Travel Guide Kasungu National Park

Border with Zambia, crossed by two rivers and covering 2,316 km², it is the second largest park in the country. Since 1930, it has been one of the most popular safari and wildlife viewing destinations in Malawi. But intensive poaching in the 1980s devastated the park and today many animals such as black rhinos, cheetahs and lions have disappeared; the elephant population has increased from 1,000 individuals to about 100. However, antelopes, warthogs, hippos and buffaloes are still found. Visiting the park is a journey out of the world, as nature has remained completely untouched and wild. You can't expect to see animals like in the parks in the south of the country, but Kasungu's atmosphere is quite unique. Hiking is possible to discover the dense forests of brachystegia which are home to a very rich flora. Orchids bloom during the rainy season. There are many birds and butterflies of all colours. You can go up to the Black Rock to have a panoramic view of the park and Zambia. From the top, you can hear the sounds of the forest and even in the distance the growl of hippos. Rock paintings in prehistoric sites are also found within the park.