African Travel | Malawi | Mvuu Wilderness Lodge

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge

Liwonde National Park

The Mvuu Experience
The 580,000 hectare Liwonde National Park is situated in the south of Malawi and is Malawi's premier wildlife reserve. Liwonde incorporates the huge and scenic Shire River, as well as quiet backwaters and lagoons, marshes, open savanna country, woodland and hills. As a result of the wide variety of habitats, there is a great diversity of plants, mammals, reptiles and birds. The birdlife is particularly good, and Liwonde is possibly the best birding location in central and southern Africa -- the record for a two-night stay is 266 species!

Accommodation
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is a comfortable lodge situated along the banks of the Shire River, within the Liwonde National Park. Mvuu has only ten beds and is a tented lodge with en-suite facilities and a separate dining room/pub/lounge area.

Wildlife
Elephant and sable antelope occur in large numbers, as do hippo, crocodile, impala, and waterbuck. Lion, leopard, serval and the rare oribi may occasionally be seen. Black rhino have recently been re-introduced from South Africa's Kruger National Park, and there are plans to bring back white rhino and buffalo. Birds are prolific, especially along the Shire River where African fish eagle, palmnut vulture, African skimmer and Pel's fishing owl are fairly common. Bohm's bee-eater, Lilian's lovebird, bat hawk, Livingstone's flycatcher, whitebacked night heron and brownbreasted barbet are among the 'specials'. The Mvuu hiking trail is now available for those who enjoy walking in game reserves. Two nights' walking and camping out in remote areas of the Liwonde National Park is a highlight, but must be booked in advance.

The Mvuu Project
The old Mvuu Camp has been completely demolished and replaced with a classical ten-bedded tented camp with en-suite bathrooms. The New Mvuu Lodge is a joint venture between Malawi National Parks and Wilderness Safaris. Extensive practical assistance has been provided by the authorities of South Africa's Kruger National Park. Dr Anthony Hall-Martin, well-known expert on the African elephant, has been influential in the development of the camp and other infrastructures in the reserve. The new Mvuu overlooks the Shire River as well as a wetland where elephants drink and bathe. Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles (morning, afternoon and evening), nature walks, and superb river trips up the Shire. Time may also be spent simply relaxing in the camp.

Mvuu at a glance

Situated in Liwonde National Park in southern Malawi, along the banks of the Shire River.
Five comfortable tented rooms with en-suite facilities.
Dining room and pub under thatch.
Plunge pool.
Activities in open 4x4 vehicles by day and night, boating and walks.
1 km of good gravel airfield about five minutes from camp.
Access either by road or by air.