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Safaris in Liwonde National Park
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Liwonde National Park guide
Overview
Liwonde National Park in southern Malawi stretches along the Shire River, the only outlet of Lake Malawi. Created in 1973 and covering about 548 km², it is a park of river channels, lagoons, floodplains, palm savannah and mopane woodland, with low hills rising in the east.
Since 2015 the park has been managed by the conservation organisation African Parks in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife. Poaching has been brought under control, snares removed and the park fenced, and several key species have been reintroduced. Hundreds of elephants were also moved from Liwonde to other Malawian parks to reduce pressure on the habitat.
The park’s northern boundary reaches Lake Malombe, and its western edge follows the Shire River, with the busy town of Liwonde just outside the southern boundary. A fenced rhino sanctuary has protected black rhino here since the 1990s, and the park’s recovery has made it one of the most rewarding wildlife destinations in Malawi, at a fraction of the crowds found in better-known parks elsewhere.
The river is the park’s lifeline and its biggest attraction. Boat safaris drift past hippos, crocodiles and elephants coming down to drink, while the floodplains support rich birdlife. Liwonde pairs well with a stay on the shores of Lake Malawi and with Majete Wildlife Reserve further south.
Wildlife
Liwonde has large numbers of hippo and Nile crocodile along the Shire River, and elephant are common. Buffalo, sable, waterbuck, kudu, impala, warthog and bushbuck are widespread.
Reintroductions have restored the park’s predators. Cheetah were brought back in 2017, after an absence of decades, and lion followed in 2018. African wild dog have also been reintroduced. Black rhino are protected in a fenced sanctuary within the park.
Birdlife is excellent, with more than 400 species recorded. Along the river look for Pel’s fishing owl, African skimmers, fish eagles, kingfishers and the colourful Lilian’s lovebird, which is found in the park’s mopane woodland.
Key wildlife
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: May–Oct. Also good: Nov–Dec.
Peak Good Quieter
The dry season, from about May to October, is the best time for game viewing. As water sources dry up, animals gather along the Shire River, and the vegetation thins. October and November are very hot.
The rainy season, from about December to April, is green and lush, with migrant birds and newborn animals, but some roads may close and wildlife spreads out. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended at this time.
For birdwatchers, November to March is especially rewarding, when migrant species arrive from Europe and elsewhere in Africa and many resident birds are in breeding plumage.
Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about prevention before you travel.
Getting There
Liwonde is about two and a half to three hours by road from Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, and around four to five hours from Lilongwe. Charter flights can also be arranged to the park’s airstrip.
Self-driving is permitted on the park’s roads, and community guides can be hired at the main gate to accompany you. Gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00. Some lodges are reached by boat across the river.
Fees & Access
Entrance fees
On the park’s published rate sheet, international adults pay US$30 and children aged 7–11 US$15. SADC residents pay US$15 per adult and US$8 per child, and Malawian citizens US$5. Each vehicle pays US$5. The sheet lists these rates per person per night, so confirm the basis when you book.
Activities run by the park are extra, for example boat safaris, game drives and walks from US$25 per person and sundowner drives US$35.
Gate hours
06:00–18:00
Health
Malaria risk: High. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.
Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.
Things to Do
Boat safaris on the Shire River are the signature experience, offering close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds.
Game drives, including sundowner drives, explore the floodplains and woodland in search of predators and plains game.
Guided walks with an armed scout, in the dry season, offer a closer look at the bush.
Birdwatching is rewarding all year, especially along the river.
Community visits to neighbouring villages show how the park supports local people.
Explore Malawi’s other parks, such as Majete, browse all safaris, or plan your safari with us.
Location
Where is Liwonde National Park?
Good to know
Liwonde National Park FAQs
How much are Liwonde National Park fees?
On the park’s published rate sheet, international adults pay US$30, children aged 7–11 US$15, SADC residents US$15 and Malawian citizens US$5, plus US$5 per vehicle. Activities are charged separately.
What animals can you see in Liwonde?
Liwonde has elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo and sable, as well as reintroduced lion, cheetah, wild dog and black rhino. More than 400 bird species have been recorded.
What is the best time to visit Liwonde?
The dry season from about May to October is best for game viewing, when animals gather along the Shire River. November to March is best for birding.
Can you do a boat safari in Liwonde?
Yes. Boat safaris on the Shire River are the park’s signature activity, with close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds.
How do you get to Liwonde National Park?
The park is about two and a half to three hours by road from Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre, and four to five hours from Lilongwe. Charter flights can also be arranged.
What are the gate times in Liwonde?
The park gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00.
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