LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK
Although only 220 sq miles (580 sq km), Liwonde is perhaps the most popular of all of Malawi’s game parks, with its beautiful riverine setting and teeming wildlife offering thrilling safaris. It is about 100 miles (160 km) north of Blantyre and only rather more than half that distance from the hotels on the Mangochi Lakeshore. Wildlife viewing is enhanced because the River Shire flows along its western border, allowing boat safaris as well as the usual ones on foot or in 4x4s.
Wildlife includes quite large numbers of elephants and the river attracts countless hippos and crocodiles. Lion, cheetah and wild dog have been recently reintroduced into Liwonde with the aid of African Parks who took over management of the Park in 2015 and who continue to turn Liwonde into a first class safari location. Antelope include kudu, sable and bushbuck. Leopards, hyaena and black rhino are also occasionally spotted. Birdlife is exceptionally varied. The river attracts fish eagles and weaver birds build their nests in the thin woodland. Pel’s fishing owl is often seen at dusk along the river’s edge.
As well as the safaris and its beautiful scenery, Liwonde offers a wonderful cultural experience through visits to one of the local villages just outside the park boundary.
Accommodation is first-class, with Mvuu Lodge and Kuthengo Camp both offering luxury experiences by the Shire River. Sister property to Mvuu Lodge, nearby Mvuu Camp also offers chalets as well as a camp site. To reach those lodges, visitors can approach by road and then be ferried across the river, they can drive through the park from its southern gate or they can use a pre-arranged boat from Liwonde town. There is also an airstrip near the lodges served by charter flights. New in 2020 wass Chimwala Bush Camp in the southern part of the park at the base of Chinguni Hill. It offers self catering in spacious en-suite safari tents.
Mvuu Lodge offers a luxurious stay and an intimate getaway in a secluded setting in Liwonde National Park, Malawi’s premier wildlife area. The Lodge overlooks a tranquil lagoon, in an area surrounded by lush vegetation and towering Borassus palms. Mvuu means “hippo” in Chichewa and the name of the lodge was inspired by the large pods of hippos that inhabit the surrounding waters of the Shire. Read More
Located on a large open plain stretching towards the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, you will find Kuthengo Camp nestled among Fever trees and Baobabs. With resident fish eagles nesting in these Baobabs, you will be woken to ‘Africa’s voice’ calling as you rise in this wild and natural paradise. Read More
Mvuu Camp is located in the heart of Liwonde National Park, one of Malawi’s premier wildlife destinations. The camp is an excellent option for guests who want to enjoy the ultimate bush experience in a comfortable and relaxed setting. Read More
