American World Traveler Summer 2018 Issue

Nkhotakota became poised as one of
Malawi’s most important wildlife sanctuaries,
when it hosted a translocation of 520
elephants and more than 1,400 game animals
from areas such as Liwonde and
Majete. This historic transfer came after
decades of poaching and timber harvested,
which left many key mammal species scarce
and its natural habitat destructed. Today,
however, the 19,000-hectare sanctuary
allows for the safe reintroduction of species,
and promotes sustainability within the local
communities to combat issues of poverty,
hunger, poaching, and environmental
destruction.
Tongole Wilderness Lodge
Located deep within the woodlands of the
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, the oldest
National Park in Malawi, is the Tongole
Wilderness Lodge. A model of eco-tourism,
the lodge’s commitment to local sustainability
and wildlife conservation, as its provision
of employment opportunities has brought
substantial amount of hope and pride to a
deprived part of the country. Billed as one of
Africa’s and possibly Malawi’s last remaining
pristine, unexploited wilderness, this
high-end lodge poised on the forested
banks of the Bua River was the perfect
haven to call home during my safari. It was
a perfect mix of all—I was able to partake
the activities offered onsite, such as wildlife
safaris, fly fishing, fly camping, and canoe
tours. Lodging consists of four luxury riverside
suites, with options for a super kingsized
bed or two twin beds, perfectly accommodating
two adults. The ensuite spaces
come equipped with a spacious shower,
twin marble basins, and hand-built sunken
bath that doubles as a plunge pool.
Mumbo Island
Situated in the middle of Lake Malawi is an
unspoiled, deserted tropical island, whose
pristine topography offers an off-the-grid
getaway, with accommodations that are
both extremely comfortable and inspiringly
eco-friendly. The camp ground itself is
perched on high, overlooking jagged rocks
and tranquil water. It is built of timer, thatch
and canvas, and only uses furnishings that
were locally sourced, made either in the village
or in Malawi. It is a small camp, catering
to fourteen people, with three reed
chalets and two walk-in tents. Each chalet
comes equipped with an en-suite bathroom,
deck with a hammock and a breathtaking
view of the placid waters. There is also a
dining area with a lounge, where I’d enjoy
a refreshing drink under the shade of a
baobab tree, and relax after participating in
one of the camp’s many activities, such as
kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and hiking.
Huntingdon House
It is hard to think of what could possibly be
“off the beaten path” when it comes to a
safari — an event that is itself one of the
most unique experiences that someone can
treat themselves to during their lifetime. A
stay at the Huntingdon House, however,
may very well redefine the safari experience
by offering lodging that is more akin to a
bed and breakfast, rather than the traditional
game lodges common to the area. The
house was built in the mod 1930s, following
the decision of its founder, Maclean Kay, to
halt her journey home back to Scotland and
begin instead a life in the African paradise
that had come to love. Now known as the
Satemwa Tea Estate, which also a working
tea and coffee estate, the House is still run
by Kay’s family. In fact, fourth generation
Kays can commonly be seen picking flowers
in the garden, or stealing cookies in the
kitchen — a touching, familiar aspect that
draws visitors to this gorgeous estate
throughout the year. Five spacious rooms
are yours to choose from—my favorite
aspect was waking up to the smell of freshly
baked biscuits every morn’.
Mvuu Lodge
Just of the Shire River, which runs through
the western border of Malawi’s Liwonde
National Park, sits Mvuu Lodge — an
accommodation comprised of eight elegant
lodgings where I would rest my head in luxury.
Its situation high above the water allows
for breathtaking panoramic views of the
surrounding wilderness, where I bore witness
to herds of majestic beasts gathering to
feed, drink and frolic. The name
69
Mvuu, after all, does translate to
‘hippo’ in Chichewa, attesting to the
high numbers of the animals in the Shire
River. Each lodge includes an ensuite bathroom
facility, as well as a private viewing
platform where you can daydream in the
sun, gazing out upon the glistening lagoon.
Liwonde National Park
Despite its modest size of 220 square miles,
Liwonde National Park in central Malawi is
one of the area’s most popular game
reserves. And although it does not have the
largest number of big game animals compared
to other African countries, it is
nonetheless a national treasure not to be
missed: due to the River Shire flowing along
its western border, Liwonde attracts a large
number of hippos and elephants, as well as
kudu, sable, and bushbuck. There is also an
impressive population of elephants, as well
as the occasional leopard, hyena, lion, and
black rhino spotting — the latter of which
was recently re-introduced into the habitat.
The park’s smaller size allows for a more
intimate safari experience compared to
other parks in the area. Liwonde is also a
haven for bird enthusiasts, with one of the
best year-round bird watching opportunities
throughout Central and Southern Africa.
Rare species that call Liwonde home include
the Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Pel’s Fishing-
Owl, Spur-winged Lapwing, Lillian’s
Lovebird, and the elusive Brown-breasted
Barbet. The park may be accessed via
Malawi’s capital city Lilongwe. The most
common option for visitors, however, is to
travel via chartered plane from Blantyre —
a 30-minute journey.
Getting There
Though it may feel like an isolated and
unspoiled area of the world, travelling to
Malawi from North America is actually quite
simple. Travelers can fly to Johannesburg on
South African Airways (SAA) and then take a
connecting flight to either Lilongwe or
Blantyre.
www.malawitourism.com
American World Traveler Summer 2018