Kuthengo Camp: Our full report
Kuthengo Camp is a small intimate bush camp in the unspoilt Liwonde National Park, which opened in April 2018.
It is located on a bend of the Shire River, under shady fever trees and baobabs.We are excited about the opening of this small bush camp – operated by Robin Pope Safaris, who also operate camps in Zambia and Zimbabwe. In fact, we'd been expecting a new camp from RPS in this park since mid-2014 when they announced a new place called “Miyala Camp”, which was due to be in the far south of the park. However, due to discussions with the park authorities – the building of this was paused and then put on hold. Now Miyala's been completely replaced by the opening of the new Kuthengo, which is much north in the park, in a very different location.
Kuthengo, meaning 'wilderness' in the local language, mirrors perfectly the unspoiled surroundings of the camp.
There are four safari tents, one of which is a family unit for four. This means that there will only be a maximum of ten 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.
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 making game viewing much more diverse in this park than before.
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.
Country manager: Malawi
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
- Group Meals
- 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
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
100% success
100% success
83% success
67% success
50% success
50% success
17% 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.
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.
Mvuu Camp
Mvuu Camp is a comfortable family-friendly camp on the banks of the Shire River. If offers boat, walking and driving safaris.
