Malawi’s second-largest national park, Kasungu National Park forms a cross-border ecosystem with Zambia’s wildlife-rich Luangwa Valley. Once heavily poached, it has enjoyed a new lease of life in partnership with the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) since 2015. The eastern boundary of the park is being fenced to reduce conflict between wildlife and local communities, while the western border will remain open to allow free movement of animals from Zambia. Wildlife densities are low, but with realistic expectations you can enjoy an affordable bush experience at Kasungu’s only lodge, located at Lifupa Dam.
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Best Time To Go
- July to October (Dry bush; animals are easier to find)
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High Season
- July to October (Though the park is never busy)
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Size
- 2,316km² / 894mi²
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Altitude
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995-1,289m /3,264-4,229ft
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Pros & Cons
- Off-the-beaten-track destination
- Well-priced budget lodge and campsite overlooking Lifupa Dam
- and night drives can usually be arranged at the park headquarters
- Guided available
- Four of the Big Five recorded (no rhino)
- Low wildlife densities, and animals are very skittish
- No upmarket or mid-range accommodations
- The lodge has no restaurant, only a self-catering kitchen and bar
- Tsetse flies are a problem in some areas
Wildlife
Wildlife is varied in Kasungu but densities are low. Elephant numbers increased from 50 in 2015 to around 500 in 2024, thanks partly to the translocation of 260 individuals in 2022. In the drier months, elephant and buffalo often come to drink alongside Lifupa Dam’s resident hippos. Leopards are present, and lions and African wild dogs occasionally venture across from Zambia. Common antelope include puku, waterbuck and sable, but you might also see Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, impala, greater kudu, roan and reedbuck.
Scenery
The lodge and campsite are located in a beautiful spot overlooking Lifupa Dam. Sunrise over the lake is particularly evocative, with mist rising, hippos snorting, fish eagles calling, and waders bobbing around the shore. Those feeling energetic can climb Black Rock for views over the endless expanse of bush and to see the sunset. The park features several prehistoric sites where you can see rock paintings and iron-smelting kilns.
Activities
Kasungu is traversed by a well-maintained network of wildlife-viewing roads. On self-drive , you might want to take a ranger to help you find your way around. You also need to take a ranger if you want to do your own night drive. If you don’t have a vehicle, the park headquarters can usually arrange game drives and night drives. Guided walks are permitted and include the short but steep ascent of Black Rock.
Weather & Climate
The weather and climate of Kasungu is comparable to that of Malawi in general. More information:
Best Time To Visit
Kasungu can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time for wildlife viewing is from July to October, during the middle and end of the Dry season (May to October). At this time, elephants, buffalo and other animals are drawn to Lifupa Dam to drink. In the Wet season (November to April), wildlife is widely dispersed and difficult to see in the tangled woodland.
Getting There
Kasungu is quite accessible, and Lifupa Lodge can usually be reached in any type of vehicle. The park is about 175km/110mi north of Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, and the drive takes 3 to 4 hours*. It makes for a convenient and inexpensive overnight stop when driving between Lilongwe and more northerly destinations such as the city of Mzuzu and Nyika National Park.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Health & Safety
Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Malawi, as well as our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below for more information: