© Richard Randall

Caribbean

Sundries

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Liwonde National Park

Landscape

Liwonde National Park is situated on the east bank of the Shire (pronounced "shi-ray") River, at the southern end of Lake Malombe. The park is long, thin and flat, with hills towards the southern tip.

Flora and fauna

To view animals, the best time to visit Liwonde is in the dry season when they come to the river to drink. Animals living in the park include: elephant, hippo, Burchell's zebra, black rhino (very rarely seen), warthog, greater kudu, vervet monkey, baboon, impala, mongoose, crocodile and monitor lizard.

A wide variety of birds can be seen all year round. Among them, of course, is also the African Fish Eagle, Malawi's official bird. The birds are actually one of the main attractions of the park, for those who are somewhat knowledgeable in the field. Vegetation includes some spectacular baobab trees.

Climate

Liwonde National Park is in one of the hottest, most humid areas of Malawi.

Get in

A boat runs regularly from Liwonde town to Mvuu Camp and Lodge.

To drive to Mvuu Camp and Lodge, turn off the M3 at the village of Ulongwe (about a third of the way between Liwonde and Mangotchi). From there it's a 14km drive along dirt roads to the edge of the park, and another 1km to the river where you can leave your vehicle and get a boat across the river to Mvuu Camp and Lodge.

Bicycle taxis can be arranged from Ulongwe, but they are not for the faint hearted.

You can also drive in from the south (the turning is just outside Liwonde town, to the east). This is the entrance to use if you are staying at Chinguini Hills Camp. From the south entrance it's about a 30km drive inside the park to Mvuu Camp and Lodge and the roads can be difficult. Seek advice before attempting to reach Mvuu this way.

Do

The park offers some very nice Safari. You can either go by 4wd for some "regular" safari drive, or you have the option to take a Canoe Safari tour, which is pretty cool & very relaxing, plus you get to see the hippos just near you (not too close, because they CAN be dangerous). Yet another option, is to take a walking tour in the park, also a very nice way to explore this relatively small, but very beautiful, park. All Safari activities can, of course, be organized inside the park, no need to book in advance, or anything like that. The guides, and any other staff, are all very welcoming.

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