MVUU WILDERNESS LODGE
Malawi

Introduction

The 580 square kilometre Liwonde National Park is situated in the south of Malawi and is the country's premier wildlife reserve. Liwonde incorporates the huge, scenic Shire River as well as quiet backwaters and lagoons, marshes, open savannah country, woodland and hills in the interior of the park. As a result of the wide variety of habitats, there is a great diversity of plant, animal and birdlife present. Elephant, Sable and Black Rhino are the main game attractions. The birdlife is outstanding ~ it is possibly the best birding location in Central and Southern Africa. The record for a two~night stay is 266 different species.

Camp Description

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is stunningly situated on a lagoon close to the Shire River in the north of the park. Discreetly tucked away in thick riverine vegetation, each tent has its own private view of the palm~fringed lagoon, which abounds with exciting birdlife. The main dining room/pub/lounge area is raised under thatch overlooking the Shire River where Elephant, Hippos and Crocodiles are often to be viewed. Our tented rooms offer luxury, en suite facilities for only 10 persons and include a unique canvas, stone and thatch honeymoon suite. Enjoy meals on the deck or under thatch and relax at the pool in between activities.

Game Viewing

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".

Activities

In addition to the main activities listed below, we do great bicycle trips from the boundary of Liwonde to the local villages outside the park, giving one a superb cultural experience. We also offer our guests the experience of a night in Ligwangwa, a typical rural Malawian village.

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

Location

o Situated to the south of Lake Malawi in the Liwonde National Park. The camp is built overlooking the Shire River, the main drainage river from Lake Malawi.

Accommodation

Number of tents:
5 tents in total consisting of:
4 twin bedded tents
1 honeymoon tent with bath
This camp can accommodate 10 guests, larger groups can also be accommodated in the nearby Mvuu Camp
Tent details:
o Private veranda overlooking secluded lagoon
o En-suite facilities with a shower
o Tents are mosquito proofed
o Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each room

Lodge description

o Diningroom and pub under thatch
o Swimmingpool

Game viewing

Elephant, hippo, crocodile, kudu, sable, impala, waterbuck, warthog, serval, civet, mongoose, genet, baboon, vervet monkeys, bushbuck, oribi and magnificent birdlife.

Activities

o Game drives in 1 x 10 seater vehicle
o Night drives
o Boating in 1 x 10 seater safari boat
o Walks with experienced guides
o River Safaris
o The highlight here is suberb river cruises where guests may get close to hippos, crocodiles and wonderful birdlife. There is a black rhino re-introduction programme and it is possible (with special permission) to visit the rhino sanctuary in the park.

Laundry policy

Daily service, included in the nightly tariff if guests are on the full board rate.

Extras payment

Payment can be affected by cash or the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
If guests feel that they want to tip, our recommended tipping schedule is as follows:
Guides - US$5.00 per person per day
General Camp Staff - US$3.00 per person per day
Specialist Guides (if applicable) - US$10.00 per person per day
(This is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards)

Flying times

to/from Lilongwe 55 minutes
to/from Blantyre 40 minutes
to/from Club Makalolo 20 minutes

Air strip details

Mvuu (Makanga) Air strip co-ordinates: S 14.15, E 35.18
1000m long

Electricity

o 220v generator
o 12v solar for lights in the tents
o No plugs in the tents but can use plugs at reception if necessary

Guest Comments

"We have 200 volunteers working in 24 different countries around the world, this is the most beautiful setting of them all"
Neville O'Grady- Director of Project Trust.

"This is our third visit to Mvuu since 1998 and the first time to stay in the Lodge. It just gets better each time. All the staff are without doubt the most dedicated, professional, attentive, polite, efficient and punctual of any hosts we have had the pleasure of being pampered by. Their attention to detail is just fantastic. We were lucky enough to see most of the animals and reptiles. Thanks to Jim and Paul we also managed to see over 80 bird species in our two wonderful days. Jim must be the only person with infra red night vision!!! Wish we could have his surpurb knowledge transplanted. A truly memorable adventure which could only happen here. Our most sincere thanks for the constant effort you put in as a very cohesive team of proffessionals. We hope very much that we will return"
RW and JW

"Don't know the date. Don't need to. Doesn't matter. We leave tomorrow at dawn sadly, after five nights at this beautiful, subtly run Wilderness Lodge. Attention is paid to every detail - superb comfort without ostentation - just superb."
S.J. and R.J., Canada

"After travelling a fair amount in Africa I can honestly say that nowhere have the staff, and especially the manager, shown such a passion for what they do. Mvuu is truly a beautiful setting and an inspiration to anyone who seeks perfection. We as guests believe in you because you believe in yourself."
L. and G., U.K.

"After all our travels in the African bush it is still exciting to discover little gems like Mvuu. Although we were very active during our stay I would have been content to sit on my balcony and soak up the peace and quiet."
L. and C., RSA

"A superb experience in every way - we awoke this morning to find that the Elephant had come back to the lagoon in front of our tent to say goodbye."
D.B., USA

Please contact us for current rates: