Nkhotakota is a charming town located in central Malawi, known for its stunning scenery and wildlife reserves. While the town itself may be small, there are plenty of activities in and around Nkhotakota to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the top activities to do in and around Nkhotakota:
- Game drives in the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve: The wildlife reserve is a must-visit for animal lovers. Visitors can embark on a game drive to spot elephants, antelopes, and even lions. The reserve also offers guided walks and bird-watching tours.
- Fishing on the Bua River: The Bua River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for the Nile perch. Visitors can rent a fishing boat or try their luck from the riverbanks.
- Visit the remnants of the East-African slave trade: To do this activity express your interest to the lodge manager who will arrange for a local “guide”. The guide will take you on a tour and show you where the treaty was negotiated between Dr. David Livingstone (who visited Nkhotakota in l861 and witnessed the slave trade at its peak), Jumbe and Chewa Chiefs to stop the slave trade and hostilities between them.
- Hiking in the Ntchisi Forest Reserve: This one is more of a day trip as the Ntchisi Forest Reserve is home to a variety of hiking trails, offering visitors the chance to explore Malawi’s natural beauty. The trails vary in length and difficulty, with stunning views of the forest and surrounding landscape. The Ntchisi Forest Reserve covers approximately 75 sq km and is surrounded on all sides by rolling hills covered by subsistence farming and dotted with traditional villages. It is an untouched paradise, undiscovered by mass tourism.
- Cultural tours of the local villages: Visitors can take a cultural tour of the local villages to learn about Malawi’s rich culture and traditions. Visitors can interact with the locals, try local foods, and learn about the traditional way of life in the region.
- Visit the Nkhotakota Pottery Cooperative: This cooperative produces beautiful handmade pottery using traditional methods. Visitors can tour the facility, watch the artists at work, and purchase their own unique pieces to take home.
In conclusion, Nkhotakota may be a small town, but there are plenty of activities in and around the area to keep visitors entertained. From wildlife reserves and fishing opportunities to stunning beaches and cultural tours, Nkhotakota is a destination that should not be missed on any trip to Malawi.
