Liwonde National Park: A Home to Abundant Wildlife and Awe-Inspiring Beauty
Nestled in the lower Shire River valley of Malawi, Liwonde National Park is a mesmerizing and diverse wildlife refuge that is home to a wide variety of species. With its lush wetlands, pristine woodlands, and sprawling savannahs, Liwonde is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast.
Liwonde National Park Overview
Liwonde National Park covers an area of 548 km2 and is situated in the district of Machinga in Malawi. Established in 1973, the park is home to a wide array of wildlife species, including elephants, Cape buffalos, hippos, Crocodiles, and numerous other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The park is also renowned for its prolific birdlife, with over 360 recorded species.
Liwonde National Park is divided into two sections – the Mvuu Game Reserve in the north and the Mvuu Wilderness area in the south. The Mvuu Game Reserve is a popular tourist destination, offering game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks. The Mvuu Wilderness area is a much quieter area, and is ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
What to Do in Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The most popular activities include game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks. During game drives, visitors can admire the park’s wildlife from the comfort of their vehicle. Boat safaris provide an opportunity to get up close and personal with the park’s hippos and crocodiles, as well as explore the park’s impressive birdlife. Guided walks offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s diverse vegetation and wildlife in more detail.
Other activities in Liwonde National Park include fishing, canoeing, and camping. Fishing is a popular activity in the park, with anglers able to catch a variety of species such as tilapia, catfish, and barbel. Canoeing is an excellent way to explore the park’s waterways, and take in some of the park’s amazing birdlife. Finally, camping is a great way to get back to nature, and is a popular activity among visitors.
Accommodation in Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. The park has two permanent campsites – Mvuu Lodge and Mvuu Camp – which offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury tents to rustic camping.
The park also has a variety of self-catering lodges and cottages, as well as a number of guesthouses and lodges located outside of the park. For those looking to stay in more rustic accommodation, there are also a number of bush camps and campsites located within the park.
How to Get to Liwonde National Park
The nearest airport to Liwonde National Park is Blantyre International Airport, located around 90 km away. From here, visitors can make use of the park’s shuttle services which run daily between the airport and the park. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi or hire a car to get to the park.
Visiting Liwonde National Park
Visitors to Liwonde National Park must obtain a permit prior to entering the park. These can be obtained from the park’s main entrance gate, or from the park headquarters. It is important to note that visitors should always follow the park rules and regulations, and be respectful of the wildlife and environment.