Liwonde National Park

Malawi doesn't have the huge reserves full of big game that you'll find elsewhere in Africa. However, if you feel like a couple of days of gentle game viewing close to the lake, then Liwonde National Park is ideal. It's a very lush park, totally tropical in atmosphere and reminiscent of the setting for Bogart and Hepburn's African Queen.

At its heart is the palm-lined Shire River, whose banks are home to numerous hippos and crocodiles, whilst the adjacent plains and forests harbour elephant, waterbuck, bushbuck, impala and beautiful sable antelope.

The rich birdlife includes species from East and Southern Africa - Boehm's bee-eater, the palmnut vulture, Pel's fishing owl and Livingstone's flycatcher. So while Liwonde isn't the biggest or most spectacular game park in Africa, it has a winning ambience and first-class birdwatching.

There are two places to stay here: the reliably good Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, , and the more basic Mvuu Camp.