Malawi’s flagship park, transformed by African Parks into a Big Five destination along the Shire River. Boat safaris glide past huge concentrations of elephant, hippo and crocodile, while reintroduced lion, cheetah and black rhino roam the mopane and floodplain.
Ratings
Wildlife Density: ★★★★☆ Infrastructure: ★★★★☆ Photography: ★★★★★
Adventure: ★★★★☆ Exclusivity: ★★★★☆ Price: $$ Scenery: ★★★★☆
Key wildlife: Elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, hippo, sable, 400+ birds
Best for: Boat safaris, Big Five, birders, first-time Malawi
Best time: May–November (dry; best game viewing)
Wildlife & Ecology
The Shire River floodplain meets mopane and mixed woodland, supporting dense populations of hippo and crocodile alongside elephant, buffalo and antelope, with more than 400 bird species recorded. Predator numbers are still being carefully managed within a relatively compact, fenced landscape.
Best Time to Visit
May to October is the dry season and the best time for wildlife concentrated near the river, though heat builds late in the season. November to April is green and humid with excellent birding, but rain can affect tracks.
Conservation & Community
Since 2015, African Parks has strengthened law enforcement and reintroduced cheetah, lion, black rhino and wild dog to Liwonde. The park has also supplied hundreds of elephant and other wildlife to help restore protected areas elsewhere in Malawi.
Activities
Boat safaris, guided walks, birding and rhino or conservation-focused experiences where available complement traditional game drives.
How to Get There
Liwonde is about four to five hours by road from Blantyre and a similar distance from Lilongwe, depending on the gate and lodge. Some river lodges complete the transfer by boat, and charter flights can use nearby airstrips by arrangement.