Project African Wilderness: Welcome to Mwabvi

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Last updated 18/05/2009

All photographs except where otherwise stated are copyright Nathan Dixey

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VISITING MWABVI WILDLIFE RESERVE

Project African Wilderness (PAW LTD) is Registered in Malawi (7175)

Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve is open all year round and welcomes visitors from around the world to come and experience the work of our dedicated conservation team first hand. Visiting Mwabvi can fit well with a trip to other National Parks both in Malawi and Zambia. Some are close enough to visit as a day trip, whilst others are real destinations in their own right. If you would like to visit other destinations, PAW will be delighted to arrange bookings. We even offer bespoke fully inclusive tours or if you prefer independent travel we can suggest itineraries to suit your specific requirements.

Facilities at Mwabvi and the activities available are listed below. Please note however that we are planning a Bush Camp to sleep 8 people so if you are interested please book in advance.

Activities at Mwabvi

· Walking Safaris

· Game Drives

· Village Walks: See People of Mwabvi

· Cultural Activities; i.e. overnight at Sena Village.

Other Activities

· Visit historic sites at Bangula and Nsanje

· Visit Elephant Marsh

· Day visit to Lengwe National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve

Chipembere Camp: Chipembere, our base camp, is situated just 1km outside Mwabvi’s Northern entrance and is equipped with basic facilities: -

· Dormitary which sleeps 16, with beds, linen and mosquito nets provided

· Kitchen (NB: No food is available so visitors must bring their own)

· Braai (BBQ) Area

· Generator providing power for 4 hours each evening

· Showers and toilets

· Water from a bore hole

· Internet access via satellite

· Workshop facilities.

· Camp Site for travellers who bring their own tents

· Armed Scout and Guide for walking safaris inclusive in prices listed.

Dormitory: US$15 per person per night

Camping: US$5 per person per night

Walking Safaris: US$10 per person

Night Drives: US$25 per person (minimum of two people)

Game Drives: US$15 per person (minimum of two people)

Local Village Visit: US$5 per person

Migudu: Our campsite at Migudu is situated inside the Wildlife Reserve and has been developed in strict accordance with current conservation principles with the minimum of impact upon the environment.

We have six camp sites, each one with it’s own braai (BBQ) ) area and view point (Fire wood can be purchased at the reception for US$1). Tents are not provided so visitors must bring their own.

Each campsite is supplied with water from a bore hole and there is an ablution block at the reception area. We have also established a two storey Game Viewing platform under a thatched roof and developed walking trails leading from the campsite and seperately Mwabvi Gorge.

Park Entry Fees: US$5 per person per day

Camping: US$5 per person per night

Fire Wood: US$1

Game Drives: Game drives are always a popular way to see the park and usually reveal a variety of wildlife. Although you miss some of the smaller things when driving, you can get closer to animals this way than you would on foot. A typical drive in Mwabvi will involve stops along the way at interesting spots where you can get out of the car and walk around. Drives are conducted by guides and are arranged according to the requirements of each group rather than at preset times following already laid down schedules. Drives can also be arranged at night to look for nocturnal animals by spotlight. Visitors arriving in their own 4x4 vehicles can drive themselves around but there are some restrictions for safety reasons.

Walking Safaris: Getting out on foot is perhaps the best way to appreciate all aspects of a wilderness like Mwabvi. It gives you a chance to see the small things as well the more obvious! Follow a Honey Guide to a Bee’s nest or track a Sable Antelope along its spore. Walks can be arranged from 1 hour to 5 days! Walking trails of several days are a specialty of Mwabvi as the terrain and vegetation make for easy walking. The park has many different habitats in its relatively small area so walks are always passing through changing scenery. Walkers are accompanied by an armed scout for safety and also to glean local knowledge. You just carry what they need for the day with other luggage taken ahead separately. A temporary camp is set up ahead so that food and shelter are reached at the end of each day.

Bicycling: Due to the relative scarcity of dangerous animals it is possible for visitors to explore the park by bicycle using the network of roads and paths that cover most of the park. We plan to obtain some mountain bikes in the near future to be available for visitors to hire or for organised bicycle safaris around Mwabvi and beyond. However visitors must be escorted by a guide or scout when walking or bicycling.

PAW Tourism Project:

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and way of life of the Sena people by visiting a traditional Malawian village.

Camping at Migudu (Mwabvi WR)