Things to Do in Kasungu National Park

Kasungu National Park is one of Malawi's largest and most significant protected areas, covering approximately 2,316 square kilometers in the central region of the country. Established in 1970, this expansive wilderness sanctuary showcases the authentic African savanna experience with its diverse landscapes of miombo woodland, grasslands, and seasonal wetlands. The park serves as a crucial conservation area for wildlife rehabilitation and protection, particularly for elephants, and offers visitors an opportunity to experience Malawi's natural heritage in its most pristine form. Despite facing challenges with poaching in past decades, Kasungu National Park has undergone significant restoration efforts and continues to be home to various wildlife species including elephants, buffalo, antelope species like kudu and impala, warthogs, and numerous bird species. The park's remote location and vast wilderness areas provide an authentic safari experience away from crowds, making it ideal for visitors seeking solitude and genuine connection with nature. The park also holds cultural significance for local communities and offers insights into traditional relationships between people and wildlife in Malawi.

Dining options within Kasungu National Park are extremely limited, with most visitors needing to be self-sufficient with food supplies. The nearby Lifupa Lodge may offer meals to non-guests with advance arrangement, but it's essential to bring all food and cooking supplies from Lilongwe or Kasungu town. Kasungu town has basic restaurants, grocery stores, and markets where visitors can stock up on supplies before entering the park. For those staying in Lilongwe and doing day trips, the capital offers a full range of dining options from local Malawian cuisine to international restaurants. Camping visitors should plan comprehensive meal provisions as there are no shops or restaurants within the park boundaries.

The best time to visit Kasungu National Park is during the dry season from May to October when roads are more accessible, wildlife concentrates around water sources making viewing easier, and camping conditions are most comfortable. The peak dry season months of July to September offer the best game viewing opportunities but can be quite cool, especially at night. The wet season from November to April brings lush green landscapes and excellent birding with migratory species present, but roads can become impassable and wildlife disperses across the park. April and May represent a good compromise with clearing weather, good road conditions, and active wildlife as the dry season begins.