For denser game, and a feel of deepest, tropical Africa, Liwonde National Park is hard to beat. Good game viewing in a small park, with a palm-lined river and superb birding.

Elephant and Sable Antelope occur in large numbers, as do Hippo, Crocodile, Impala and Waterbuck. Leopard, Serval and the rare Oribi may occasionally be seen. Black Rhino have been reintroduced from South Africa’s Kruger National Park, as have Zebra, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, and Buffalo from elsewhere within Malawi. Birds are prolific, especially along the Shire River where African Fish Eagle, Palmnut Vulture, African Skimmer and Pel’s Fishing Owl are fairly common. Bohm’s Beeeater, Lilian’s Lovebird, Bat Hawk, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Whitebacked Night Heron and Brownbreasted Barbet are among the “specials”.