Into the Wild: Our Unforgettable Stay at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge

While my family and I are based in Blantyre, Malawi, there are still many adventures we haven’t taken—Malawi is a country packed with a wide range of exciting experiences, varied landscapes, and so much to discover. You could even visit the same place twice and have a completely different experience each time. That’s exactly what happened when my husband and I visited Mvuu Wilderness Lodge, located in Liwonde National Park, roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial capital.

If you’re a first-time tourist to Malawi, the drive from Blantyre to Liwonde is an adventure in itself. There’s so much to see along the way—seasonal fruits and vegetables sold on the roadside, the warm, smiling faces of the people, and even the traffic police greet you with kindness. If you’re flagged down, a simple “Muli bwanji, Bwana?”—a respectful Chichewa greeting—can go a long way in brightening the exchange.

About 50 minutes into the journey, Zomba Mountain, the second-highest mountain in Malawi, looms in the distance. It’s a beautiful sight and definitely worth a trip of its own.

Once you branch off from the Mangochi road following signs for “Mvuu Camp” and “Mvuu Wilderness Lodge,” it’s about 20 kilometers of off-road driving through charming villages, gardens, and fields. As you enter the national park, you’re welcomed by a quaint gift shop beside the park office. From there, it’s a short drive to the river, where you leave your car and are guided to a boat that takes you across to the lodge. By this point, the safari has already begun—hippos in the river, monkeys in the trees, and an astonishing variety of birds all around you.

One of the things that truly stood out to me was how warm and welcoming the staff were. From the moment we arrived, everything was well thought out. Your host assigns you a personal guide for the duration of your stay—so you don’t have to share your boat safaris, game drives, or walking safaris with other guests. I loved this touch, as group safaris can sometimes feel a bit limiting.

The lodge itself is simply stunning. Built mostly with natural materials, it feels like a true retreat into the wild. Walking along the wooden jetty by the river towards the restaurant, you’re surrounded by hippos lazing in the water, exotic birds, and the occasional impala sipping from the riverbank.

Past the restaurant is the beautifully elevated lounge and bar, designed in what I’d call “African chic.” There, as you sip your welcome mocktail and enjoy the view, your host helps you with check-in before guiding you to your luxurious tent. At night, guests are always accompanied by a guard for safety, as animals often roam freely through the lodge area—an exciting reminder that you’re right in the heart of nature.

Each day, you get to choose from two safari experiences, usually one in the morning and one in the evening. These include game drives, boat safaris, or walking safaris—and the guides are incredibly knowledgeable. They know the land, the sounds, and even the smells of the bush.

One evening during a sundowner deep in the bush, Chifundo, our guide, paused suddenly. He recognized the sound of a buffalo approaching long before we could see it. He quickly got us back into the vehicle just in time—seconds before the massive animal came into view. It was thrilling! And to think this was during the rainy season, when the bush is thick and lush—it made every sighting even more special. We were even lucky enough to spot the rare and endangered pangolin—a true highlight of the trip.

Another special part of our safaris was being joined by Farida, Malawi’s first female guide-in-training. She was absolutely amazing—sharp-eyed, passionate, and so good at spotting animals in the thick of the bush. It was inspiring to watch her in action and know that she’s paving the way for other women in this traditionally male-dominated field.

Back at the lodge, even freshening up is an experience. In your tent, you can choose to shower outdoors while watching blue-bottom monkeys play nearby—or take a warm, relaxing bath indoors. Either way, a delicious meal awaits you at the restaurant, where you dine overlooking the river, often spotting impalas, pumbas, or waterbucks coming down for a drink on the opposite bank.

Our stay at Mvuu Wilderness Lodge was nothing short of amazing, and we were honestly sad to leave. We felt completely cared for and genuinely connected to nature throughout. I can confidently say—we’ll be back again!