Page 759 - WhereToStayEbook2026

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CUATIR NATURE RESERVE
CAUTIR NATURE RESERVE
+264811288510 | stefan@angola-uncharted-safari.com
https://angola-uncharted-safari.com
Cuatir Nature Reserve is a private conservation area and safari park in Angola's eastern
Cuando Cubango province, established to restore ecosystems and wildlife devastated by
conflict and poaching. It features woodlands, wetlands, and floodplains within the
Okavango catchment, now supporting growing elephant herds, sable antelope, and other
species like reintroduced giraffes and zebras. The reserve is a pioneering example of
private conservation in Angola, with efforts underway to revive its status as a significant
wildlife sanctuary and a destination for ecotourism.
KEY ASPECTS OF CUATIR:
LOCATION: Situated in the Cuando Cubango province of southeastern Angola, between
the Cubango and Cuito rivers.
CONSERVATION FOCUS: Established to combat widespread poaching and habitat
destruction that had pushed species like elephants and rhinos to the brink.
WILDLIFE: Hosts a diverse range of species, including elephants, sable antelope,
warthogs, zebras, giraffes, and numerous bird species.
ECOSYSTEM: Features miombo woodlands, wetlands, floodplains, and seasonal pans
that form a critical part of the larger Okavango catchment ecosystem.
PRIVATE INITIATIVE: Created by Namibian conservationist Stefan Van Wyk, it is
becoming one of Africa's largest private safari parks, aiming to benefit local communities
and the economy.
TOURISM POTENTIAL: Though still in its early stages of development, the remoteness
and raw beauty of Cuatir attract tourists seeking unique, undeveloped wildlife
experiences, with efforts to build more infrastructure.
SPECIES REINTRODUCTION: Has seen the successful reintroduction of giraffes and
zebras, with plans to bring in more elephants from Namibia to restore its past wildlife
populations.
Today Cuatir is a developed conservation area consisting of some 40,000 hectares. We
have a base camp with six premium chalets, catering for fly-in safaris as well as a bush
camp catering for self-drive visitors who wants to experience the solitude and wildlife of
this natural wonder.
Activities include wildlife tracking with a San guide, a drive through the immaculate
Woodland Savannah forest by quad-bike, a boat cruise on the Cubango river (one of the contributors of the water to the Okavango Delta) or a dugout canoe cruise on the Cuatir
river, searching for the elusive Sitatunga that use the Cuatir river islands as their home.
here you can experience dinner overlooking the Cuatir floodplains in a tree house dining
room, build in an old rosewood tree on top of a sand dune.
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