04/05/2026
A few days ago we went to Liwonde National Park in Malawi. The lifeline of the park is the Shire River — a ribbon of water that pulls everything toward it, especially in the dry season.
Here, the rhythm of the bush feels different. The river dictates the day. Early mornings bring soft light over the water, with pods of hippos grumbling and crocodiles warming up on the banks. By midday, elephants gather in impressive numbers, crossing from one side to the other, sometimes swimming — a sight that never loses its magic.
A few things that make Liwonde special:
It’s one of Malawi’s premier wildlife reserves, covering roughly 550 km² along the Shire River.
Once heavily poached, the park has seen a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts led by African Parks.
Today, Liwonde is home to the “Big Four” — elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo — with rhinos reintroduced into a protected sanctuary.
It’s one of the best places in the region for boat safaris, offering a completely different perspective compared to traditional game drives.
Birdlife is exceptional, with over 400 species recorded — from fish eagles calling over the river to colorful bee-eaters lining the banks.
Crossing borders reminds us of something important — the wilderness doesn’t recognize lines on a map. It flows, just like the Shire River, connecting landscapes, wildlife, and stories.
And sometimes, stepping just a little beyond home gives you a fresh appreciation for it.
If this sparked your curiosity and you’d like to experience places like Liwonde NP yourself, get in touch with us.
We design tailor-made safaris across Zambia and beyond.
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