Often hailed as the crown jewel of Malawi’s wildlife sanctuaries, Liwonde National Park offers an intimate and profoundly beautiful safari experience defined by the majestic Shire River. As you drift along its tranquil waters on a boat safari—perhaps the park's most iconic activity—you’ll find yourself at eye-level with enormous pods of hippos and basking Nile crocodiles, while massive herds of elephants frequently wade across the channel. Since the park came under the stewardship of African Parks, it has become a shining beacon of conservation; the successful reintroduction of lions, cheetahs, and black rhinos has restored the "Big Five" status to this emerald wilderness, ensuring that every game drive or guided bush walk feels like a front-row seat to a thriving, revitalised ecosystem.

Topographically, the park is a striking tapestry of floodplains, lagoons, and ancient woodlands that shift beautifully with the seasons. The horizon is punctuated by the dramatic silhouettes of towering Borassus palms and gnarled, centuries-old baobabs, while the "cathedral-like" mopane forests provide a cool, dappled canopy for the park’s many inhabitants. Botanically, Liwonde is a treasure trove, home to the vibrant candelabra euphorbia and the iconic fever trees that fringe the riverbanks. This lush floral diversity supports a staggering array of over 400 bird species, from the haunting call of the African fish eagle to the flashes of colour from Boehm’s bee-eaters, making it a true paradise for those who appreciate the finer, greener details of the African bush.