​Overview – Lengwe NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

The original reserve here was set aside to protect the most northerly surviving population of nyala antelope. The park is now a stronghold of this rare mammal, but it is otherwise low key, lacking most of the big safari animals. However, the well-priced lodge and accessibility for self-drive visitors make it a worthwhile destination.

Best Time To Go July to October (Dry bush, animals are easy to find)
High Season July to October (The park never gets very busy)
Size 887km² / 342mi²
Altitude 78-166m / 256-545ft

Pros & Cons

  • Low-key, off-the-beaten-track destination
  • Comfortable mid-range lodge in the park
  • Stronghold of the rare nyala antelope
  • Game drives and walking safaris are available
  • Only one lodge in the park
  • Small park with limited road network
  • Limited variety of wildlife

Lengwe NP Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • User Rating
    0.0/5
    0 Reviews
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Wildlife

Lengwe is not a Big Five destination. If you are lucky, you might see buffalo. Elephant, rhino and lion are absent. You might see some leopard tracks, but these big cats are very shy and rarely seen. The main attraction is the stately nyala antelope. Other mammals you might see include impala, duiker, greater kudu, bushbuck, warthog, baboon and samango and vervet monkey. Spotted hyena is often heard at night.

Scenery

Lengwe is in the Shire Valley and is mostly densely vegetated, especially along the rivers. The wooded savannah is dotted with pockets of impressive baobab and palm trees. Several watering holes are a focal point for wildlife in the Dry season.

Weather & Climate

Lengwe has defined Dry and Wet seasons. The rains occur from November to April. At this time, afternoon showers are common and humidity is high throughout the day. The Dry season months from May to October are cooler overall, although temperatures peak in October just before the rains start. The middle of the Dry season sees pleasant daytime temperatures and cold nights.

Best Time To Visit

The Dry season (May to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing in Lengwe. At this time, animals congregate around the waterholes close to the camp and the accessible driving circuit. Daytime temperatures are quite pleasant in the middle of the Dry season but it can get chilly at night. Warm clothing for early morning drives is recommended. Midday temperatures can be uncomfortably hot in October at the end of the Dry season.

Want To Visit Lengwe NP?

Lengwe Operators

Lengwe NP Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • User Rating
    0.0/5
    0 Reviews
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Ariadne van Zandbergen  –  
South Africa ZA

Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer whose work is featured in many well-known guidebooks and magazines.

Where the buffalo and nyala roam
3/5

There is nothing earth-shattering about this park, but if you’re looking for pleasant midrange accommodation and the ability to self-drive, this affordable place might just work for you. There is plenty of wildlife around the lodge, but...

Full Review