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The plan was to stay for a night, but I fell in love. I had an idea that Kutchire was amazing but pictures can be deceiving so I kept my expectations pretty low. But I was truly surprised, nothing had prepared me for how I would feel seeing the infrastructure in person or how relaxing an immersive safari experience would actually be.

Kutchire lives up to its name and it is like no place I have seen so far. On arrival I could already see the baboons swinging around happily in the trees and a Water Buck staring at me nervously from the river bank, that is when I knew I had to stay longer.

The Lodge

Is a cluster of chalets and dormitories located within the boundaries of Liwonde National Park.

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The collection of 4 chalets, 4 family rooms, 5 tree houses and 2 dorm rooms were modeled after the mud-brick dwellings of a traditional Malawian village houses.

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The restaurant is an open space next to the river and on a good day elephants are known to show up for lunch.

The swimming pool was built inside a mud enclosure that was molded to look like a massive rock and blends in well with the nature.

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My room

I did not let my acrophobia stop me from living my best life so after signing a waiver, taking an orientation and tour, I checked into a tree house.

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It had 3 beds, a couple of chairs and a bathroom, nothing too fancy but very clean and comfortable. From my bed I could hear the sounds of crocodiles splashing in and out of the river and at night I could hear the hippos munching on the grass beneath my tree house.

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It was a really thrilling experience until I started getting paranoid about waking up in a python, but Max the manager assured me that all rooms and surrounding areas are sprayed with snake repellent and I slept just a little bit better after that.

What to do

At 6 am the guides are happy to take you on a game drive. This is the best time as you have a better chance of seeing big cats (Lions and Cheetahs) early in the morning.

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In the afternoon, go on a river safari and see some of Liwonde ‘S 4000 Hippos and Crocodiles up close. You will also see elephants grazing by the river side and it is truly a sight to behold.

After your game drive relax and take a nap on the viewing decks

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Rates

Chalets – MWK 35,000 per person

Dorm beds – MWK 18,000 per person

Game drive – MWK 18,000 per person

Boat Safari – MWK 18,000 per person

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  • please note that the accommodation rates include all meals

Why I loved it

  • 2 percent of your bill goes towards building houses in the village just outside of kutchire lodge.
  • The tree houses and viewing decks
  • The pool with the cave
  • The most budget friendly accommodation in any park in Malawi
  • If you aren’t driving, the lodge is happy to pick you up from Liwonde town for free
  • Green energy – the lodge is solar powered
  • The really friendly staff who were more than happy to take pictures of me a solo traveler and patiently answer all my questions about the park.
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Must pack

Insect repellent – the bite of the Tsetse flies in Liwonde might not be lethal but it stings and itches for days on end. I have been back 3 days and I am still scratching.

Sun screen- Liwonde is hot and humid. And if you will be out and about on the adventures you will be in the sun and you need to protect your skin.

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Your poison – unless you drink beer and soft drinks, I highly recommend you bring your own drink.

Power bank

How to get there

Directions according to google maps

Contacts

Call Sam to make your reservation today +265 992 128 403

Thank you reading, all my love

Xa

ps: check out my Instagram page for more pictures and videos of the magnificent animals I saw on my trip.

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hlupekilechatata@gmail.com

Xara, is a Malawian based Travel Entrepreneur, Author, Undergrad student and Cat mom. On this blog – xaralately- She shares confidence tips for women, eateries she loves, affordable travel destinations in Malawi and all things intimate about her life.

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