About Kuthengo Camp
Kuthengo is a small very comfortable camp overlooking the Shire River
Kuthengo lies in a secluded spot miles from other camps on the floodplains of the Shire River. Its setting is fabulous, sheltered under huge fever trees and baobabs. There are only five tented rooms here, all open plan and huge with light wood furnishings and décor of grey and white.
There’s Evening Breeze aircon over the beds, a standalone stone bath and outdoor showers. But despite the cool interiors, the views are what makes these rooms, looking out to hippos mooching in and out of the river and even coming quite close to the tents to graze.
In comparison to the rooms, the lounge and dining tents, similarly furnished, seem quite small and cosy. Meals are varied, with hearty breakfasts and lunches and elegant dinners, and the nearby swimming pool provides some relief from the heat.
The guides here are excellent and will take you on game drives and walks, but don’t miss the early morning boat trip to Lake Malombe for sunrise. You’ll pass villages and fishermen, offering a glimpse of local life as well as wildlife.
Our view
Kuthengo Camp has only just opened so none of the team will be able to visit for a while, however, based on our previous experiences with its sister camps in Malawi and Zambia, we are expecting an adventurous camp offering a great safari experience. Please do contact us for more information.
Accommodation
Five safari tents
Children
Suitable for 10+
Open
27 April - 31 Dec
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Kuthengo Camp
10 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 23 Dec 2024, 3 nights
"Kuthengo Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 10 Sep 2024, 3 nights
"Kuthengo Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 2 Sep 2024, 4 nights
"Kuthengo Camp review small and intimate"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 20 Nov 2023, 2 nights
"Amazing"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 24 Aug 2023, 4 nights
"Kuthengo Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Aug 2023, 4 nights
"Kuthengo Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 16 Nov 2022, 4 nights
"Kuthengo Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 3 Oct 2019, 3 nights
"Wonderful location at Kuthengo Camp"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 15 Jul 2018, 4 nights
"Great staff but needs organising"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 7 Jul 2018, 4 nights
"New bush camp by the Shire River"
Overall rating: Good







Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 40 pictures of Kuthengo Camp to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Kuthengo Camp
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Utaka Cichlid Safari
10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Explore two of Malawi's safari parks - Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park - before finishing your trip with some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
Visiting Lakeshore, Majete and 1 other area
US$4,560 - US$5,700 per person
Kuthengo Camp: Our full report
Kuthengo Camp is a small intimate bush camp in the unspoilt Liwonde National Park.
It is located on a bend of the Shire River, under shady fever trees and baobabs, and is a great spot for wildlife viewing.
This small bush camp is operated by Robin Pope Safaris, who also operate camps in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Kuthengo, meaning 'wilderness' in the local language, mirrors perfectly the unspoiled surroundings of the camp.
The camp offers five safari tents, including one unit for a family of four. This means that there will only be a maximum of twelve guests when the camp is full. The tents are spacious, each with an en-suite bathroom featuring a double basin, a bath and an outdoor shower. The Evening Breeze cooling system, has been installed in each tent – this eco-friendly air-conditioning system is almost silent and keeps the interior of the mosquito net surrounding the bed cool. Each tent, which faces the Shire River, has its own deck with uninterrupted views across the plain towards the river, allowing guests to view game such as elephants and hippos from the privacy of their deck.
The family tent has two interleading bedrooms and a shared bathroom.
The main area consists of two open-sided thatched structures - a dining area and a comfortable lounge. Adjacent to these is a small plunge pool offering a refreshing escape from the African heat.
Activities at Kuthengo focus on game drives, walking safaris and tranquil boat cruises on the Shire River viewing birdlife and animals from the water.
Lion and cheetah have recently been moved into the Liwonde National Park, and wild dog can be occasionally seen as well, making game viewing much more diverse in this park than before.
Geographics
- Location
- Liwonde National Park, Malawi
- Ideal length of stay
- A stay of 3-4 nights at Kuthengo Camp is ideal and would be natural to combine a stay here with a couple of nights in other Robin Pope Safaris-camps - like Mkulumadzi Lodge in Majete Wildlife Reserve or Pumulani on the lakeshore.
- Directions
- Liwonde National Park is about half way between Lilongwe and Blantyre and is about a 4 hour drive from either city.
There is also an airstrip in the Liwonde National Park so it is possible to fly in and then be picked up and transferred to the lodge. - Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- All local drinks, including beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks are included; vintage wines, champagne or imported spirits would be charged as extra.
Special interests
- Wildlife safaris
- Kuthengo Camp is located on the banks of the wide Shire River in the Liwonde National Park and is home numerous elephant, hippo and crcodiles. On land see waterbuck, reedbuck and sable. Recent translocations means that lion and cheetah are also present.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Malawi
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Kuthengo Camp, but those under 12 may not take part in a walking safari.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities at Kuthengo for children.
A member of the housekeeping staff can babysit for children in the evening free of charge (a tip would be welcome), but parents should note that they will not be professionally trained childminders. - Generally recommended for children
- We think Kuthengo is suitable for children from ten years old. There are no activities to entertain younger children and children under the age of 12 are not allowed to do a walking safari.
- Notes
- Children need to be under the constant supervision of their parents as this is a remote location and wild animals do wander through the camp.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Kuthengo Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Kuthengo Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

100% success

100% success

89% success

88% success

67% success

60% success

44% success

44% success

44% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Back-up generator for cloudy days
- TV & radio
- There are no radios or TVs here.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service in included.
- Money
- The camp is unable to exchange money
- Accepted payment on location
- Credit cards are not accepted in camp, but cash payments may be made in Malawi kwacha, UK pounds, US dollars and euros.
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Kuthengo Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kuthengo Camp.
Other lodges in Liwonde National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Mvuu Lodge
Mvuu Lodge is a very comfortable lodge on the Shire River in the Liwonde National Park, offering boat, walking and driving safaris.
When to go to Liwonde National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kuthengo Camp 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

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