Liwonde is the most well-known national park in the country, well-managed with a good stock of game and beautiful scenery. Lying south of Lake Malawi, it includes part of Lake Malombe and the Shire River. Thousands of hippos and crocodiles live in the Shire, and hundreds of elephants can be found in the park. There are several species of antelope and a pair of re-introduced rhinos. Most of the game can be seen in the northern part of the park.

There's also great birdlife. Much of the park closes in the wet season (April to October), though the main lodge and camp stay open (you'll have to get there by boat). The park is located 205km (130mi) southeast of Lilongwe. The main gate is 6km (4mi) east of Liwonde, from where there's no public transport available to the park, but hitching is feasible, especially on weekends. Buses and trains run between the capital and Liwonde.

LODGES IN THE LIWONDE NP · SAFARIS IN MALAWI