Description: Liwonde National Park is generally regarded as the best game reserve in Malawi, due to its unspoilt environment and prolific game. It covers 550 sq kilometres (212 sq miles) of mopane and savanna woodland on the floodplains of the River Shire and Lake Malombe in the south of the country. The park provides a natural habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Large herds of elephant and hippopotamus bathe in the waters of the river; the most promising viewing times are early in the morning or at dusk. Other animals include crocodiles, antelope, zebra, warthogs, bushback and sable, solitary fox-like creatures that feed on small animals and eggs. In addition, visitors can spot lions as they have now returned to the park; they can also see leopards on safaris as the sun goes down. The river plains are home to many species of bird, including white-breasted cormorant, palmnut vulture, paradise flycatcher and Malawi