Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
National Parks
Malawi has five national parks. These are (from north to south) Nyika, Kasungu, Lake
Malawi (around Cape Maclear), Liwonde and Lengwe. There are also four wildlife re-
serves - Vwaza Marsh, Nkhotakota, Mwabvi and Majete. Over 16% of Malawi's land is
protected.
Traditionally the wildlife reserves have been less developed than the national parks, but
this is changing with the likes of Nkhotakota and Majete, both of which have new, upscale
lodges and improved roads and animal stocks.
All national parks and reserves have accommodation; this ranges from simple camp-
sites and rustic rest houses to self- catering chalets and extremely comfortable lodges. In
most parks and reserves, accommodation - lodges, chalets and campsites - is run by
private companies like Wilderness Safaris and Robin Pope Safaris.
As well as national parks and wildlife reserves, Malawi has almost 70 forest reserves
across the country. The largest forest reserves, and the most famous for tourists, include
Mt Mulanje, the Zomba Plateau, Ntchisi and Dzalanyama. On Mulanje there's a series of
huts especially for hikers and trekkers.
All parks and reserves generally cost US$10 per person per day (each 24-hour period),
plus US$3 per car per day. Citizens and residents pay less. All fees are payable in kwacha
or dollars.
MALAWI'S MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL PARKS
& WILDLIFE RESERVES
PARK
SIZE FEATURES
ACTIVITIES
BEST TIME TO
VISIT
Majete Wild-
life Reserve
700
sq km
Miombo
woodland, marshes; ele-
phants, hippos, zebras, buffaloes,
lions, rhinos, crocs
Wildlife drives, walking safaris,
birdwatching, boat safaris
May-Oct
Lake Malawi
National
Park
94 sq
km
Glittering waters; over 1000 species
of colourful fish
Snorkelling, kayaking, scuba
diving, sailing
May-Oct
