one of Malawi’s least visited parks.
Why Choose Steppes?
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