Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, Malawi, is nestled discreetly on the banks of a lagoon just off the Shire River. The main lounge area is set high above the water and offers wonderful views. Mvuu means "hippo" in Tonga, many of these water-loving mammals can be seen floating in the river. In this lush and fertile area, an excellent diversity of animals - including elephant, hippo’s, sable antelope, impala and waterbuck - can be seen.
Liwonde was proclaimed as a National Park in 1973, and in 1995 Mvuu Wilderness Lodge was opened, Wilderness Safaris being the first private company to win a tender inside a Malawian National Park.
The 548h Park, named after Chief Liwonde, who had championed its protection, possesses diverse landscapes. Relatively dry mopane woodlands cover the eastern half of the Park where they are interspersed with “unworldly” candelabra trees. Patches of Miombo woodland are found on the hill slopes in the south and east. Palm savannah and numerous baobabs populate the extensive floodplains of the Shire, where dense riverine vegetation adds a tropical feel to the habitat.
Liwonde is home to the largest remaining elephant population in the country and has one of only two breeding nuclei of the endangered black rhino in Malawi. The Park also has large numbers of impala, reedbuck, waterbuck, warthog and majestic sable, the last remnant of a rare antelope species quite uncommon anywhere in Africa today. Kudu and impala, together with sable herds, inhabit the woodlands beyond the floodplain, while yellow baboons frequently entertain guests with their social antics. Buffalo, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, zebra, roan and eland were historically hunted to extinction in the area, but have since been introduced into what is known as The Sanctuary - a substantial 4 000ha fenced area within the Park that serves as a reservoir for rare species. It is here that Liwonde's black rhino find refuge too. A dense population of hippo can be found in the Shire River and monstrous Nile crocodiles are found lazing on the sandbanks.
The birdlife here is prolific - probably the best year-round birding of any camp. Over 300 of the country's 650 bird species occur in the Park with gems such as Böhm's Bee-eater, African Skimmer, Palmnut Vulture, White-backed Night-heron and Dickinson's Kestrel. Others such as Livingstone's Flycatcher, Pel's Fishing-owl and Spur-winged Lapwing can also be found in the riverine strip while Liwonde is home to the only population of Lillian's Lovebird in Malawi and also plays host to the rare Brown-breasted Barbet.
Mvuu offers exclusive accommodation for a maximum of 10 people in 5 spacious tents overlooking the palm-fringed lagoon. The luxurious tented rooms each have their own private viewing deck raised over the lagoon, ensuring prime wildlife viewing. The camp includes a unique canvas, stone and thatch honeymoon suite.
Just downstream from the Lodge, the 28-bed 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.
Location: Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is situated on the banks of the Shire River in the Liwonde National Park, in Malawi. Mvuu Lodge is 55 minutes flying time from Lilongwe and 40 minutes flying time from Blantyre.
General facilities:
• Dining room
• Bar
• Lounge area
• Swimming pool
• Laundry
Tent details:
• Private veranda overlooking secluded lagoon
• En-suite facilities with a shower and bath
• Tents are mosquito-proofed
• Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each room
Activities nearby:
• Game drives
• Visit Rhino Sanctuary
• Boating
• Nature walks
• Bike trips
• Cultural village tours
Open: All year round. Birding best in rainy season Feb - April but good all year round. Tracks in the park may be closed in the rains, so drives and walks best in dry season July - Oct.
