Follow the Shire River on a Walking Safari in Liwonde

Since coming under the management of African Parks in 2015, Liwonde National Park has benefited from major wildlife reintroductions including elephant, black rhino, lions, and cheetah. Now, it's one of the few walking safari destinations in Malawi, and the only park with overnight fly-camping on offer. These walks are offered by Central African Wilderness Safaris when the river water levels are low, generally from June to November.

The Shire River is the lifeblood of Liwonde National Park. On this adventure, explore on foot 20 kilometres of bush along the banks of the Shire River. This trail is all about feeling and understanding how the river and the park connect, how the animals and birds rely upon and use this intricate ecosystem - and getting back to nature. It’s basic, comfortable, authentic and possibly one of the most amazing experiences out there!

This trail, which covers a distance of approximately 20 kilometres over the course of two days, offers many interesting features and sights. Hikers can expect to see a variety of the park’s resident species. The distance may vary depending on game movements and local conditions.

The terrain is occasionally challenging and as this is essentially a guided bush walk, it will involve frequent stops to learn about tracks, habitats, birds and wildlife. The game that is seen en route is dependent on the time of year and the duration of the previous rainy season. A good, long rainy season will mean that there is surface water remaining on the floodplains, causing the park’s game,  particularly its famous herds of elephant, to be dispersed well into the park’s interior and woodlands. A poor, short rainy season will mean that woodlands will have less game and larger numbers of wildlife can only be seen closer to the river.

The first night of the trail is spent in Mvuu Camp, and followed by two nights in the bush, which can be longer if desired. Camp life is fun, meals are delicious and cooked on site and the living is easy! Bush showers and ‘long drop’ eco loos are all part of this truly unique experience.

As well as this seasonal mobile walking safari, walks from Mvuu Camp and Mvuu Lodge are offered year round.

Day 1

Arrive and enjoy a game drive or boat safari. Overnight at Mvuu Camp, sleeping in a stone and canvas chalet. The camp is sited under shady trees along the banks of the Shire River and has a swimming pool. 

Day 2

We set out walking with a lead trails guide and an armed scout from Mvuu Camp to the fly camp. Experience the presence of animals as never before with close up encounters on foot. This is a walk of approximately 9 kilometres.

Be prepared for incredible sightings, stories from our professional guides and extraordinary photographic opportunities. We aim to arrive at camp in time for a late lunch and a relax along the banks of the Shire. A game drive or boat safari after dark is available, followed by dinner around a cosy fire.

Day 3

The walking today will take the group inlands towards the Mwalasi river bank, where the terrain is quite different. The walk today is estimated at around 11 kilometres and is on flat terrain. Passing through mopane woodland, for which the park is famous, from the expansive floodplains of the Shire, sightings of warthog, elephant and buffalo, as well as large herds of impala, waterbuck and kudu can be expected.

The first few kilometres covered on this day will be right along the river bank, where wonderful sightings of bird life, pods of hippos and crocodiles can be enjoyed. A vehicle will be positioned for the drive back to camp.

Day 4

Depending on onward travel arrangements, we can drive out of camp early or after a leisurely breakfast, or a final walk back to base can be arranged.

• 1 night at Mvuu Camp 
• 2 nights on Guided Shire River Trail
• All meals
• 2 game activities at Mvuu Camp (boat safari and game drive) 

• Park fee $30 pppd
• Road /boat transfers
• Drinks