Reviews of Mvuu Lodge

"Another very well run camp, Chifondo our guide was one of the best we have had after several visits to Africa.

Again food, service and game viewing all high quality.

Good sightings and photographs of cheetah which delighted us. the Shire river was in flood making boat ride here special." See all these reviews: 15n in Malawi

"Mvuu lodge is a beautiful place, there's no way around it.

We did have the luxury of having the camp to ourselves for the first two nights, but having to share it the next two wasn't exactly a problem.

Even though we dind't see a lot of big game/predators, the scenery and birdlife is fantastic and having sundowners on the floodplains never gets boring.

Danger (what's in a name..) proved himself to be an excellent guide and a very nice person in general. Overall, the staff were attentive and very capable.

If there's one spot to visit in Malawi, this is the one." See all these reviews: 9n in Malawi

"While lacking some of the frills of typical South Luangwa lodges, this was nevertheless a very solid and well run operation. It was spectacularly located, right on Shire river, with individual cabins facing a lagoon which connects to the river.

Fiona, the camp manager, was very efficient and attended to all our needs. Meals were excellent quality, all served in the attractive common area. There was also a nice little swimming pool to cool off in the heat of the day. Our cabin was a good size, with solar lighting, and a veranda giving close views of wildlife on the lagoon. We were lucky to be allocated our own dedicated guide (Chipundu), which meant we could choose exactly what type of game activity we wanted.

We ended up with 1 river safari, 2 walking safaris and 3 game drives. We had some good sightings including cheetahs, lion, sable antelopes, and a porcupine very close up during a walking safari.

Generally, while the landscape around the river is green and attractive, it is very barren and spartan away from the river - partly due to elephant damage, we were told. Liwonde national park seems to be on the up after a difficult past and will be a strong highlight of any visit to Malawi." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 6n in Malawi

"The setting of Mvuu Lodge on the river in the Liwonde National Park is magnificent. Wildlife seen from the lounge included hippo,
crocodile, baboons and monkeys, mongeese, impala, waterbuck and bushbuck. Also plentiful and colourful bird life. The option of viewing wildlife on boat safaris is a big bonus.
Rooms were beautiful and comfortable, food delicious and all staff incredibly helpful and attentive.
Special mention to our very knowledgable guide Chifondo for making our wildlife viewings on water, in the truck and on foot such a rewarding experience.
All in all highly recommended." See all these reviews: 8n in Malawi

"Malawi is very different to the South Luangwa , and Liwonde is a relatively small national park, without the main predators ( for now ) but with an excellent population of elephants , antelope and birdlife.

Most of the Safaris I went on were river based , which was a good way to see much of the park, particularly a very large mixed herd of elephants of both sexes and all ages as they came down to drink and bathe. We saw several kingfisher species and also several of heron including the Goliath Heron. There were multitudes of other waterbirds , as well as several crocodiles ( some quite large ) and hippos. There were also many Fish eagles , in fact we saw 4 very close together.

I only went on one game drive which was rather limited, and not helped by a puncture. I thought the vehicle could do with updating being an elderly and noisy land rover. We had views of Buffalo and Sable antelope amongst others , but the thick, dry bush prevented really good sightings.

The lodge is luxurious , with very well appointed cabins with very comfortable beds and an enormous bathroom with outdoor shower and a nice deep bath. There is also a nice, though surprisingly chilly( In such hot weather ) swimming pool nearby.

Food was really good and tasty and the staff very attentive. The manager D K was friendly , softly spoken and professional. My guide was Justin who is very experienced and knowledgable.

One of Malawi's problems is its rapidly increasing population and this was brought home to me on the lengthy drive from Lilongwe to Mvuu. The last section leading up to the park leads through a densely populated area which almost completely surrounds the park. It is important that these people are involved with the park, and many of the people who work in the park are from the villages and towns which surround it." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 6n in Malawi

"The game drives and the boat safaris were very special.......we enjoyed our time here to the full." See all these reviews: 10n in Malawi

"This river lodge delivers "all what it says on the can" in luxury and service. We were even given a surprise dinned on the balcony of our chalet by the staff to celebrate that we were in our 40th year of marriage.

While the Shire river was so low that the waters no longer came up to the camp we had great views of the river from the camp. The wild life was varied and excellent even for non birders.

A visit to the sanctuary was well worthwhile to see the elephants and other four footed game at the water hole which is kept active from pumped water during the dry season." See all these reviews: 13n in Malawi

"What a great place. We stayed in room #8, its deck overlooking the lagoon, with the sounds, smells and the drama of every animal trying to stay alive. Can't say enough about the guides and staff, and the food was wonderful.

We had a chance to visit the re-forestation project that the school is doing and must take my hat off to all those involved." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Malawi; 1n in Zambia

"Perfect- a really special place. Loved watching all the wildlife from the terrace of the lodge.

Really well run and thoughtful planning of programmes to ensure everyone got variety eg we had a sundowner cruise just for us on our third night." See all these reviews: 8n in Malawi

"Next we went to Mvvu Camp [Ed: this was actually Mvuu Lodge – not Mvuu Camp!] which was the most amazing stay we had ever had. Our ‘chalet’ was extremely comfortable and all the staff, as in our previous stops were very friendly and welcoming.

The drives and boat safaris we had were fantastic and the many species of animals we saw were magnificent, from elephants and hippos to crocodile and impalas, not to mention the variety of bird life along the Shire River.

Kevin and myself were disappointed that we could not see the part where the black rhino and zebra roamed as they were carrying out an animal count which, unfortunately, took pace during our stay. All the more reason to return!

Coming face to face with a bull elephant one evening on our way to dinner was an unforgettable sight and quite a rare occurrence, we’re told, but it added to our ever increasing love for the place. Waking up to find warthogs grazing on your front lawn and monkeys sprawled out on your veranda is a sight we shall always cherish." See all these reviews: 8n in Malawi