Bua River Lodge , Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
One of the most talked-about new lodges in Malawi, Bua River Lodge is located two kilometres inside the eastern boundary of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in Malawi. The reserve, covering 1,800,000 Hectares is the third largest protected area in Malawi and one of the least known. Largely miombo woodland, the reserve falls from around 1,000 m. above sea level to just 600 meters in the east. It is bisected by the beautiful Bua River, the second largest in the country, on whose banks Bua River Lodge is located.
The reserve is very much a wilderness area. Apart from the main M18 road, which runs through the reserve, only one motorable track exists that approximately parallels the southern bank of the Bua River. North of the river, there are no tracks at all.
There is a considerable diversity of wildlife, including a healthy elephant population, buffalo, lion and leopard, as well as roan, sable, zebra and many smaller mammals, although it must be said that the wildlife is difficult to observe. Over 200 species of birds are listed, including Finfoot, Palm Nut Vulture and Black Stork. It is likely that Pel’s Fishing Owl also occurs.
Bua River Lodge offers high quality tented accommodation at moderate prices, with three categories, Island, Riverside and Hillside, priced to suit most budgets. Initially six units are available, consisting of purpose-made canvas safari tents, pitched on extensive wooden decks, shaded by thatched roofs. Each tent is pitched well away from the others, providing a degree of seclusion found in few other lodges in Malawi. On your own private deck you neither overlook your neighbours, nor are you overlooked. All you can see is the wilderness and the river! The Island tents, offering even more seclision, are reached by a rope suspension bridge and you have the option of breakfast on your deck and a personalized “butler” service.
The accommodation comprises two Island tents, measuring 6.5 x 4.5 metres, one twin bedded, one with a queen size bed; two Riverside tents, 4.5 x 3.5 metres, one double, one twin; and two Hillside tents, 3.5 x 3.2 metres, also double and twin. All tents are well appointed with cane armchairs and occasional tables on the extensive decks, and bedside tables. The Island and Riverside rooms also have dressing tables. Bed linen is of high quality cotton and quilts will keep you warm on cool winter nights. The luxury and standard tents have open-air, but very private, en-suite facilities, with waterless toilet, wash basins and hot showers. The economy units use the ablution block in the camp site.The camp site itself is serviced with hot showers and flushing toilets, a shaded deck with eating area, a barbecue, dishwashing facilities and a laundry area.
The main building, housing the restaurant, bar, reading and reception areas, is unique in Malawi. Built entirely of timber and thatch, right on the banks of the river, it has three main levels for dining and relaxation, as well as an upper viewing deck. Completely open sided, it provides shade and a cool breeze during the heat of the day, but you can dine under the stars in the evening on the open lower deck, or sit around the camp fire on cool nights.
Three meals per day are provided within the price: a full breakfast, with fruit salad and cereal; a salad-based lunch; and a three course dinner, with a vegetarian alternative. While we do not pretend to be cordon bleu, nevertheless our meals have been highly praised.
Lighting throughout is primarily with paraffin lanterns although small solar powered LED lamps will be used to provide illumination in the bathrooms. Taking the path back to your room after dinner, lit by the flickering flames of the lanterns is a magical experience. But bring a torch!
Given the nature of the terrain and the density of the vegetation, vehicle-based wildlife viewing is generally unrewarding. Walking safaris are offered, with a trained and armed game ranger. Walks are tailored to the wishes of the guests, varying from short strolls along the river to a nearby waterfall, to all-day hikes and, eventually, overnight safaris with fly camps. Sundowners at strategic points along the river are a particular highlight for many of our guests.
Activity weekends including bird watching and photography will be offered in 2010.
We consider community outreach as a key component of our operation. However, as far as is possible, we intend to assist local communities on a business-to-business basis. We do not believe that hand-outs and guests’ charity provide long-term benefits for local people. Apart from providing employment and training – all current personnel are from surrounding villages - we purchase food items locally and will provide assistance in producing the quality we require. We will also provide assistance in marketing local arts and crafts.
