Liwonde National Park

Pros & Cons

• Great river safaris available
• Superb birding, with many rare waterbirds
• Beautiful scenery and river views
• Night drives and walking safaris are available
• Rhino tracking on foot is available
• Small park, with limited road network
• Big cats are hard to spot

Wildlife

Poaching was once a major problem in Liwonde, but this has improved dramatically since the involvement of the African Parks organization. The Big Five are present. Elephant is common and can often be seen around the Shire River. Lion and cheetah have been reintroduced recently and black rhino is protected in a fenced-off area. The river teems with hippo and crocodile, and the park supports a good variety of antelope.

• More about Liwonde NP’s wildlife

Scenery

Liwonde is a very scenic park, with the Shire River its focal point. Big, lush swampy areas with borassus palms fringe the waterways and give that real heart-of-Africa wilderness appeal. Impala lilies bring bursts of color to the dry interior most of the year, and an array of wildflowers are plentiful during the rainy season.

Weather & Climate

Although the climate is quite hot throughout the year, Liwonde experiences defined Dry and Wet seasons. The Dry season months, from May to October, are cooler overall, though temperatures spike in October just before the rains start. December to February are the wettest months; expect daily downpours. At this time roads deteriorate. By the end of the rains, a boat shuttle might be the only way to reach the camp.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time To Visit

The middle and end of the Dry season (July to October) offer the best wildlife-viewing opportunities. During these months, animals are easier to spot as they are drawn to the river and other water sources. This is especially the case towards the end of the Dry season (though October can be unbearably hot). The lush emerald season (the Wet season) has its own appeal, especially for keen bird watchers, although roads can be hard to navigate at this time.

• More about the best time to visit

Want To Visit Liwonde NP?

12 Liwonde Safaris

• Liwonde Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Liwonde