Nkhotakota

Nkhotakota is located in the center of Malawi's central backcountry. It's verdant and pretty, with green dashes of miombo woods, cut through by several winding rivers (all on their way to Lake Malawi's waters), and backed by the eponymous Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

Most visitors will come here to seek out the acclaimed safari lodges that cling to the edge of the waters, to marvel at tropical birds and possibly see elephants, buffalo, and even leopards in the wild. Nkhotakota has a few beachside lodges. The best beaches, lodges, and pottery can be found a few kilometers south of town, off the M5.

Nkhotakota is one of the ports visited by the famous mv Ilala ferry on its weekly journey up and down Lake Malawi, and it is also the home of the Nkhotakota Pottery, which has established a completely new range of pottery products unique to Malawi in recent years, using special pottery porcelain, colors, and glazes of extremely high international standards. It is possible to take a pottery course as well as observe their potters at work and purchase items from their shop.

The fast-growing Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is accessible from the M5 to the north of town.

• Location: Central Malawi