Liwonde National Park

Liwonde National Park

Despite being just 580 square kilometers, Liwonde is probably the most popular of Malawi's game parks, offering exciting safaris in its beautiful riverside setting and teeming wildlife. Wildlife viewing is boosted by the Shire River running along its western border, which allows for boat safaris in addition to the usual walking or off-road safaris. Liwonde has an estimated population of 17 800 large mammals and is home to more than 380 species of birds. Elephants are quite abundant in the wildlife, so the park is also known for its elephant viewing, and the river attracts numerous hippos and crocodiles. The lion, cheetah and wild dog have recently been reintroduced to Liwonde with the help of African Parks, who took over management of the park in 2015 and continue to make Liwonde a first-rate safari destination. Antelopes seen in the park include the Kudu, the Common Eland, the Sable Antelope, the Waterbuck and the Bushbuck. Leopards, hyenas and Black Rhinos are also spotted occasionally. The park is also home to the African Buffalo. The river draws Fish Eagles and Weaver Birds use the sparse forests to build their nests. And the Pel's Fishing Owl is frequently spotted at dusk on the banks of the river. The park is the only place in Malawi where the Lilian’s Lovebird and the Brown-Breasted Barbet can be found. In 2011, Birdlife International and Good Gifts Catalogue have raised money to study and observe the endangered Lilian's Lovebird. African Parks says Liwonde is home to at least six different species of vulture, including four critically endangered species.