Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve: Malawi’s Cinderella Story
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is often called Malawi’s Cinderella story. Once on the brink of collapse, it has now made an incredible turn-around in conservation. Today it preserves the natural heritage of the Warm Heart of Africa — and you can be part of its journey.
A Revived Wilderness
The reserve now boasts newly translocated elephant, sable, kudu, buffalo, waterbuck, impala, and warthog. Bird enthusiasts will find paradise here too, with more than 280 species recorded, making Nkhotakota one of Malawi’s most important bird sanctuaries.
Covering 1,800 km², the reserve stretches from the crest of the Great Rift Valley to within a few kilometres of Lake Malawi. Beneath the Chipata Mountain range, its landscape is defined by wooded hills, dense Miombo forests, and a vast network of rivers that create one of Africa’s true oases.
From Decline to Restoration
Nkhotakota once supported around 1,500 elephants. Decades of poaching and timber harvesting devastated its wildlife and habitat. By 2015, when African Parks took over management, fewer than 100 elephants remained.
In response, African Parks launched one of the largest wildlife translocations in history. Between July 2016 and August 2017, they moved 500 elephants and more than 1,400 other animals from Liwonde and Majete. This historic initiative set the foundation for Nkhotakota’s recovery.
Conservation, Tourism and Community
Conservation is like a three-legged pot. The legs are the environment, tourism, and the community. If one fails, the pot topples. By supporting all three, growth becomes sustainable.
Tourism plays a vital role. It creates jobs for local people, helping families stay together while preserving traditions. This principle lies at the heart of Rafiki Safari Camp. We source staff locally, ensuring that the community benefits directly from tourism.
African Parks has also worked hand-in-hand with villages, headmen, and chiefs. Together they built a perimeter fence to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Scouts and rangers now patrol the reserve with upgraded vehicles, radios, and better roads. They have removed wire snares, filled in pit traps, and confiscated illegal firearms.
Community Engagement
Community partnerships remain a key focus. African Parks and WESM run Wildlife Clubs for children, support “at-risk” students with scholarships, and operate a community radio programme. They also help with boreholes, promote firearm amnesties, and create sustainable livelihoods for surrounding villages.
A Bright Future
The future of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve looks brighter than ever. Wildlife numbers are increasing, communities are engaged, and the environment is recovering. At Rafiki Safari Camp, we are proud to be part of this journey and invite you to experience it with us.