Malawi Parks and Game Reserves

Malawi’s rich biodiversity is so evident in its national parks and game reserves. This diversity of Malawi wildlife lures several wildlife tourists from all over the world. The country has 9 National Parks and Reserves all of which possess a wide variety of captivating diversity of terrain, rare species of flora, fauna and aqua fauna. Much as it may not have quite the sheer concentration of predator animals as some of its better known neighbours, it is an equally amazing adventure destination. It boasts an incredible variety of birds with over 650 recorded species spread across the different landscapes. Below are Malawi’s National Parks and Game Reserves listed according to region.

SOUTHERN MALAWI

Liwonde Hippos

Liwonde National Park – Although only 580 sq km of size, Liwonde is perhaps the most popular of all the game parks in Malawi. It is lies 160 km north of Blantyre. It is a top spot for game viewing especially because of the river Shire which flows along its western border, allowing boat safaris and guided game drives in 4×4 vehicles. Wildlife includes huge concentration of elephants, antelopes such as kudu, sable and bushbuck; recently re-introduced Black rhino, leopards and hyena and lions are occasional, numerous hippos and crocodiles more popular around the river. Birdlife is exceptional. The river attracts several bird species such as fish eagles, weaver birds and Pel’s fishing owl often spotted at dusk along the river’s edge. More…………………..

Lengwe Safaris

Lengwe National Park – This Park is 900 sq km in size. It stretches south of Majete and 80km from Blantyre. Lengwe is relatively barren outside the rainy season and many of the water courses become dry sandy channels. Game viewing is so pronounced during the dry spells as the animals come to quench at the small permanent water pools. There are hides and man-made pools in the eastern area of the park just a short distance from the main gate. Wildlife includes leopards, Baboon, monkey, warthog and buffalo and hyenas. Antelopes are more common. On Game drives you can’t see the beautiful nyala. Also the popular duiker, bushbuck and impala roam the park. The birdlife is spectacular with more than 300 rare bird species recorded. More…………………..

Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve

Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve – Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve is located at the southernmost tip of Malawi. It is the smallest of the Malawian reserves with a size of 135 sq km. It is also the most remote. Nevertheless it boasts a variety of habitats unequalled by the larger reserves, and, because of its remoteness. Mwabvi was once regarded as an ‘empty’ reserve devoid of game. But ever since access routes were opened up, it is now a great destination for sightings of magnificent sable and kudu, impala, buffalo and other antelopes. Birdlife is equally amazing.

The reserve is beautiful most times of the year and though travel through the park is only possible with a 4×4 with the guide of armed guards. More……………….

CENTRAL MALAWI

Nkhotakota Reserve

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve – This is one of the two large game reserve areas in Central Malawi. It stretches to over1, 800 sq km of rugged terrain crossed by a number of rivers into Lake Malawi. Nkhotakota reserve is dominated by the miombo woodland with large pockets of giant bushes and a few patches of rainforest. The reserve is difficult to access because of the limited access routes. Much as the habitation conditions are harsh for wildlife, it’s a superb example of true African wilderness. It is a great destination for the adventurous travelers who wish to explore a walking safari. Birdlife is prolific with giant kingfishers and palm nut vultures among the 130 recorded species. More……………………

Kasungu National Park

Kasungu National Park – The national park lies in the west of the Central Region bordering Zambia. It covers an area of 2,100 sq km of natural woodland and bush with sporadic stretches of more open grass. Wildlife includes antelopes, elephants, zebra plus small herds of buffalo. Also available are predators including leopards, hyenas, servals and jackals. There are a significant number of hippos in the lake at Lifupa. It is also a perfect birding destination.

Access is relatively easy compared to other reserves. More………….

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi National Park – This is the world’s third largest freshwater national park and a World Heritage Site. It lies at the southern end of Lake Malawi and it’s the only national park in Malawi that was created to protect fish and aquatic habitats. The park includes a land area around the cape and bay as well as the Lake and islands up to 100m off shore. It is home to several animals such as baboons, antelope and hyrax, and, of course, there is a great variety of birdlife including fish eagles, cormorants and hamerkops. There are thousands of freshwater fish species in the lake. More…………………..

NORTHERN MALAWI

Nyika National Park

Nyika National Park – this is one of Malawi’s jewels and offers unique wildlife viewing on its rolling grassland plateau. It covers an area of 3200 sq km, (Malawi’s largest park). It extends across the great plateau which is essentially a granitic dome. The rolling scenery is at its best in the rainy season when over 200 types of orchid are in flower. The Nyika National Park is home to large herds of zebra, eland, roan antelope, sable antelope, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, kudu reedbuck, bushbuck, duiker, and warthog. It houses the largest concentration of leopard in the country. For the birdwatcher, over 400 species have been recorded. There is such a lot to see in the vast park: waterfalls, a Neolithic rock shelter, trout pools and even a ‘magic lake’ are just some of the attractions. More……………….

Vwasa Safari Buffalos

Vwasa Marsh Wildlife Reserve – this is a lowland area offering a spectacular bush-game area of marsh and plain, with a few rocky outcrops. It is covers 1000 sq km and lies along the Zambian border north-west of Mzuzu. The reserve is renowned for its scenic thick forests and grassland, thin woodland and marsh. Herds of thirty or forty elephants are regularly to be seen and there are large numbers of hippos. Lake Kazuni, near the main entrance to the reserve is famous for its hippos. Buffalo are present in the reserve but their roaming habits make their sightings less easy to predict. As on Nyika, there are plenty of smaller mammals. It is this rich habitat which attracts a splendid range of birdlife. Over 310 bird species have been recorded here including the white-faced tree duck, heron and stork. More……………………