I visited Malawi in July and August 2024, experiencing eight of its protected areas. Despite being a densely populated country with much of its land converted into agricultural fields, Malawi still holds small fragments of forest, which continue to shrink each year. Surprisingly, amid these challenges, islands of natural wilderness remain within various protected areas.
Some protected areas, like Mulanje Forest Reserve and the small Lake Malawi National Park, are more symbolic than functional, existing only on paper. However, others are managed with remarkable care and success, such as Majete Wildlife Reserve, Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and Liwonde National Park. The vast Nyika National Park (over 3,000 km²) remains famous, despite its management facing some uncertainties. Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve and Kasungu National Park are underdeveloped, yet both hold immense potential for nature conservation, ecotourism, and local economic growth. I did not visit Lengwe National Park.
In general, the future looks promising, thanks to the cooperation between NGOs like African Parks, governmental bodies, a supportive society, and the stability in Malawi. A shining example of this success is the 700 km² Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park (combined with Mangochi Reserve, over 900 km²), which stand as models of successful nature restoration strategies aligned with the new EU policy.
Below please find some pictures from protected areas in Malawi.
Malawi -protected areas Sable Antelope ( WR Majete)
Boehm´s Bee-eater ( WR Majete) Mt. Mulanje
NP Liwonde – ladscape NP Liwonde – cheetah
NP Liwonde: lion WR Vwaza Marsch: african elephants
NP Nyika Plato – landscape NP Nyika Plato: elands
NP Kasungu: huge miombo forest NP Lake Malawi
