Safari
Mvuu Camp overlooks the magnificent Shire River (pronounced Shi-ree) inside southern Malawi's Liwonde National Park. The camp's name means "hippo", which you're bound to see many of along this broad stretch of river and around the camp in the evenings. It's the big (slightly simpler and more affordable) sister to Mvuu Lodge, which is just down the road. Both are run by Central African Wilderness Safaris - a subsidiary, though now independent, of Wilderness Safaris. The camp is a superb option for budget-minded travellers, especially those driving themselves. It offers a well-rounded safari at a relaxed pace.
The lounge and dining room are a simple combination of stone and thatch, with open sides for the breeze and river views. Furnishings are simple - wooden chairs with army-green cushions - but the atmosphere around the dining table is warm, as is the service. There's a well-equipped children's play area and a kid-friendly pool (it's fenced, with a shallow area) surrounded by thatched gazebos and sun-loungers. Lush vegetation fills the surrounds, and two enormous baobabs stand as towering sentinels. A separate conference centre caters for up to 40 delegates.
There are 12 stone and canvas chalets, including 5 family rooms, sleeping a total of 34 guests (though spread along the river's edge, they're quite close together.) Rooms are comfortable, but rustic, with few "extra" facilities. Twin or double beds have mosquito nets, and extra day beds can be converted if necessary. Small, en-suite bathrooms are separated from the bedrooms by stone walls, with toiletries provided. Each room has a lovely verandah, with deck chairs and a wooden table.
There's a wide range of activities on offer here. A boat trip along the river is both relaxing and rewarding! Look out for exceptional sightings of hundreds of hippos, huge crocodiles, herds of elephants and a myriad of birds (specials include Böhm's bee-eater and African skimmers). Both day and night game drives are available, although even as Malawi's premier game reserve, predators are largely absent. There is a good variety of antelope including waterbuck and sable, so guided walks with an armed ranger can be lots of fun. Visits to the local village are also possible via a short bike ride, where the camp's input into the community is clearly visible. Rhino tracking is available at extra cost.
Eating under the stars in the traditional boma, watching the hippos as they embark on their nightly mission out of the water to graze.
Take an afternoon boat safari along the river: you'll encounter numerous hippo, crocodile and a myriad of bird species. Our tip? Head out in the evening - the sunset has never looked so good!
This is a perfectly affordable safari option in Liwonde but for a more exclusive experience, upgrade to the luxurious big sister, Mvuu Lodge.
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Explore Malawi’s safari highlight on game drives, walks and lazy boat cruises on the Shire River
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