The lush and wild Liwonde National Park lies to the south of Lake Malawi with a similar climate. It offers the best game-viewing in Malawi. This is largely because of the Shire river, (pronounced Shiree) which drains Lake Malawi. This broad and languid river is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Riverine forest and palms fringe its banks, whilst its wide floodplains stretches out to over 3km in places.
Arriving by riverboat as the best way to see its beauty. The scenic Shire river is a vital life source for the park’s animals in the dry season. Liwonde has one of the densest populations of hippo in Africa (some 1000). As well as huge sun-bathing crocodiles which line the river.
The large breeding herds of elephants love the grass-covered floodplains. And you may also see impala, reedbuck, waterbuck & warthog, even lion and the elusive leopard. Whilst buffalo, kudu, and impala inhabit the woodlands beyond the floodplains.
Birding in Liwonde National Park
Birdlife is prolific in Liwonde with over 380 recorded species. Liwonde offers probably the best year-round birding in Southern Africa. ‘Specials’ include Pel’s fishing owl, white-backed night heron, Böhm’s bee-eater, and Lilian’s lovebird.
TIPS":
- Easy to combine with the southern Lake Malawi resorts of Makakola or Pumulani.
- Comfortable drive to Satemwe tea plantations and the Majete Game Reserve.
