Liwonde National Park, Malawi: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Liwonde National Park, Malawi? If you're planning to go to Liwonde National Park, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Liwonde National Park
  2. Important essentials for Liwonde National Park
  3. Activities for Liwonde National Park
  4. Liwonde National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Liwonde National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Liwonde National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Liwonde National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Liwonde National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Liwonde National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Liwonde National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Liwonde National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Liwonde National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Liwonde National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Liwonde National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Liwonde National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Based on the climate and weather in Liwonde National Park, Malawi, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Liwonde National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Liwonde National Park, Malawi by month

January

If you vacation in Liwonde National Park during January, you might notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

February

If you visit Liwonde National Park during February, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

March

In March, Liwonde National Park is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Liwonde National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

May

May is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

June

If you are traveling to Liwonde National Park in June, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

July

July in Liwonde National Park is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to find the correct type. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

August

August in this region is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

September

If you visit Liwonde National Park during September, you will probably find that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

October

If you are traveling to Liwonde National Park in October, you will notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to find the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

November

November in Liwonde National Park is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you choose the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

December

In December, Liwonde National Park is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) and occasionally jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Liwonde National Park, with of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Malawi has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Liwonde National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

What to do in Liwonde National Park, Malawi

Liwonde National Park is one of Malawi's premier national parks, located at the southern end of Lake Malawi. The park, stretching over 580 km² (365 square miles), is teeming with diverse wildlife and spectacular landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Here are some of the top tourist attractions to explore in Liwonde National Park.

1. Game Drives

One of the best ways to explore Liwonde National Park is to take a game drive. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling safari adventure at dawn or dusk, unforgettable sightings of elephants, buffalos, hippos, antelopes, and birdlife, with the aid of experienced guides. Game drives are conducted in specially equipped safari vehicles that will take you deep into the park's wilderness for an exhilarating experience.

2. Boat Safaris and Cruises

A boat safari or cruise around the Shire River, which flows through the park, is another exciting way to explore the Liwonde National Park. With a motorized boat, travelers can explore the park's wildlife from a unique perspective, including hippos, crocodiles, and various species of birds such as fish eagles, giant kingfishers, paddle-tailed herons, and much more.

3. Walking Safaris

The park's rich diversity of flora and fauna is best explored on foot. In Liwonde National Park, visitors can take guided nature walks through pristine wilderness areas and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness. These walks offer a chance to see wildlife close-up, and also learn about the Park's habitats, the natural vegetation, and medicinal plants.

4. Mvuu Wildlife Lodge

Mvuu Wildlife Lodge is situated on the banks of the Shire River and offers stunning views of the river and the park's wildlife. The lodge offers accommodation in the form of luxury tents, chalets, and a large thatched dormitory, all designed to provide guests with maximum comfort while they soak up the beauty of the park.

5. Kapichira Falls

Kapichira Falls is a beautiful natural wonder located on the Shire River, upstream of the Mvuu Wildlife Lodge. The falls are one of the park's top attractions, especially when they are in full flow during the rainy season. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the falls from a viewing platform near the falls.

6. Cultural Performances

In addition to the park's wildlife, visitors can also enjoy cultural performances by the neighboring communities, who showcase their traditional dances, music, and attire. This is a great way to experience the local culture and learn about the people who call the area home.

Liwonde National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It promises unforgettable experiences, from the game drives and guided walks to the boat safaris and cruises. Visitors to Liwonde National Park can expect to see a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, antelopes, crocodiles, and more. The park is also home to several luxurious lodges and campsites where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this pristine wilderness area. So, plan your next adventure to Liwonde National Park and be prepared to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Southern Africa.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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