Liwonde National Park
Overview
Malawi Parks
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Malawi.
Liwonde NP feels like a true wilderness. Its lifeline, the Shire River, is one of Africa’s great waterways, and boat trips are highly recommended. The river supports large populations of hippo and crocodile, and elephant are encountered along the shore. A great community project run by CAWS in the park is the aptly named Children in the Wilderness, a life skills program for disadvantaged children.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Poaching was once a major problem in Liwonde, but this has improved dramatically since the involvement of the African Parks organization. The Big Five are present. Elephant is common and can often be seen around the Shire River. Lion and cheetah have been reintroduced recently and black rhino is protected in a fenced-off area. The river teems with hippo and crocodile, and the park supports a good variety of antelope.
Scenery
Liwonde is a very scenic park, with the Shire River its focal point. Big, lush swampy areas with borassus palms fringe the waterways and give that real heart-of-Africa wilderness appeal. Impala lilies bring bursts of color to the dry interior most of the year, and an array of wildflowers are plentiful during the rainy season.
Weather & Climate
Although the climate is quite hot throughout the year, Liwonde experiences defined Dry and Wet seasons. The Dry season months, from May to October, are cooler overall, though temperatures spike in October just before the rains start. December to February are the wettest months; expect daily downpours. At this time roads deteriorate. By the end of the rains, a boat shuttle might be the only way to reach the camp.
Best Time To Visit
The middle and end of the Dry season (July to October) offer the best wildlife-viewing opportunities. During these months, animals are easier to spot as they are drawn to the river and other water sources. This is especially the case towards the end of the Dry season (though October can be unbearably hot). The lush emerald season (the Wet season) has its own appeal, especially for keen bird watchers, although roads can be hard to navigate at this time.
Want To Visit Liwonde NP?
Safari Tours to Liwonde NP
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![13-Day Malawi Honeymoon Safari]()
13-Day Malawi Honeymoon Safari
$5,235 pp (USD)
Malawi: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Blantyre (Start), Majete WR, Liwonde NP, Lake Malawi, Lilongwe (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.9/5 – 133 Reviews
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![12-Day Malawi Highlights Tour]()
12-Day Malawi Highlights Tour
$7,265 to $7,995 pp (USD)
Malawi: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Blantyre (Start), Majete WR, Thyolo Mountains, Liwonde NP, Lake Malawi, Lilongwe (End)
Crafted Africa
5.0/5 – 57 Reviews
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![11-Day Best of Wildlife]()
11-Day Best of Wildlife
$6,060 to $6,600 pp (USD)
Malawi & Zambia: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Blantyre (Start), Majete WR, Zomba Plateau, Liwonde NP, Dzalanyama Forest, South Luangwa NP, Mfuwe (End)
Land & Lake Safaris
4.6/5 – 24 Reviews
