The 580 sq km (220 sq miles) Liwonde National Park is Malawi’s prime wildlife area. The reserve encompasses the wide and scenic Shire River, as well as quiet backwaters and lagoons, marshes, open savanna and floodplain, mopane woodland and hills - habitat which support an incredible diversity of plants, animals and birdlife.

This is the sole lodge in the park and offers boat trips and games drives both during the day and at night. Boat trips are the highlight and offer the best way to seeing the park’s elephants as well as the huge crocodiles and the night birds. Walks with qualified scouts are also offered. The wildlife includes large breeding herds of elephant, plenty of hippo and crocodile, sable antelope, impala, reedbuck, oribi, leopard, serval and lion. Birdlife is prolific with the park regarded as one of the finest birding spots in Africa - both for the number of species and the relative ease with which the ‘specials’ can be seen.

On offer are bicycle trips into the local villages and overnight stays at a traditional rural Malawian village.

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is small and intimate, in a stunning and secluded setting. Four large en suite tents and a unique stone and thatch honeymoon suite are situated on the edge of a lagoon, off the river, each with a private view of the lagoon. A raised thatched dining area overlooks the lagoon and the nearby swimming pool is made of natural rock.

Just downstream from the Lodge, the 28-bedded Mvuu Camp is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the same bush experience in a comfortable, but somewhat less exclusive atmosphere. The thatched lounge overlooks the Shire where hippo, crocodile, elephant and a profusion of birds can be seen. Dinner is often served in the open boma or on the banks of the river. Accommodation is offered in en suite chalets.