Liwonde National Park & Chikala Pillars
About Liwonde National Park & Chikala Pillars
Liwonde National Park is the top destination and one of the most popular game parks in Malawi. The park has a vibrant landscape of dense cathedral mopane woodlands, lagoons and fertile floodplains dotted with ancient baobab trees and borassus palms. The game viewing is enhanced because the Shire River flows along its western border, making it an ideal spot for boat safaris as well as the usual ones on foot or in 4x4s.
Chikala Pillars
The Chikala Pillars, also known locally as the ‘Malape Pillars’, are mysterious and beautiful sandstone pillars created by erosion and rift valleys. Some people call it the ‘Malawian Canyon’ because of its resemblance to the Grand Canyon in the USA. This stunning formation is well worth a visit.
Liwonde Weekend Trip Itinerary (2 days)
| Day 1 | |
| 8:00 | Departure from Lilongwe to Liwonde National Park |
| 11:30 | Lunch at Balaka Arthouse Restaurant |
| 14:00 | Arrive at Liwonde National Park |
| 16:00 | Sunset Boat Safari in Liwonde National Park |
| 19:00 | Check in to the Lodge |
| Day 2 | |
| 6:00 | Morning Game Safari in Liwonde National Park |
| 10:00 | Head to Chikala Pillars |
| 11:00 | Arrive at Chikala Pillars |
| 13:00 | Return to Lilongwe |
| 18:00 | Arrive at Lilongwe |
Day 1
8:00 Departure from Lilongwe to Liwonde National Park
Begin your trip from Lilongwe to Liwonde National Park. Usually the journey from Lilongwe to Liwonde National Park takes about 4 hours and a half via M1 and M8.
11:30 Lunch at Balaka Arthouse Restaurant
Before arriving at Liwonde National Park, we recommend that you visit ARTHOUSE restaurant for mouth-watering dishes. They offer one of the best Italian cuisines in Malawi. You can also find quality handicrafts which are perfect as souvenirs.
| Working Hours | 10:00-15:00 (Closed Tuesday) |
|---|---|
| Phone | +265 (0) 995 054 782 |
14:00 Arrive at Liwonde National Park
Malawian Citizens
Adult – USD1
Children under 12- Free
International Residents
Adult – USD7
Children under 12- Free
International Visitors
Adult – USD10
Children under 12- Free
Liwonde National Park is located approximately 160km north of Blantyre and it covers an area of 548km². The combination of the Shire River which is the only outlet of Lake Malawi, and the rich mopane and grassland habitats provide a suitable environment for wildlife and birds, probably making Liwonde the most popular national park in Malawi.
Liwonde National Park has been managed by African Parks since 2015 which continues to transform Liwonde into a first-class safari destination.
16:00 Sunset Boat Safari in Liwonde National Park
Boat Safari is highly recommended for the sunset and you can also enjoy a game drive.
19:00 Check in to the Lodge
Lodge Options in Liwonde
Day 2
6:00 Morning Game Safari in Liwonde National Park
Liwonde National Park is home to an estimated 12,000 large mammals, including hippos, crocodiles, African buffalo, waterbuck, impala, common eland, sable antelope, bushbuck, kudu, hyena and warthog. It is also one of Malawi’s leading birding spots and is home to around 400 bird species, including Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Skimmer, Brown-breasted Barbet, Lilian’s Lovebird and Bohm’s Bee-eater.
10:00 Head to Chikala Pillars
There are no signs or landmarks around Chikala Pillars and it is not easy to find the Pillars if you visit for the first time, so it is recommended to ask for a guide.
Martin Kalembo
Phone: +265 (0) 994 558 719
11:00 Arrive at Chikala Pillars
The ‘Pillars’ were formed due to puddles of crystals which protect the columns of grit underneath as the rains erode the surrounding unprotected areas. As the sides of the canyon erode and the crystal blocks tumble off, beautifully sculpted pinnacles remain.
