Mvuu Lodge
Liwonde National Park
Accommodation
Mvuu means ‘hippo' in Tonga, and refers to the abundance of hippo present in the river. The main building at Mvuu Lodge sits directly on the Shire River, and is accessed from the boat station via a long jetty. The dining area is situated high above the water, offering spectacular views over the river.
The rooms at Mvuu Lodge are built along a side channel, which branches off behind the main building. Crocodile, hippo and an elephant or two can be encountered here. There's a total of eight large and comfortable rooms, each with en-suite facilities and a large, outdoor deck with hammock and chairs. The view over the small channel is very romantic, and guests tend to sit here for hours just relaxing. Several rooms are equipped with a bathtub and outdoor shower.
Mvuu Camp is situated a short distance away and managed separately. The camp is more suitable for larger groups or families. It offers simpler accommodation in tents and chalets erected on a large meadow.
Location
Mvuu Lodge is situated within the Liwonde National Park in southern Malawi (480 m above sea level). The Shire River is the largest river in Malawi, and flows from Lake Malawi into Lake Malombe before continuing southwards through the national park.
The lodge is accessed by aircraft from Lilongwe in approximately 50 minutes, or by vehicle in approximately 4 hours, followed by a 45-minute boat trip on the Shire River from Lilongwe Town. The boat journey can be shortened by simply getting into the boat at one side and crossing over to the other.
Wildlife
Liwonde National Park is not one of the ‘big 5' parks and not recommended for those who wish to see the big 5. Even so, the park is still worth a visit for the sheer beauty of the Shire River. A sunset river cruise offers the perfect opportunity, and the sun the perfect light, to get some close-up photos of the many animals that come to the river at sundown. These include elephant (Malawi's largest population lives here), hippo, crocodile, warthog, common waterbuck, impala, various stork, heron, cormorant, osprey and kingfisher. The rare black rhino and sable antelope can also be encountered in Liwonde.
Activities
Game drives in an open 4x4 vehicle, walks, boat trips (comfortable river cruises); visit to a village on the edge of the park (the school and the clinic are sponsored by the lodge).
Good to know
Sleep outs in a raised hide are possible.
