A New Chapter for Bua River Lodge – Malawi’s Wildest Secret

Tucked away on the edge of the magnificent Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is Bua River Lodge. With its 6 safari tents, Bua has always been something of a hidden gem. Unlike the open plains and, at times, over-touristed game viewing areas of East Africa, the luxury safari lodges of Southern Africa, or even Malawi’s more accessible national parks, Nkhotakota offers something increasingly rare: a true sense of untouched wilderness, where dense forests, winding rivers and rugged mountains create an authentic safari experience that feels wild, remote and wonderfully uncrowded.

So where is Bua River Lodge exactly? Introducing Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve

As Malawi’s oldest and largest protected area, covering almost 700 square miles, Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is one of the country’s last great wildernesses. Located in central Malawi, approximately 125 miles north of the capital Lilongwe, this is a landscape of rugged mountains, ancient miombo woodland, winding rivers and remarkable biodiversity. Here, the forest feels endless, birdsong replaces the sounds of everyday life, and every game drive or guided walk carries the excitement of genuine exploration.

The Bua River flows through the heart of this wilderness, changing with the seasons; from a powerful rushing river during the rains to a landscape of sandy banks, dramatic sculpted boulders and tranquil pools in the dry months. For guests at Bua River Lodge, the river is more than a backdrop; it’s the soul of the lodge, shaping the pace, atmosphere and unforgettable moments spent on and around its banks.

To see some drone footage of the Bua River click here.

The Remarkable Revival of Nkhotakota

Over the last decade, Nkhotakota has undergone one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. In 2015, African Parks assumed management of the reserve in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife, embarking on an ambitious restoration program. Years of poaching and habitat degradation had dramatically reduced wildlife populations, but a long-term vision for recovery was soon transforming the landscape.

One of the most significant milestones came with the historic translocation of more than 500 elephants from Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve into Nkhotakota – at the time, this was the largest elephant relocation ever undertaken in Africa. Alongside elephants came buffalo, sable, waterbuck, warthog, impala and other species, helping to restore ecological balance across the reserve.

Today, visitors have the opportunity to encounter elephants, buffalo, leopard, hyena, antelope and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife, all within a reserve that still feels wonderfully untouched. Conservation efforts continue, with anti-poaching initiatives, community partnerships and habitat restoration, all ensuring that Nkhotakota remains one of Malawi’s greatest wilderness treasures for generations to come.

For guests staying at Bua River Lodge, this remarkable conservation journey unfolds right on the lodge’s doorstep.

A Dream Years in the Making

For the Bua River Lodge’s new owners, Tash and Bryn Stott, taking over the lodge is much more than just a business venture, it’s the fulfilment of a dream that began over a decade ago. “We started going to Bua River Lodge in our twenties when we were living in Blantyre, around 2013,” says Tash. “I’m born and raised in Malawi, but I met Bryn while we were both at university in the UK and persuaded him to move back home with me.” Back then, Bua River Lodge was a very different place. “Bua in 2013 was a pretty sleepy place, owned and run by an eccentric photographer and fisherman called John. African Parks weren’t involved in the reserve yet, and although there were a few elephants around, there wasn’t much game. It was simply this wonderfully peaceful place on the river.”

John’s hospitality left a lasting impression. “He would rustle up some fairly questionable dinners from whatever happened to be in the kitchen, but everything was prepared with such care and served by candle light, on a table beneath the stars, on the riverbank. Somehow it always tasted incredible because the whole experience was so magical.”

That’s a memory Tash has never forgotten. “Although things have changed enormously since then, with the elephant translocation and the incredible restoration work by African Parks, the essence of the lodge is still here. That sleepy riverside feeling is something we’re desperate to preserve and nurture… The rustic wooden boma is still exactly as John built it, and the Bua River listens to no man. Whether it’s flowing full during the rainy season or revealing its sandy banks and fascinating boulders during the dry season, it’s still the majestic and magical centerpiece of the lodge.”

Taking a Leap of Faith

Eight years ago, when the lodge first came onto the market, Tash and Bryn dreamed of buying it, but life had other plans. “We weren’t in a financial position, and if we’re honest, we probably weren’t brave enough either.” When the opportunity arose again earlier this year, they knew they couldn’t let it slip away. “We’ve taken a big leap of faith. We’ve never worked in hospitality. But we love the bush, we love birding, we love beautiful spaces. Most importantly, we believe this special place deserves to thrive.”

Like many new business owners, they are learning every day. “We’ve definitely made a few mistakes already, and we’re learning from them. Owning a lodge isn’t glamorous most of the time, it’s bathroom maintenance, balance sheets and stock management, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. For us it’s both a creative project and a conservation venture.”

A Lodge for Families, Birders and Nature Lovers

Tash and Bryn are also raising two young children, who already share their parents’ passion for wildlife and adventure. “Our children love the bush, birding, animals, insects, swing bridges and exploring. We hope they’ll grow up loving this place, and we’d like Bua River Lodge to become somewhere that warmly welcomes families, because that’s not always the case in the safari industry.”

As a passionate birder herself, Tash is also keen to create an inclusive environment. “As a female birder, and now a safari business owner, I sometimes feel underrepresented. We want Bua to be a place where everyone feels welcome to pursue their interests, whether that’s birding, photography, walking or simply enjoying the bush with confidence.”

Looking Ahead

The vision for Bua River Lodge isn’t one of dramatic transformation. Instead, it’s about thoughtful improvements while protecting everything that has always made the lodge special. Plans include adding a swimming pool, refreshing the interiors and introducing a simple, delicious menu centered on fresh local produce. One exciting idea is to source local honey and chilies grown through African Parks’ chili-fence program, which helps reduce human-elephant conflict while providing valuable income for neighboring farming communities. Above all, however, the goal is simple. “We want to restore that feeling of wonderful hospitality and unforgettable moments by the river, surrounded by stars, trees, elephants and leopards.”

As Tash says, “Bua River Lodge is about an authentic experience in a wild and beautiful place. We’re the opposite of the classic Serengeti safari with hundreds of vehicles surrounding a single sighting.  Nkhotakota is quiet, expansive and genuinely wild. We hope our guests will feel that, and fall in love with it as much as we have.”

Bua River Lodge reopens in August 2026. Contact info@buariverlodge.com for more details.