Malawi has a total of nine national parks and reserves. Although its level of animal stock is relatively low when compared to other safari destinations, Malawi is a naturalists paradise, and boasts as rich a variety of large mammals as most African countries; including the big five – buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros. There are over 170 species of mammals and some 600 recorded species of bird.
Where others places were opportunities to rest and relax, Liwonde National Park was the treat. Never spending more than two nights in the park, we would bring family and friends who came out to visit so they could see Malawi wildlife and wilderness as its best. Most of what can be found in Malawi is found in Liwonde!
During the 1990s and early 2000s the park had fallen into disrepair with an ever decreasing stock level. In 2015 the management and running of the park was taken over by African Parks, a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on direct responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. Over the years we saw the park improve, open new lodges and repopulate with healthy animals.
Today’s Malawi memory is a photograph taken at sunset in July 2016 on the eastern banks of the Shire River. The river banks always provide a mixture of savanna scrub and tropical foliage. Whether viewing it at sunset or on a morning river boat ride, the words of Psalm 24 echo loud and clear.
The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (ESV)
Monday Malawi Memories recaptures memories from over 20 years in Malawi. Photos won’t be in chronological order and can be on the Lilongwe Letters blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can also find them using the hashtag #mondaymalawimemories.
