Malawi Wild Life

Malawi may not spring immediately to mind for a safari, but since the early millennium, the wildlife has steadily been improving.

Dominated by the slow-moving, palm-fringed Shire River, Liwonde National Park features elephant, hippo and crocodile in great numbers. Many antelope, including the rarer sable antelope, are found in the denser wooded areas, and Liwonde is one of the top places in Malawi for birdwatching, with over 400 species recorded.

In the far south, the Majete Wildlife Reserve – home to “the big 5” – offers what we think is probably the best game-viewing experience in Malawi. Along with a good number of lion and large herds of buffalo, it is notable for many species of antelope, including sable, nyala and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.

To the north, the Nkhotakota Reserve – once severely poached – has seen a dramatic turnaround since 2014, with the reintroduction of elephant and other wildlife.

And then of course, there is Lake Malawi, whose clear waters boast more than 850 species of colourful freshwater fish and cichlids.