Official African Parks rates
Liwonde National Park entry fees
The official sheet prices park fees per person per night, while most third-party sites describe them as per day. For a multi-night stay that wording matters, so confirm the basis at booking. Fees are prepaid with your accommodation by EFT or credit card; reports on what payment is accepted at the gate itself contradict each other, so do not rely on any single method there.
Updated 2026-07-26
Park entry fee (per person)
| International visitor, adult | $30 | child 7 to 11: $15 |
|---|---|---|
| SADC citizens and established SADC or Malawi residents | $15 | child 7 to 11: $8 |
| Malawian citizens | $5 | child 7 to 11: $2 |
| Children under 7 | Unstated | the sheet only brackets ages 7 to 11; ask when booking |
The sheet's own header reads per person per night. Virtually every other guide says per day. For a 3-night stay the difference is potentially $30 to $90 per person, which makes this the single biggest fee trap in Liwonde: confirm it at booking.
Updated 2026-07-26
Vehicle and aircraft fees
| Vehicle entry | $5 | the $4 figure some overlander sites quote is outdated |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft landing fee | $20 | per aircraft |
Self-driving is officially permitted on park roads. A 4x4 is recommended between December and April; some routes close in the rains.
Updated 2026-07-26
Camping at Chinguni Campsite (per night)
| Camping, per adult | $12 | self-catering, bring your own equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Child 7 to 12 | $6 | |
| Tent hire, 2-person | $25 | per tent per night |
At $12 plus the $30 park fee, this is the cheapest legal way to sleep inside a fully restored national park: about $42 a night for an international visitor.
Updated 2026-07-26
Activities sold by the park
| Boat safari on the Shire, 2 hours | $25 | child 7 to 11: $20; the park's signature activity |
|---|---|---|
| Game drive, 2 hours | $25 | child 7 to 11: $15 |
| Sundowner drive, 3 hours | $35 | child 7 to 11: $25; your only route to nocturnal wildlife |
| Guided walk, 2 hours | $25 | under-16s not permitted; dry season only; maximum 6 people, with an armed scout |
Liwonde is unusual: the park itself sells activities at fixed, published, low prices. You do not need to stay at a $500-a-night lodge to do a boat safari on the Shire. It costs $25.