Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

Central Region (Nkhotakota District), Malawi

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Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, located in Nkhotakota District in central Malawi, is the country’s oldest and largest wildlife reserve, covering about 1,800 square kilometers of rugged hills, river valleys, dense miombo woodlands, and pristine wilderness.

It stretches from the Great Rift Valley escarpment toward Lake Malawi and is known for its scenic, remote landscapes. The reserve has undergone a remarkable ecological recovery since conservation efforts intensified in 2015. Large-scale wildlife reintroductions brought hundreds of elephants and thousands of other animals, including buffalo, zebra, sable antelope, kudu, impala, and waterbuck, helping restore the area's biodiversity.

Today, Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is a growing destination for safaris, birdwatching, guided walks, canoeing, and nature-based tourism. Its combination of rich wildlife, diverse habitats, and successful conservation efforts makes it one of Malawi’s most important and rewarding protected areas.