Lengwe National Park

Lengwe National Park lies in the Lower Shire Valley of southern Malawi, near Chikwawa and about 64 km southwest of Blantyre. It was established as a game reserve in 1928 to protect the large mammals of the valley, particularly the nyala antelope — a spiral-horned, white-striped antelope for which the Lower Shire Valley is the northernmost point of its natural range. An extension in 1975 brought the park to its current size of about 887 km². The park protects dense thicket and woodland habitats, a different landscape from Malawi's other parks, and is a good destination for birdwatching and walking safaris.

By Car / Road

Lengwe is accessed from Chikwawa, south of Blantyre. A 4WD vehicle is recommended.

• Nyala antelope — The park's speciality, a beautiful spiral-horned antelope.

• Other antelope — Bushbuck, duiker, kudu.

• Birdlife — Thicket and woodland bird species.

• Game drives.

• Walking safaris.

Basic accommodation is available in the park.

• Majete Wildlife Reserve (nearby) — Big Five reserve.
• Blantyre (2 hours north) — Commercial capital.