Malawi wildlife vacation

Planet

We know the wildlife and ecosystems of Malawi very well, and are entirely committed to their protection and conservation. Liwonde and Majete were, until recently, excellent examples of areas that had been let down by mismanagement and badly damaged by poaching, habitat destruction and outbreaks of disease. However, the sensational work of the African Parks Network, a South Africa-based NGO that protects many vulnerable reserves across Africa, has seen the park become far better protected. As a result, a platform has been laid for a series of translocations, and these reserves are now home to growing populations of lion, cheetah, black rhino and leopard. The reserves also protect large populations of elephant and buffalo, as well as relatively rarely seen smaller mammals including Selous' mongoose and marsh mongoose. Our visit is designed to support the work of African Parks and draw awareness to their excellent progress in restoring Majete and Liwonde to their former glory.

The lodges we use in Malawi are all designed to have a minimal impact on the environment, and have been constructed in such a way that does not disturb wildlife as far as possible. Water usage, and the use of natural materials, are both areas of a real focus for the accommodation suppliers we use.

People

It is extremely important to us that Malawi, as a destination with a burgeoning ecotourism sector, sees as much benefit as possible from overseas ecotourist visits. It is critical to our mission that local people and communities attach value to wildlife and ecosystems, at least partly as a result of ecotourism, as this best ensures the future of the wildlife and ecosystems we love so much. To this end, we insist that all of our suppliers in Malawi employ local people. Guests should expect their drivers, guides, housekeeping staff and cooks to be Malawian, with a tour leader from the UK, France or the USA to support the Malawian guides.

We strongly encourage our clients to gain a deep understanding of the work being done in Malawi to preserve their valuable ecosystems. In particular, we go to great lengths to ensure our clients are familiar with the work done by the African Parks Network, and we do ask clients to consider raising awareness of this work, or contributing directly to it. Without African Parks, Majete and Liwonde would not be in a fit state for ecotourism, and this is a message we are sure to communicate to all visitors.