Safari to Liwonde
Malawi

Safari to Liwonde

Liwonde

is the best safari reserve

in Malawi

is the best safari reserve in Malawi

a beautiful landscape alongside the Shire River

At 548 square kilometres, Liwonde National Park is an important conservation area and the best known location for safari in Malawi.

The reserve lies on the eastern side of the Shire River, where it passes through Lake Malombe on the way north to feed into the southern tip of Lake Malawi.

It is an extremely beautiful place, with a mix of riverine, mopane and grassland habitats, set against the backdrop of Rift Valley escarpments and containing good populations of elephants, hippos and crocodiles in particular, as well as a really superb range of birds.

The main activity is motorboat safari, which really can be excellent, supported by vehicle safari and some modest walking safari.

The shortage of large predators in Liwonde means that visitor numbers remain low, which is unfortunate from a conservation perspective, but a boon to the few travellers who come to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes and more subtle wildlife appeal.

Clearly the place is better suited to more experienced safari travellers, who tend to be less concerned about the lack of predators. It’s also a very attractive option for birders.

We find that it also combines really well with South Luangwa in Zambia, where guests can get their fill of predators before coming down here for a more relaxed experience out on the river.

Liwonde is the best safari area in Malawi, both for wildlife and scenery. It tends to be included in almost every trip.

The usual stay duration is 3-4 nights.

Getting around

The Liwonde area is usually accessed by road transfer from the international airports at Lilongwe in around 4 hours or Blantyre in around 3 hours.

Connections to most other properties around Malawi are also made by road.

There is a local airstrip in Liwonde, should you prefer to charter a plane.

Where to stay

There are less than a handful of quality camps in the Liwonde area. The original facilities of Mvuu Lodge and the slightly simpler Mvuu Camp have arguably been overtaken by the more recent Kuthengo Camp, although that is also very simple.

relatively low chances of serious predator action

let us know your thoughts about Malawi

and we will help you create the perfect safari

let us know your thoughts about Malawi and we will help you create the perfect safari

Extraordinary tailor-made adventures,
from earthy and edgy to easy and extravagant

From around USD 2500 per person, you set the ceiling

Sample Trips

Get started on your trip

It’s never too soon to get in touch, we are here to help with every stage of your planning.

Key Locations

Malawi
Africa

Malawi

Encircled by Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Malawi is a beautiful and very authentic little country, a quiet backwater renowned for its beautiful lake and beaches …
Africa

Africa

There are well over a hundred quality safari areas in Africa, contained within around a dozen countries. Each location has its own unique climate, landscapes …
Lake Malawi
Malawi

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is a vast inland sea, renowned for its prolific endemic fish species. It contains some gorgeous tropical islands and is surrounded by pretty …
Zambia
Africa

Zambia

Zambia is a substantial land-locked country in Southern Africa, best known for the Victoria Falls, but also with a handful of superb remote safari areas …
South Africa
Africa

South Africa

South Africa is a vast and incredibly diverse country, with far more highlights than could ever be included in a single trip. Most people start …
Livingstone
Zambia

Livingstone

Set in the south of Zambia and home to the Victoria Falls, Livingstone is one of the most alluring locations in Africa, surprisingly pleasant and …
South Luangwa
Zambia

South Luangwa

Set in eastern Zambia, some 850 km northeast of Victoria Falls, South Luangwa is one of the finest safari areas in Africa, with very rich …
Kruger
South Africa

Kruger

Set in the northeast of South Africa, Kruger is a vast conservation area, the most popular safari destination on the continent, renowned for easy wildlife …
Johannesburg
South Africa

Johannesburg

Set to the northeast of South Africa, Johannesburg is the great commercial heart of the country and the main transport hub, a sprawling mess of …

Please rotate your screen.