Liwonde National Park Safaris

River safaris, thriving wildlife, and Malawi’s conservation success story.

High Season

July to October

Size

Approx 548 square kilometres

Altitude

1472 - 924 metres

above sea level

Liwonde National Park Safari Holidays

Where the Shire River Brings Life to the Wild

Liwonde National Park is Malawi’s flagship wildlife reserve — a lush, river-fed sanctuary where elephants wade through shimmering channels and hippos bask in the sun-drenched shallows.

Once heavily poached, Liwonde has been transformed into one of southern Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories, now home to the Big Five and a thriving ecosystem. Here, the wide Shire River meanders past palm-fringed floodplains, mopane woodland, and baobab-studded hills, creating a rich variety of habitats that draw wildlife in extraordinary numbers.

A visit to Liwonde offers the magic of both land and water safaris, set against the warm, welcoming spirit of Malawi.

Why Visit Liwonde National Park?

Liwonde offers a safari experience that’s both intimate and rewarding. It’s one of the best places in Malawi to see elephants, with herds frequently spotted along the riverbanks, as well as large pods of hippos and impressive numbers of crocodiles.

Thanks to dedicated conservation work, the park now boasts healthy populations of black rhino, lion, cheetah, and leopard, along with rare antelope such as sable.

Birdwatchers will be in their element, with over 400 recorded species including the African fish eagle, Pel’s fishing owl, and Lilian’s lovebird.

Its compact size means game viewing is concentrated, and the mix of boat and vehicle safaris offers varied perspectives of the wildlife.

Wildlife and Nature

The Shire River is Liwonde’s lifeline, drawing animals year-round.

Along its banks, elephants browse on reeds, waterbuck graze the floodplains, and fish eagles patrol from above. The park’s waterways are also home to one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos, alongside huge Nile crocodiles.

Moving inland, mopane and miombo woodlands shelter sable and kudu, while predators roam in search of prey. The recent reintroduction of lions and cheetahs has restored the park’s predator-prey balance, making sightings increasingly common.

Birdlife is exceptional, with kingfishers flashing over the water and palm-nut vultures soaring above the palms.

Best Time to Visit Liwonde

The dry season (May–October) is the best time for concentrated wildlife viewing as animals gather around the Shire River and waterholes:

• May–June: Cooler temperatures, lush scenery, and great game viewing.
• July–October: Peak wildlife concentrations and the best chance to see predators in action.
• November–April: Green season with dramatic skies, birding at its best, and fewer visitors — though some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding.

Safari Experiences in Liwonde

Liwonde offers a unique blend of land and water-based adventures:

• Boat Safaris on the Shire River: Glide silently past elephants, hippos, and crocs for close-up encounters and superb photography.
• Game Drives: Explore the park’s varied habitats in search of lions, leopards, sable antelope, and more.
• Walking Safaris: Experience the bush on foot with expert guides for a deeper connection to the landscape.
• Birdwatching: Spot sought-after species like the Böhm’s bee-eater and white-backed night heron.
• Cultural Experiences: Visit nearby villages to learn about Malawi’s traditions and community conservation projects.

Every day in Liwonde offers a new perspective, whether you’re drifting along the river at sunrise or tracking big game on the open plains.

Where to Stay in Liwonde

Liwonde’s lodges and camps range from luxury riverside retreats to eco-friendly bush camps:

• Luxury River Lodges: Elegant suites with private decks overlooking the Shire River.
• Mid-Range Safari Camps: Comfortable tented or thatched accommodations with excellent guiding.
• Eco-Camps: Low-impact stays that blend seamlessly with the park’s natural beauty.

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options in Liwonde National Park — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we’re able to arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

A Selection of our Liwonde Safari Accommodation

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats with breathtaking views. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we can arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

Average Weather and Climate in Liwonde

• Dry Season (May–October): Daytime temperatures between 20–30°C, cool mornings and evenings, low humidity.
• Wet Season (November–April): Temperatures of 25–32°C with high humidity; heavy rains possible but often in short bursts.
  

The Shire River ensures lush conditions along its banks year-round.

Combine with Other Destinations

Liwonde pairs beautifully with Lake Malawi National Park for a mix of safari and beach, or with Majete Wildlife Reserve for another Big Five destination. For highland scenery, the Zomba Plateau and Mulanje Massif are within reach.

The park also combines well with South Luangwa National Park in neighbouring Zambia for a more extensive Southern Africa safari circuit.

Travelling from the UK to Liwonde

Flights from the UK to Lilongwe or Blantyre connect via regional hubs such as Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Johannesburg.

From Blantyre, it’s a 3–4 hour drive to the park, while from Lilongwe it’s 5–6 hours.

Private transfers, domestic flights, and fly-in packages are available for those seeking convenience and comfort.

Discover the Wild, Your Way: Tailor Your Liwonde Safari with Us

From the gentle ripple of the Shire River to the thrill of spotting a lion on the move, Liwonde offers a safari experience that’s as rich in atmosphere as it is in wildlife.



Talk to us about the experiences you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll match you with handpicked lodges, expert local guides, and authentic adventures that bring Liwonde to life.

Speak to one of our safari specialists today — call us or fill out our quick enquiry form, and let’s start planning your tailor-made adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions