About Mvuu Camp
Mvuu Camp is supremely family friendly in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Shire River.
With five family rooms, a children’s playground, sandpit, paddling pool and an indoor play area, plus a children’s menu and babysitters, this camp actively welcomes families. It’s a lovely camp too, unpretentious and friendly.
While not as luxurious as its sister property Mvuu Lodge just ‘next door,’ it offers similar activities including boat trips (the best way to really get a feel for Liwonde), game drives and walks, although children under 16 can’t take part in these. It also offers visits to the nearby Nanthomba School which was set up by staff here and has become one of the best in the country.
The main building has a relaxed ambience, almost like a pub, with a bar and colourful lounge area and a large dining room where hearty meals are served buffet-style.
With a total of 14 ensuite tented rooms, it’s quite a large camp but that doesn’t put off the hippos and elephants that sometimes wander up from the river – keep an eye on the kids at all times! It’s also an excellent base for birding safaris.
Our view
Mvuu Camp is a comfortable, affordable family-friendly camp with a lovely location right on the riverbank. Its not as luxurious as its sister camp next door but the activities here are the same. Those looking for a more intimate camp experience might be put off by its size.
Country manager: Malawi
Accommodation
13 rooms including 5 family chalets
Children
Suitable for all ages.
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Mvuu Camp
6 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryMvuu Camp: Our full report
The family-friendly Mvuu Camp is located right on the banks of the Shire River, in the Liwonde National Park, ...
... and caters for the more budget-conscious traveller.
Mvuu Camp is close to its more luxurious sister camp, Mvuu Lodge, which offers the same activities. Elephant, impala, warthog and baboons are commonly seen here, with large herds of waterbuck grazing on the riverbank, and plentiful birdlife. Less common are sable, kudu and bushbuck. Liwonde National Park is not known for its population of cats and lion are very uncommon, although they are occasionally sighted at the far eastern end of the park.
Mvuu Camp has 13 comfortable stone-and-canvas chalets under a thatched roof, including five designed for families. Each has a small veranda at the front set with a table and canvas deck chairs: a great spot to enjoy views of the river. Though note that rooms one to four are set slightly back and so don’t have uninterrupted views over the water.
Inside, the bedrooms are fairly rustic, but light and airy with low gauze windows on three sides allowing a breeze to flow through. At night, cream-coloured curtains can be drawn for privacy. Twin or double beds, covered with tasteful African print fabrics, are surrounded by mosquito nets, and have bedside tables equipped with solar lights and mosquito repellent. Each chalet also has a day bed that can be converted into an extra bed for a child, and hanging space for clothes.
Behind the bedroom, separated by a stone wall, is a small but functional bathroom with a flushing toilet, washbasin and shower. Soap and towels are provided.
The five family chalets have another twin-bedded room at the back with the bathroom shared between the two.
Behind the chalets at Mvuu Camp is a large swimming pool which has a shallow kiddies’ play area. Surrounded by a reed fence with a gate, this is more child friendly than pools at most other lodges we have visited. Sunloungers set around the pool are shaded by a number of thatched gazebos.
The main area of Mvuu Camp is a very spacious open thatched structure built between two enormous baobabs. It overlooks a shady lawned area and has lovely views of the river. Here you will find a well-stocked bar, a lounge area with wooden chairs covered with green cushions, and a large dining area with simple wooden furniture. There is also a small shop selling postcards, safari clothing and some curios.
In a corner is a children’s play area with brightly coloured plastic children’s furniture and some toys, while outside is an enclosed playground with a concrete slide, swings and a wooden climbing frame.
Activities at Mvuu Camp , as at the neighbouring Mvuu Lodge, concentrate around the Shire River. The camp has a covered boat for trips up and down the river, where sightings of hippos and crocodiles are virtually guaranteed and elephant come to the water to drink. Also on offer are guided walks with an armed scout, as well as day and night game drives. It’s also possible to visit a local village with a guide from the camp, either by bike or on foot.
Geographics
- Location
- Liwonde National Park, Malawi
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 - 4 nights
- Directions
- By air, it’s a one-hour flight from Lilongwe to Mvuu Camp’s airstrip, or 35 minutes from Blantyre. From here, it’s a five-minute drive to camp.
By road, it’s a journey of about four hours from Lilongwe to the Shire River, or three hours from Blantyre. Guests are then transferred across the river by boat. - Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We did not eat at Mvuu Camp on our recent visit in October 2014, but the manager explained the following :
Breakfast is generally a buffet with a selection of cereals, fresh bread, fresh fruit and juices. A cooked breakfast is also available.
Lunch is a two-course meal with a choice of pasta, burgers or fish and salads, followed by a light dessert.
Dinner is usually a three-course set with a selection of red or white meat and a vegetarian option. Some evenings there is a barbecue outside under the trees.
All meals are served as a buffet, to which guests can help themselves. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is not available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included at Mvuu Camp. Approximate costs – a bottle of wine varies from U$20 – U$35. Beers U$2 a bottle, soft drinks U$1, spirits U$3 and a glass of wine U$3.00.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Great birding in this lush Malawi reserve
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Malawi
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Mvuu Camp.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is no minimum age limit to stay in the Camp, however there is a minimum age limit of 12 years for walking activities and a minimum age limit of six years for boating activities.
- Special activities & services
- The swimming pool is popular with children during the day. At the main area there is an outside play area with swings and a slide and inside there are games for children to play with.
There is a special childrens menu.
Child minders are available however parents need to mindful that they are camp staff and not qualified child minders. - Equipment
- There are cots and high chairs available.
- Generally recommended for children
- We recommend Mvuu Camp for children, as there is a lot here to keep children occupied.
- Notes
- Parents need to supervise children at all times as there is wild game wandering through camp day and night.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is solar electricity in the tents and a generator in the main area and the kitchen.
There are plugpoints in the tents for charging batteries. - Communications
- There is WiFi in the main area and patchy cell phone reception.
- TV & radio
- There are no TVs.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Borehole water is fine for washing and filtered drinking water is provided in the tents.
Sustainability
Helping local children grow
In partnership with H.E.L.P, an international NGO focusing on sustainable development in Malawi, Mvuu Camp is determined to increase educational opportunities for children living in the outskirts of Liwonde National Park. The camp has facilitated the construction of Nanthomba Primary School, which is frequented daily by over 1000 students.
Over the past 10 years, the quality of education at Nanthomba has improved, making it one of the most competitive in Malawi and winner of distinguished awards from the Malawian District Education Office. Currently ranked 3rd best school in the country, its mission is to foster growth for students to become productive citizens and future leaders.
A scholarship programme has also been initiated to boost access to public secondary education. While the average gross national income per capita in Malawi is $340, tuition fees are estimated to $570 a year per student, thus having a negative impact on many children’s chance of continuing their studies. Donations helped sponsor the costs of tuition for 446 students, of which 59 have graduated from secondary education and 8 have gone on to tertiary/university.
Mvuu Camp’s efforts to support future generations also include annual visits to Liwonde National Park and hosting workshops aimed to encourage a sense of appreciation and responsibility for Malawi's threatened natural heritage.
See more great sustainability projects in Malawi
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All of the managers are first aid trained – the nearest doctor is at a clinic in Liwonde which is 60 minutes drive away and the nearest hospital is at Zomba which is 2 hours drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There is a park ranger based in the camp and there are unarmed night watchmen on duty at night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers outside the tents as well as in the main areas.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included and is machine washed.
- Money
- There is a safe in each of the rooms.
The lodge does not have a currency exchange. - Accepted payment on location
- Cash is welcomes for any extras, in US dollars, UK sterling, euros, Malawi kwacha or SA rands.
Alternatively, Visa cards are accepted, with no surcharge. No other credit cards are accepted.
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Mvuu Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mvuu 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.
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.
When to go to Liwonde National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mvuu 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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