Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve- Travel Tips
What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Natural Scenery
Malawi
5 Reviews
+1 Photos
Suggested Duration: 48 hours
Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve in Malawi is a rugged, 1,000 km² sanctuary blending Mopane and Miombo woodlands with expansive marshlands, creating a rich and unique ecosystem distinct from Nyika National Park's upland terrain. Positioned strategically southeast of the Nyika Plateau and north of the South Rukuru River floodplains, this remote reserve offers an unparalleled experience for adventurous travelers despite challenging access and poor road conditions. The flat terrain, interspersed with hilly areas on the eastern side, provides diverse habitats that support a wide range of wildlife, including large herds of Cape buffaloes, elephants, and various antelope species such as roan, greater kudu, and impala. Lake Kazuni within the reserve is a notable gathering spot for hippopotamus pods. Vwaza Marsh is also home to 398 plant species, which support vibrant birdlife including Goliath herons and the rare white-winged starling, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Additionally, the reserve reflects a poignant story of conservation, exemplified by Moses, an orphaned elephant rescued by Vwaza's rangers and now cared for at the Jumbo Foundation in Lilongwe, symbolizing the deep bond between humans and wildlife in this pristine haven.

Reviews of Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve

  • reviews-avatar James Seven
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-01-13

    Visit vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve today and see beauty of nature

  • reviews-avatar Richard Rumara (Son of L-city)
    5
    Reviewed: 2023-06-29

    I went to the beautiful town of Vwaza located in the northern region of Malawi. As I arrived I was immediately captivated by the stunning landscapes and the warm hospitality of the local people. Vwaza is known for its breathtaking national park which attracts nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. I decided to start my adventure by exploring the Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve a sprawling sanctuary for a diverse array of animals and bird species. As I ventured into the reserve I was greeted by the sight of elephants gracefully roaming the grasslands waterbucks cooling off by the swampy areas and zebras grazing in a picturesque setting. It was a true haven for nature enthusiasts and I couldn't believe my luck at being able to witness such incredible wildlife up close. One of the highlights of my trip was the opportunity to go on a guided safari tour. With the help of a knowledgeable guide I was able to spot hippos lounging in the water giraffes elegantly munching on leaves from the treetops and even a pride of lions resting in the shade. The sheer beauty and diversity of the wildlife left me in awe and gave me a renewed appreciation for the importance of conservation efforts. Aside from the wildlife Vwaza is also home to a vibrant community of local people. During my stay I had the chance to visit a nearby village where I was warmly welcomed by the residents. I learned about their traditional way of life witnessed their vibrant dances and music and even had the opportunity to try some of their delicious local cuisine. Another must-see in Vwaza is the Vwaza Hill a scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Climbing to the top of the hill was a bit challenging but the effort was well worth it as I was rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the national park the marshes and the distant mountains. As my time in Vwaza came to an end I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unforgettable experiences and memories I had made. Vwaza had not only provided me with an opportunity to connect with nature but also offered a glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of the local communities. It was an incredible journey that I would cherish for a lifetime and I knew that Vwaza would forever hold a special place in my heart.

  • reviews-avatar Mervis Mwai Maigwa
    4
    Reviewed: 2022-12-20

    Best place to getaway. Cheap accommodation, you need to get your own food, don't forget to pack insect repellent as there are a lot of tsetse flies. You'll live it if you're an outdoors person.

  • reviews-avatar Lee West
    3
    Reviewed: 2021-09-07

    Did a day safari here. Park was cool. We only saw hippos, but there were hundreds of them. Have you ever seen a hippo walking around in a forest? I thought it was a dinosaur. My guide was a little questionable but he didn’t work for the park. He turned our driving tour into a walking one and almost got us trampled by hippos. As soon as we left the park he pulled over and bought hippo meat from the locals and I saw a bunch of hippo bones which was cool but not a good look for the park. Only reason for the lower rating is because it’s clear a lot of rangers look the other way when it comes to poaching

  • reviews-avatar Uncover Malawi
    5
    Reviewed: 2017-06-28

    The park adjoins Zambia with herds of buffalo and elephants that traverse the border. Lake Kazuni is home to a large population of hippo with June-July being best time to see their young. Although the onsite accommodation is rudimentary (and food needs to be carried in) it offers a fairly unique opportunity to be in close proximity to both hippos and elephants. Impala, kudu, warthog, puku, baboon and occasionally buffalo can be seen around the lake. Over 300 species of birds including herons and storks have been recorded.

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