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.
Our view
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is a comfortable lodge in a lovely part of the Liwonde National Park. It's a great place to come for birding and river activities. The game viewing is good, if you discount the lack of predators, although it doesn't have the density or variation of game that you'll find in larger parks, like Zambia's South Luangwa.
Country manager: Malawi
Accommodation
8 tented chalets
Children
Suitable for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Traveller reviews of Mvuu Wilderness Lodge
11 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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 31 pictures and 1 videos of Mvuu Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryMvuu Wilderness Lodge: Our full report
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is a comfortable tented lodge set back from the banks of the Shire River in Malawi's ...
... Liwonde National Park. It overlooks a lily-covered lagoon (an old oxbow lake) where game can very often be seen coming down to drink.
Most guests arrive at Mvuu Lodge by boat and reach the main area via a long, raised wooden walkway, designed to let smaller game move freely through the camp. Though during the dry season it is also possible to access the park by road from the southern Chinguni Gate.
The main dining/bar area, at the far end of the walkway, is raised on a high deck beneath a tall thatched roof, overlooking the lagoon. A large bar and a comfortable seating area with sofas and chairs (complete with a selection of nature books and magazines, and the ubiquitous game of Malawi bao) make this a great place to relax during the day. Most meals are taken in the dining area here, although the occasional meal may be staged in an unexpected location.
This same walkway leads back (via a spectacular loo-with-a-view!) to the refreshing swimming pool, set in a large deck dotted with sunloungers. Mvuu Lodge also has a firepit area, surrounded by a low 'ha-ha' – a stone wall with a deep ditch on the far side: an effective barrier to the elephants that wander through the camp, but close enough to give an exciting viewing experience. This is a popular spot for guests to meet in the evening with a drink.
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge has eight tented rooms, constructed from solid poles with canvas walls and dark polished floors. Each is raised on a deck with an outdoor seating area set with directors' chairs, a table and a free-standing hammock, and a view over the lagoon.
Central to each room is an enormous double bed surrounded by a walk-in mosquito net. Each room has plenty of canvas windows, draped with calico curtains, allowing a cool breeze through the room even on the hottest of days – and privacy at night.
Three of the tents (numbers 6,7 & 8) are larger than the others, with an indoor seating area between the bedroom and the bathroom. Here you will find two cane armchairs and a low coffee table with information about the camp and the surrounding area. Then they have an open-plan bathroom and outside shower. In the centre of the bathroom, two ceramic basins are set into a carved wooden counter top and a large mirror is suspended from the ceiling.
The honeymoon tent has an outdoor covered bathroom with a sunken bath, as well as a thatch-shaded gazebo down a sandy pathway, where a few comfy chairs overlook the lagoon.
The remaining four tents have enclosed, stone-walled bathrooms, which are separate from the bedroom. Each has a sunken bath with a shower over it and a flush toilet, as well as a spacious, stand-alone outside shower.
Activities at Mvuu Lodge centre on the Shire River. The lodge has a great covered boat, perfect for drifting down the river, where sightings of hippos and crocodiles are virtually guaranteed, as well as elephant coming to the water to drink. On our recent visit, in November 2013, we managed to get particularly close to one very large crocodile, before it slithered off the bank into the water.
Back on land, there are guided walks with an armed scout, as well as day and night game drives. Elephant, impala, warthog and baboons are often seen, along with large herds of waterbuck grazing on the riverbank, and the birdlife is plentiful. Less common are sable, kudu and bushbuck. Liwonde is not known for its cats, although lion are very occasionally seen at the far eastern end of the park.
On an early-morning walk our guide took us to some porcupine burrows, where there was lots of fresh evidence of porcupine, although we were not lucky enough to see one. That same evening we had a lovely sighting of a couple of sable antelope on a game drive.
It's also possible to visit a local village, either by bike or on foot, with a guide from the lodge.
Geographics
- Location
- Liwonde National Park, Malawi
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 - 4 nights
- Directions
- Guests arriving by air take a one-hour flight from Lilongwe, or 35 minutes from Blantyre, to Mvuu Wilderness Lodge’s airstrip, which is five minutes’ drive from the lodge.
Alternatively, guests are driven to the river from Lilongwe (4 hours) or Blantyre (3 hours), then taken by boat to the lodge.
During the rainy season (November to April), guests are transferred by boat one hour down the river to Hippo Point Lodge, from where they are driven onwards by road. - Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- When we visited Mvuu in October 2014, the food was enjoyable but not exceptional.
We were served a surprise breakfast whilst out on a morning boat trip. After about an hour pottering up the river, our guide tied the boat to a tree. Out of a hamper he pulled jars of cereal and some fresh fruit salad, while his assistant took out a portable gas stove and cooked eggs and bacon to order and made toast. To drink, there was fruit juice, tea and coffee. It was a lovely spot for breakfast, watching the wildlife around us with water lapping under the boat.
Lunch, a choice of two dishes, is served in the main area. On our first day, we had a choice of chicken kebabs or vegetable quiche served with a selection of salads. The following day there were fish cakes or vegetable lasagna. Dessert was a coconut pancake with syrup.
Our first dinner was shared with other guests around one large table. We started with gazpacho soup served with homemade breadsticks. The main course was beef fillet served with potatoes and fresh vegetables, followed by a delicious chocolate tart and cream.
The second evening we were the only guests in camp so we were served dinner by candlelight on the deck of our tent. We had tomato tart as a starter, followed by pork fillet with baby potatoes and vegetables, and rounded off with a tasty fruit crumble and cream. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available on request at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included at Mvuu. Expect to pay around US$3 for a glass of wine, or U$20–35 per bottle; US$2 for a bottle of beer; US$1 for soft drinks, and US$3 for spirits.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over the age of six years are welcome at Mvuu.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Mvuu welcomes children of six years and above. But there is a minimum age of 12 for walking.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities available, although the swimming pool is a draw for children during the heat of the day. Babysitting can be offered from house keeping and they will do short childrens nature walks.
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Mvuu Lodge is suitable for children 12 years and older.
- Notes
- With plenty of elephants around, and other big game, children should be carefully supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mvuu Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge 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
67% success
67% success
50% success
33% success
33% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is solar electricity in the tents and a generator in the main area and the kitchen. There are plug points for charging batteries in the main area.
- Communications
- There is no WiFi at the lodge and cellphone reception is patchy.
- 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.
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, an hour’s drive away, and the nearest hospital at Zomba, two hours’ drive away. Serious emergency cases can be airlifted to hospital in either Blantyre or Lilongwe.
- 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 hand washed and charcoal ironed.
- Money
- There is a safe in each of the rooms.
The lodge does not offer 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 and Mastercard are accepted, with no surcharge.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mvuu Lodge.
Other lodges in Liwonde National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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.
Mvuu Camp
Mvuu Camp is a comfortable family-friendly camp on the banks of the Shire River. If offers boat, walking and driving safaris.
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
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me