Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For those with vigilant eyes you may see sun-loving crocs lounging on the nearby rocks
(though we're glad to report there has never been an altercation with one). Situated 10km
south of Nkhotakota in Mblame village, Fish Eagle is a little further down the dirt track
past Sani Beach Resort.
KUTI COMMUNITY WILDLIFE PARK
Kuti Community Wildlife Park
( 0993-800289; admission per person MK500, per vehicle MK500)
is a beau-
tiful wildlife reserve located 1½ hours from Lilongwe, and 30 minutes from Senga Bay.
As well as providing a marvellous place to stay and a vibrant wildlife headcount to enjoy, Kuti's key objective is
protecting wildlife and conserving the environment by working together with the local communities. They're also
partnered with Lilongwe Wildlife Centre (
Click here
)
and act as a release site for wild animals from the sanctuary.
Formed from a former government cattle ranch, Kuti consists of 30 sq km of grasses, woodland, wetland and savan-
nah grassland. A haven for wildlife, the park is home to kudus, duikers, bushbucks, genets, civet cats, bush pigs, gir-
affes, zebras, nyalas, sables, impalas, wart- hogs and 87 species of bird.
Over the last 10 years the park has developed a great deal, with new accommodation, roads and sponsorship of
important community projects. The 11 villages around Kuti Ranch are all stakeholders in its development and 50%
of the park's revenue is invested in the local community. The park has an environmental education centre that local
schoolchildren can visit to learn about conservation. Malawi has the world's fifth highest rate of deforestation, and
those local to the area will know that Salima District's population is growing at an astronomical rate - the popula-
tion will increase an estimated 37% in the next 10 years. Kuti provides communities with alternatives to destructive
practices that benefit both the people and the environment, restoring habitats and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
You can visit the wildlife park for the day or stay the night in a range of accommodation: camping at either
Landirani Camp or Sanga Camp, both with ablutions and cooking facilities (US$10 per person, kids under 12 are
free); A-Frame cabanas (sleeping up to four) set in a clearing with cooking area and ablutions (US$20 per person);
or Bush Villas (sleep up to six) set in woodlands, with bathrooms, kitchenettes, fridges and private barbecue areas
(US$100 to $120 per villa).
Wildlife walks and drives cost US$10 per person (guides are $10 for up to three hours), or hire a bike at $10 per
half day and tackle the web of marked trails, wending your way to the Sunset Deck and its marvellous views.
Kuti is located about 1km from the Nkhotakota turn-off, when coming from Lilongwe. The park is signposted and
about 5km down the dirt road.
