Prior to Kuti becoming a wildlife reserve, the 3000-hectares of land was a successful cattle ranch. It was run by the Malawi Government in co-operation with the German Government as a breeding station to improve cattle and genetics. The programme was disbanded due to changes in government, and Kuti was acquired from the privatisation commission of Malawi in 1998 by the Wildlife Producers and Hunters Association of Malawi (WPHAM). 

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In 2009, the committee of WPHAM formed a group of Trustees and created Kuti Community Wildlife Trust on the land to operate as a conservation project, along with being an animal breeding site free from any hunting. This provides an essential haven for some of Malawi’s beautiful wildlife and forested areas. The increasing human/wildlife conflict made protecting the flora and fauna Kuti’s main priority - along with being an eco-tourism destination.

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In order for Kuti to become self-sustainable, promoting tourism and offering guests a safe and exciting environment to visit became our new focus. Both individuals and families can spend time walking in the solitude and safety of the African bushveld synonymous with Kuti. Kuti has no predators due to the size of the area being too small for animals such as elephant, hippo, buffalo, lion, leopard or rhino. This gives Kuti an appeal that no other reserves in Malawi can, being truly family friendly.

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No animals have been hunted in Kuti since acquisition in 1998 (even during the period of WPHAM) apart from illegal poaching which management has mitigated through the employment of scouts and through sensitization of the surrounding communities.

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