Into Malawi
Lake Malawi
Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge
This hilltop lodge with just ten suites is found in Zambia's vast South Luangwa National Park. Home to probably the highest con...
Malawi Regions
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, Liwonde National Park, Malawi
At a Glance...
Style: Classic tented camp
Our opinion: Gorgeous 4 star camp that is definitely Malawi's premier safari camp
Accommodation: 7 twin-bedded tents with ensuite shower and 1 honeymoon tent with bath. Our advice - Request tent 5 as it has the best views
And the kids? 6 years and older are welcome
Activities: Day and night game drives, river safaris, walking, hide sits, mountain biking and a village visit
Highlights: Spectacular setting on a lagoon of the Shire River; Interesting ever-changing scenery; Probably the best year-round birding in southern Africa; Malawi's only Big 5 reserve; Community involvement
Situated to the south of Lake Malawi in Liwonde National Park
With an enchanting setting on the banks of a lagoon off the Shire River, Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is one of only two camps in Liwonde National Park, southern Malawi. Despite its small size Liwonde National Park incorporates a diversity of landscapes which results in some really rewarding game viewing. Forming the park's western boundary, the extensive floodplains of the wide and scenic Shire River hosts some of the largest herds of sable left in Africa along with waterbuck, impala, reedbuck, oribi, kudu and buffalo as well as Malawi's largest population of elephant. Riverine forest, mopane woodland, open savannah country and hills in the interior all add to the natural beauty of Liwonde. Birdlife is prolific with Liwonde being regarded as one of the finest birding spots in Africa - both for the number of species and the relative ease with which the 'specials' can be seen.
Small and intimate Mvuu Wilderness Lodge makes the most of its attractive lagoon setting. Set amongst thick riverine vegetation are eight tents complete with en suite shower facilities and private verandas that look out onto the palm-fringed lagoon. Situated conveniently close to the main lodge building are tents 1-4. With a view both up and down the lagoon and a large outdoor bathtub tent 5 is perfect for honeymoon couples. About 200 metres from the main guest areas tents 6, 7 and 8 are the most spacious and secluded. To make the most of the view of the lagoon and Shire River the dining room, bar and lounge areas are raised off the ground and are linked to a hide and natural rock swimming pool by a wooden walk way.
Activities are many and varied and include morning, afternoon and night game drives, walking in the company of experienced guides and hide sits. River cruises where it is possible to get close to hippo and huge Nile crocodile are a highlight. Mountain bicycle rides and a visit to a local village are also incredibly popular; an overnight stay in a traditional rural Malawian village can be easily arranged. There is a black rhino reintroduction programme and it is possible (with special permission) to visit the Rhino Sanctuary in the park, which also has reintroduced Lichtenstein's hartebeest and buffalo.
One of the attractions of Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is the incessant activity that can be enjoyed from the comfort of one's private veranda. Birdlife is abundant, crocodile activity is plentiful and in the dry months a constant stream of game make their way down to the lagoon to drink. It's not unusual for guests, especially keen birders, to spend at least one morning or afternoon in camp rather than going out on an activity.
Want more? Consider combining with these great properties...
