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Mvuu Wilderness Lodge
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge


14°50’53.7"S 35°17’42.3"E

About Mvuu Wilderness Lodge

One of the best properties in Liwonde, Mvuu is a popular lodge with great wildlife sightings right on the doorstep.

Mvuu lies beside a lagoon and the Shire River, attracting a plethora of animals and birds, so much so that you don’t even need to leave the lodge to see hippos, elephants, warthogs, waterbucks and plenty more all around. But then you’d miss the spectacular boat trips that proffer close-up encounters with elephants on the shore and masses of crocs and hippos.

Sundowners on the river are particularly special, as are guided walks among the baobabs in the early morning light. The lodge itself is rustic in character, with the colourful bar and lounge in an elevated thatch building overlooking the Shire.

A new dining room lies along the walkway to the jetty where you can watch the wildlife as you eat, with the swimming pool and sunbathing deck nearby.

The eight rooms are spacious and comfortable and well-spaced for privacy – some have private plunge pools and all have decks overlooking the lagoon. Owned by the renowned Chris Badger, the lodge has been supporting communities here for over 25 years and most of the staff are local.

Accommodation
8 tented chalets
Children
Suitable for 12+
Open
All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Fishing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Night drive

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge: Full Report

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Traveller reviews of Mvuu Wilderness Lodge

10 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
10 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
10
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs V.fromLeiden

Arrived 26 Apr 2023, 4 nights

"Mvuu Wilderness Lodge review"

"Mvuu lodge is a beautiful place, there's no way around it. We did have …" Read Mr & Mrs V.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs HfromKent

Arrived 2 Oct 2022, 3 nights

"Mvuu Wilderness Lodge review"

"manager efficient.. meals excellent.. some good sightings: cheetah, lion, sable, …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs PfromHarrogate

Arrived 29 Jun 2019, 3 nights

"Spectacular Safari experience at Mvuu Lodge"

"Rooms were beautiful and comfortable …" Read Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr LfromBishopston

Arrived 12 Sep 2017, 3 nights

"Luxury safari lodge on the Shire river"

"Food was really good and tasty and the staff very attentive. …" Read Mr L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr RfromTorquay

Arrived 27 Oct 2016, 4 nights

"An excellent camp"

"The game drives and the boat safaris were very special.......we enjoyed our …" Read Mr R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SAfromNorfolk

Arrived 27 Sep 2016, 4 nights

"A five star Lodge for accommodation & Game"

"This river lodge delivers "all what it says on the can" in luxury …" Read Mr & Mrs SA’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs VfromBristol

Arrived 4 Jul 2016, 3 nights

"Best lodge and safari ever"

"We can't reccommend this lodge enough - the location on the river, wonderful …" Read Mrs V’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

E & DfromNew Mexico

Arrived 14 Jul 2012, 3 nights

"Mvuu Wilderness Lodge review"

"What a great place. We stayed in room #8, its deck overlooking the lagoon, …" Read E & D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs DfromLondon

Arrived 5 Oct 2009, 3 nights

"Mvuu Wilderness Lodge review"

"Perfect- a really special place. Loved watching all the wildlife from the terrace …" Read Mr & Mrs D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs HippofromUK

Arrived 22 Sep 2007, 2 nights

"Mvuu Wilderness Lodge review"

"Next we went to Mvvu Camp [Ed: this was actually Mvuu Lodge – not Mvuu Camp!] …" Read Mr & Mrs Hippo’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Mvuu Wilderness Lodge reviews

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mvuu Lodge

Click an animal to see our traveller's success in sighting them.
How we work this out.


Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Sable antelope

100% success

Eland

67% success

Lion

67% success

Zebra

50% success

Cheetah

33% success

Spotted Hyena

33% success

Aardvark

0% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Roan antelope

0% success

Wildebeest

0% success

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mvuu Lodge.


When to go to Liwonde National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde National Park


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Malawi in January

January is the middle of the rainy season in Malawi. You can expect heavy rain for a few hours most days with some occasional flooding. It is generally hot and wet, with temperatures reaching over 30ºC.

The landscape is green and lush and the air crystal clear. In the game reserves the thick bush can restrict animal sightings, making game viewing more challenging. With the abundance of water available the wildlife disperses and is no longer concentrated around water sources. However, many species give birth at this time of the year and it is a great time for birding.

Although the majority of the safari camps are open at this time, most of the beach lodges along the lakeshore close in mid January.

  • Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
  • Many animals are with young & birdlife is at its most spectacular
  • Bush lush & green; animals dispersed so game viewing more difficult
  • Air is clear & dust-free, which is great for photography
  • Majority of lakeside beach lodges are closed second half of January

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Malawi in February

February is generally the wettest month and still the heart of the rainy season, with dramatic thunderstorms interspersed with sunny spells.

Expect some flooding and the ground to be waterlogged. The thick bush still affects game viewing on land, and walking safaris are limited, but game viewing by boat on the swollen Shire River, in both Liwonde National Park and Majete Game Reserve, is a highlight. Birdlife is also at its most spectacular at this time of year.

Visitor numbers and costs at the few open camps are low. Most of the beach lodges remain closed, with only one or two open all year.

  • Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
  • The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
  • Good for photography but poor game viewing
  • Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
  • Majority of lakeside beach lodges are still closed

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Malawi in March

The rainy season is nearing the end in Malawi. The thunderstorms become fewer with sunnier days, but you can still expect some rain most days. March is one of the last of the summer months with temperatures still around 25–30ºC most days.

On safari the thick bush still restricts game viewing and walking safaris are limited too, with the larger animal species being quite elusive. On the plus side, migrant birds make the most of the abundant insect life. This time of the year is also great for keen photographers with the vivid green landscape and clear, dust-free air.

The beach lodges are also starting to open again around mid-March, following the rainy season.

  • Expect to experience some rain most days
  • The bush feels alive, with birdlife still a highlight
  • Good for photography but game viewing remains poor
  • With few tourists, rates generally at their lowest
  • Beach lodges now open from mid-March

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Malawi in April

April is a month of change in Malawi. The days start to cool down, rainfall decreases, and summer turns into autumn as the dry season approaches. Temperatures drop to around 25 ºC during the day with the evenings becoming cooler.

This is the tail-end of the green season and, after five months of rain, the landscape remains green and lush, with game viewing still a challenge. However, the birdlife is still great, and the improving weather attracts more visitors to both the bush and the beaches along the Malawi lakeshore.

  • The temperatures are cooling down but still expect the odd rain shower
  • Start of the dry season with mostly clear and sunny days
  • Bush still green & lush: good for photography but not for game viewing
  • Very few visitors, and still one of the cheapest times to visit
  • The lakeshore beach lodges are now all open

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Malawi in May

May is the end of summer and the first month of the dry season. There may still be the occasional shower, but clear sunny skies are becoming the norm. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures drop to a comfortable 20–25 ºC, but at night they’re down to around 10ºC, so warm clothing is advisable for early- morning game drives.

As the rain disappears the landscape starts to dry out. Although the vegetation is still thick, the game viewing starts to improve and walking safaris becoming more reliable. Birding is still excellent, too. Around the lakeshore, temperatures can be significantly warmer, making beach holidays popular at this time of the year. Yet visitor numbers remain low, making May one of the most cost-effective times to visit.

  • Start of the dry season with mostly clear & sunny days
  • Temperatures are mild along the lakeshore so good for a beach stay
  • Bush still green & lush but game viewing improving
  • Good for photography & great birdlife
  • Very few visitors, & still one of the cheapest times to visit

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

Malawi in June

June is entirely in the dry season, and – along with May – can also be one of the coldest months. With no rain, clear skies and temperatures dropping to around 20–25ºC during the day, the nights can be cold, reaching around 10ºC. Warm clothing is advisable for early-morning and late-afternoon game drives.

The landscape remains lush, but the bush starts to die back significantly, bringing a marked improvement in wildlife viewing. This, along with cooler temperatures, makes June ideal for walking safaris. Temperatures around the lakeshore tend to be significantly warmer, so June is another popular month for beach holidays with higher visitor numbers.

  • Well into the dry season with sunny days & cool temperatures
  • Thick bush is dying back, & game viewing improves
  • Increased visibility & cool weather perfect for walking safaris
  • Mild temperatures along the lakeshore: good for a beach stay
  • June is still low season : a popular time before high season starts

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Malawi in July

July is the middle of the dry season in Malawi, with temperatures starting to pick up towards the end of the month. This makes July a good time for both safaris and beach holidays. Expect it to be pleasant during the day but still cold at night, especially at high altitude such as Nyika Plateau; blankets and hot water bottles are often provided on safari.

As the vegetation dies back, animals start to congregate around perennial water sources, making this one of the best times of year for game viewing.

July is also the start of high season and all the camps increase their rates to make the most of the improving game and the start of the international holiday period.

  • Warm dry days with crisp cold nights
  • Significantly improved game viewing
  • No limit on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a plus
  • Temperatures along the lakeshore ideal for beach and watersports
  • Approaching peak season, so significant increase in costs

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Malawi in August

August is well into the dry season with game concentrated around water sources and the safari season approaching its best. The landscape is changing from green to brown and the air is becoming drier and dustier. There is also a lot of smoke in the air as burning of trees and vegetation is prevalent in Malawi, so this isn’t the best time for photography.

Later in August the temperatures start to pick up, but early mornings and late evenings are still cooler – particularly out on open game drives where warm jackets, gloves and scarves are recommended. August is one of the most popular months. Pleasant weather and good game viewing attracts lots of visitors, and costs are correspondingly high.

  • Warm dry days with crisp cold nights still the norm
  • Game viewing at its best
  • No limits on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a bonus
  • Lakeshore temperatures remain good for beach and water sports
  • Still peak season, with attendant high costs

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Malawi in September

This is the most popular time of the year for a safari. There has been no rain for months and temperatures are starting to increase, making morning and evening game drives more comfortable. Daytime temperatures are now above 30ºC and evening temperatures relatively mild.

Game viewing is at its best with the animals concentrating around the reducing water sources, making wildlife interactions more common. With the increasing heat the air becomes more hazy, reducing photographic opportunities and distant views.

This is a good time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. Costs, though, are high, and camps can be booked up months in advance.

  • Dry & hot during the day with clear skies & warm nights
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing
  • Dust & smoke creates a haze; not great for photography
  • Temperatures along the lakeshore perfect for beach and watersports
  • Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Malawi in October

This is the last month of the dry season: the start of summer with temperatures peaking over 40ºC during the day and hardly less than 20ºC at night. This makes early-morning and late-evening game drives more comfortable but can be terribly hot during the day and makes walking safaris very challenging.

The landscape is very dry and brown, so not ideal for photography, but game viewing remains at its best. With the lack of water the animals are all vying for the best spot to drink without being preyed upon.

October is the perfect time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. It is still peak season, though, and costs remain high.

  • Dry, hot days with clear skies; warm nights
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing
  • The haze from dust & smoke is not great for photography
  • Warm lakeshore temperatures still good for beach & watersports
  • Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Malawi in November

November marks the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season. Temperatures continue to increase with humidity building as the rains approach, which can be any time during the month. Be prepared for spectacular thunderstorms and short sharp showers.

After the first rains the bush springs back to life and wildlife disperses, making game viewing harder. Birding, though, is on the up – and with the air washed clean, photographic opportunities improve.

The first week or two are a good time to travel as the camps have reduced their rates and rains may not have started in earnest. However, while all the camps and beach lodges remain open some of the airstrips may become waterlogged, making road transfers more practical.

  • Typically the start of the wet season; very hot & humid
  • Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
  • Greatly diminished game viewing once the rains arrive
  • A good time for photographers & keen birders
  • Lower rates at camps and beach lodges, with fewer visitors

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Malawi in December

December is the first full month of the rainy season, with daily thundershowers expected, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures are around 30ºC with high humidity.

After a few weeks of rain, the abundance of standing water causes animals to disperse and the bush becomes thicker and greener, reducing visibility for game viewing. Conversely, this is when many animals produce their young, and is a great time for birdwatching. The rain also clears the air of dust and smoke, making it much more favourable for keen photographers.

December is still a good month to be along the lakeshore provided you don’t mind the afternoon rain showers.

  • Very hot & humid
  • Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
  • Opportunities for game viewing decrease with the arrival of the rains
  • A great time for photographers & keen birders
  • Rates at camps & beach lodges fall, as do visitor numbers

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Malawi fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Mvuu Wilderness Lodge


Other lodges in Liwonde National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Kuthengo Camp

Kuthengo Camp

Kuthengo Camp is a small, relatively new bushcamp on a bend of the Shire River, under shady fever trees and baobabs. It's a quality operation run by a professional team with a good track record, so is already a reliably good option in Liwonde.


91% (7 reviews)
Mvuu Camp

Mvuu Camp

Mvuu Camp is a comfortable family-friendly camp on the banks of the Shire River. If offers boat, walking and driving safaris.


90% (6 reviews)

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