Mvuu Lodge

Ironically, Mvuu Lodge feels more like a camp - with less stone and more canvas - than Mvuu Camp. Its canvas tents have a classic bush-camp feel, enhanced by their tucked away position in the dense vegetation that borders the lagoon. The thatched dining room, lounge and bar area sits on a raised wooden deck. It has a warm, sociable atmosphere, with a ring of chairs for everyone to join in, while the dining room can be set up for private or communal dining. Down a long walkway, raised high enough for wildlife to move freely through camp, you'll find a pleasant swimming pool with a large deck and several reclining chairs. A fire-pit lies on the edge of camp with a view out over the river.

Eight luxurious tents stand on raised wooden decks along the edge of the lagoon. Each has an outdoor seating area with comfortable armchairs and a hammock. In the centre of each room is a large double or twin bed surrounded by an enormous mosquito net. Three of the tents have a private lounge area and an open-plan bathroom with an outside shower. Four other tents have bathrooms separated from the bedrooms by a stone wall, but no lounge. The delightful honeymoon suite is tucked down a sandy pathway next to the lagoon, with an outdoor bathroom and bathtub, as well as a shaded lapa with a few chairs.

There are plenty of activities to keep one busy at Mvuu! The boat trip along the river is particularly fun and rewarding as it presents exceptional sightings of hundreds of hippos, huge crocodiles, herds of elephants and a myriad of birds (specials include Böhm's bee-eater and African skimmers). Both day and night game drives are offered, although even as Malawi's premier game reserve, predators are largely absent. There is, however, a good variety of antelope including waterbuck and sable, so guided walks with an armed ranger can be lots of fun. Visits to the local village are also possible via a short bike ride, where the camp's input in the community is clearly visible. Rhino tracking is available at extra cost.