Foreslake Limited (trading as Tongole Wilderness Lodge) has signed a private concession with African Parks Network which manages the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in central Malawi, covering 1,800 square kilometres of pristine woodland landscapes. The lodge has quickly established a reputation as one of the best lodges in Malawi which has been recognized in the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Safari Awards.

Foreslake Limited was formed in 2009 in memory of Vitu Kalanga, but with a difference from the usual. Vitu died in the UK on 31st January 2007 in a tragic car accident at the age of 16. His familiy then decided to create a two-fold project: A lodge running as sustainable business which would create employment and training opportunities in a very deprived part of Malawi on the one hand; and a Foundation on the other hand, that would work with the local community to enhance their livelihood. The approach was implemented by creating a mutually beneficial relationship between the operator, community and guests through conservation of the environment and wildlife.

Vision: The company’s vision is a business which benefits owners, community and guests.

Mission:  The company’s mission is to offer employment opportunities to local community and excellent hospitality experience to guests in a pristine natural environment of Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

Tongole Wilderness Lodge desires to represent hope and compassion; motivated by personal tragedy with the primary aim of benefitting many. It is an exciting and evolving story in a particularly disadvantaged region of Malawi. 

Conservation Highlights:

1. To protect the natural surroundings by promoting low environmental impact activities: most activities at the lodge are non-motorized and typically foot-based or river-based
2. To create employment and training opportunities for local people living in the peripheral areas of the reserve
3. To work with the community to promote formal education, conservation of the environment and wildlife education amongst children in schools
4. To promote alternative ways of earning livelihoods other than from poaching in the communities around the Wildlife Reserve
5. To ensure guests interface with the communities to learn about the local culture

Future Aims:

1. To provide excellent hospitality that makes guests appreciate the pristine environment
2. To improve and provide school infrastructures such as classrooms, desks and teachers houses
3. To create livelihood projects in the community that cater for the needs of the local lodges (vegetables growing, poultry keeping, bee keeping etc.)
4. To work with African Parks to control the infestation of Tsetse flies in the protected area
5. To train local staff in order to obtain formal certification in the specified area of their work

Images provided.