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Add to your wishlistRemove from your wishlist Liwonde National Park

Liwonde National Park is situated in the South of Malawi and has been the subject of a huge successful wildlife relocation and translocation story. It has become one of the best national parks to visit in Southern Malawi. After African Parks assumed management of Liwonde, in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in 2015, it has been completely reformed. 

Liwonde was at the epicentre of one of the largest elephant translocations in history, where a total of 336 elephants were relocated to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in Malawi to help restore the reserve. This translocation not only helped reduce pressure on Liwonde’s natural habitats but also helped address the deadly human-wildlife conflict situation. Since 2015, over 36,000 snares have been removed, and poaching has been significantly reduced and is now under control.

African Parks hasn't only been responsible for the relocation of elephants, but also for re-establishing Liwonde’s predator population. Cheetahs were reintroduced in 2017, bringing the species back to the park after 100 years. A founder population of 10 lions was also reintroduced from Majete Wildlife Reserve and South Africa in 2018. Wildlife populations are on the rise, and so are the number of people who are coming to the park to witness the revival. In just two short years, Liwonde has been given a second chance and it is being restored and transformed for the benefit of the wildlife, and for the people who live here. Not to mention this park is a birders paradise with over 300 species of birds! Rumor has it African Parks will be re-introducing more Rhinos to the park at the end of 2019 - watch this space, soon Liwonde National Park will be in a complete league of its own!

There are three wonderful lodges inside the park each with their own unique style: Mvuu Camp, Mvuu Lodge & Kuthengo Camp. Visit the national park and get up close and personal with Hippos & Elephants on a boat safari and try to spot the elusive cheetahs & rhinos on a game drive.

Liwonde National Park Highlights

  • Over 900 Elephant in the park
  • In 2017 seven cheetah, the first to return to Malawi in 20 years, were reintroduced to Liwonde and the population has already doubled with the birth of eight cubs.
  • In 2018, 10 lion were reintroduced to Liwonde from Majete Wildlife Reserve and South Africa after they were last seen in the park 10 years ago.  
  • One of only two national parks in Malawi that offer boat safaris as well as game drives at each lodge situated in the park.

Lodges in Liwonde National Park: