Malawi’s game parks and safari lodges recorded a year of substantial progress in 2025, marked by infrastructure upgrades, new wildlife experiences and deeper community engagement. With continued investment planned for 2026, the country’s safari sector is strengthening its reputation for intimate, conservation-led wildlife tourism combined with meaningful local partnerships.
Upgrades Across Flagship Parks
In Liwonde National Park, managed by African Parks, 2025 focused on enhancing both accommodation and safari services. Chinguni House benefited from upgraded solar power, while Chimwala Bush Camp underwent major renovations including new kitchens, reception areas and expanded safari tents. Full-board dining was introduced at Chimwala, and a new guest property, Ligulo House, opened to visitors. The park also expanded its safari capacity with two additional game-viewer vehicles and a new 20-seater boat for wildlife and leisure activities on the Shire River. Campsite facilities at Chinguni were further improved with a new kitchen and lapa, and game drives were extended to day visitors for the first time.
At Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, also managed by African Parks, 2025 developments concentrated on access, comfort and activity diversification. All major tourism roads were rehabilitated, improving travel conditions throughout the reserve. A new camping site was developed at the base of Chipata Mountain to support multi-day hiking experiences, while Livezi Bush Camp received upgraded furnishings and expanded catering options, including the introduction of full-board services. Dining facilities at Mphatso Restaurant were refreshed, and a new roadside tourism stop-over was created along the M5 to serve long-distance travellers.
New Activities and Immersive Experiences
Activity offerings across Malawi’s parks expanded notably in 2025. Nkhotakota introduced sport fishing on the Bua River during the January–June season, alongside new walking trails around Chipata Mountain and the Environmental Education Centre. Additional tourist roads were opened to enhance game-drive routes, while new camping facilities near the Livezi River provided visitors with closer access to wilderness areas.
Within Nkhotakota, Tongole Wilderness Retreat reintroduced guided canoeing on the Bua River, offering a low-impact, non-motorised safari experience led by trained rangers and guides. New guided walking trails were also launched in collaboration with African Parks, allowing guests to explore the reserve on foot while learning about its diverse flora and fauna.
Community Partnerships and Conservation
Community engagement remained central to safari operations in 2025. Through the Tongole Foundation, education projects were expanded in surrounding villages, including the construction of additional classrooms at Chankhokwe Primary School. Guests were offered opportunities to participate in community visits and conservation activities, while voluntourism initiatives continued to support school renovations and educational resources. A confirmed voluntourism group is scheduled to return in May 2026 to continue this work.
New Openings and Lodge Developments
A significant milestone in 2025 was the official opening of Kumbali Game Reserve in Lilongwe, which began guided safari operations in February. Since opening, the reserve has expanded its wildlife population with the introduction of zebra and impala and has recorded several new births. Game drives are now available to the public, supported by the opening of Kumbali Castle, a new venue offering conference facilities, event spaces and regional dining overlooking the reserve. Further wildlife introductions and enhancements to the safari experience are planned for 2026.
Elsewhere, Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park began converting its family tent into a spacious suite aimed at couples and honeymooners, while Zua Safari Lodge opened the Zua Safari River Spa on the banks of the Shire River. The spa, open to lodge guests and day visitors, offers riverside wellness treatments rooted in Malawian traditions. Renovation work at the Zua Safari Campground is scheduled for completion in late 2025, introducing upgraded tents, a new open-air kitchen and improved communal facilities.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Plans for 2026 point to continued growth and refinement across Malawi’s safari sector. Highlights include additional wildlife introductions at Kumbali Game Reserve, expanded guided activities and walking trails in Nkhotakota, and the return of voluntourism groups supporting education initiatives. New safari itineraries, such as Robin Pope Safaris’ Best of Malawi small-group departure, will link major parks including Liwonde and Majete, alongside Lake Malawi, offering visitors a comprehensive wildlife and beach experience.
With strong foundations laid in 2025, Malawi’s game parks and safari lodges enter 2026 well positioned to deliver richer wildlife encounters, improved facilities and tourism experiences that support both conservation and local communities.
© All images provided by members of the Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium.