Malawi Photographic Safari Liwonde National Park
18th – 25th October 2027 | 7 nights, 8 days
USD 5,500 per person on sharing basis
USD 6,500 per person on single occupancy basis
4 of 4 spots available
In October 2027, join Harman in one of Malawi's most beautiful wilderness areas for an exclusive and intimate photographic safari. One of the most captivating things about Malawi is its sense of true wilderness. Its national parks and wildlife reserves feel wonderfully untouched, offering an intimate safari experience far removed from the crowds of Africa’s more heavily visited destinations. This safari is an opportunity to slow down, immerse yourself in nature and experience remarkable wildlife in a setting that is genuinely wild.
Liwonde National Park
Set along the banks of the Shire River in southern Malawi, Liwonde National Park is one of the country’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. Its landscapes are beautifully diverse, with sweeping floodplains, ancient baobabs, mopane woodland, palm-dotted riverbanks and lagoons.
The Shire River is the lifeblood of Liwonde, winding along the park’s western boundary and drawing a large concentration of wildlife to its banks. Boat safaris offer an entirely different perspective of the park, with elephants gathering at the water’s edge, pods of hippos breaking the surface and crocodiles basking along the shoreline. The river is also a haven for birdlife, from African fish eagles and kingfishers to an incredible variety of waterbirds.
On land, Liwonde is home to an exciting diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, endangered black rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, sable antelope, kudu and numerous other species.
The Experience
A safari in Liwonde is about experiencing the African wilderness from every perspective. Over the course of the safari, we’ll explore the park by boat and safari vehicle, giving us the opportunity to photograph its wildlife across changing conditions.
Boat safaris along the Shire River are one of Liwonde’s defining experiences. From the water, we can quietly approach elephants drinking along the riverbanks, photograph hippos at eye level and watch crocodiles, antelope and an extraordinary variety of birdlife along the shoreline. As the afternoon light softens and the sun begins to set, the river offers some of the most beautiful photographic opportunities of the trip.
On land, morning and afternoon game drives will take us deeper into Liwonde’s floodplains and woodlands in search of lion, cheetah, black rhino, elephant and the park’s many other species. Our days will remain flexible, allowing us to spend time at memorable sightings rather than rushing from one location to the next.
Mvuu Lodge
Hidden beneath towering fever trees at the meeting point of the Namagogodo Lagoon and Shire River, Mvuu Lodge offers an intimate base in the heart of Liwonde National Park, surrounded by wildlife and some of the park’s most beautiful landscapes.
The lodge features tented chalets with private viewing decks, allowing you to remain immersed in the wilderness even between safari activities. Wooden dining decks overlook the wildlife-rich lagoon and Shire River, while a swimming pool tucked amongst the fever trees provides the perfect place to relax during the heat of the day.
Its location makes Mvuu particularly special. Wildlife regularly moves through the surrounding area on its way to and from the river, meaning the safari experience rarely ends when you return to camp. From mornings overlooking the lagoon to evenings around the open-air boma, Mvuu Lodge combines comfort with a genuine connection to the wild landscapes of Liwonde.
Included in the Safari Price
2 nights on half board basis (breakfast and dinner) at Heuglin’s Lodge in Lilongwe (Night 1 and Night 7)
5 nights on full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde National Park (Nights 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6)
All scheduled activities at Mvuu Lodge, including game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris
Exclusive use of a safari vehicle throughout
Local drinks at Mvuu Lodge
Liwonde National Park entry fees
All ferry transfers
Return road transfers from Lilongwe to Liwonde
Packed lunches on transfer days
Bottled drinking water throughout
Tourism levy and community and conservation levy
1-on-1 photographic tuition in the field
Excluded in the Safari Price
International and domestic flights, and airport departure taxes
Visas and travel insurance
Premium and imported drinks, and all drinks at Heuglin's Lodge
Laundry, telephone and items of a personal nature
Gratuities
Anything not specifically listed as included
Terms and Conditions
50% deposit required to confirm this booking.
Remaining 50% to be paid 8 weeks prior to travel.
Meet your Host
Hi! I’m Harman, a wildlife and travel photographer based in Western Australia. Born in Kenya, I grew up surrounded by the wildlife and wilderness of East Africa, where my fascination with the natural world and photography first began.
With over a decade of experience in the African bush and five years of experience leading and hosting photographic safaris, I’ve developed an intimate understanding of wildlife, animal behaviour and what it takes to photograph wildlife in their environments. My work has taken me across some of the world’s most remarkable wilderness areas, both behind the camera and alongside photographers seeking to experience and document them for themselves.
Through my photography, I aim to showcase the beauty, fragility and importance of the natural world through artistic and emotive imagery. Ultimately, I hope my work encourages a deeper connection with wildlife and inspires greater appreciation for the places and species we have a responsibility to protect.
FAQs:
Do I need to be an experienced photographer?
Not at all. This safari is open to photographers of every level, from complete beginners to experienced wildlife photographers. We’ll be there throughout the trip to offer guidance with camera settings, composition and wildlife photography whenever you need it.
What camera equipment should I bring?
We recommend bringing a camera with a telephoto lens, ideally reaching at least 300–400mm. A wider lens will also be useful for landscapes and wildlife in its environment.
What wildlife can we expect to see?
Liwonde is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, buffalo, sable antelope and exceptional birdlife. As with any wild safari, sightings can never be guaranteed, and that unpredictability is part of the experience.
What safari activities are included?
Our time in Liwonde will include a combination of game drives and boat safaris along the Shire River, giving us a variety of perspectives and opportunities to photograph wildlife.
How big will the group be?
There will be a maximum of 4 guests on this trip. We intentionally keep our photographic safaris small. This creates a more personal experience and, importantly, gives everyone plenty of space and flexibility when photographing from the vehicles and boats.
What is a typical safari day like?
Most days begin early to make the most of the morning light. We’ll usually return to the lodge during the middle of the day before heading out again in the afternoon. Our schedule will remain flexible depending on wildlife activity, weather and photographic opportunities.
