Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve

Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Location	Nsanje District, Malawi
Coordinates	16°40′S 35°0′E / 16.667°S 35.000°E / -16.667; 35.000Coordinates: 16°40′S 35°0′E / 16.667°S 35.000°E / -16.667; 35.000
Area	135 km²
Established	1953 extended 1975
Governing body	Department of National Parks and Wildlife

With an area of 135km² Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve is Malawi’s smallest national park, and its least accessible. Nevertheless, it has a wide variety of habitats, including Mopane, Combretum and brachystegia woodland, as well as open savanna, dambo, and riverine areas. Mwabvi was the last natural home to Malawi's Black Rhino population, but both wildlife and woodland have been poached over recent years. However many species of antelope, including kudu, sable, impala and nyala, are present, and even leopard and hyena have been seen. Buffalo still bathe in the Mwabvi river, and, although the number of human tourists is low, lions from neighbouring Mozambique are regular visitors. The scenery is spectacular, with views over the Shire River and the Zambesi river, and the magnificent sandstone outcrops give an almost lunar feel to the landscape.

Mwabvi is located in Nsanje District, at the very southernmost point of Malawi, right against the border with Mozambique. The park lies at a low elevation and summer temperatures are extreme. The best time for game viewing is during Malawi's cooler winter months. Mwabvi is not far from Lengwe National Park and the Majete Game Reserve.