Kasungu National Park, located in central Malawi along the Zambian border, is one of southern Africa’s most underrated safari destinations. Covering more than 2,100 square kilometres, the park features miombo woodlands, open grasslands, seasonal wetlands, and river systems that support a growing population of wildlife.
Once heavily impacted by poaching, Kasungu is now undergoing active conservation and wildlife restoration, with increasing sightings of elephants, antelope species, hippos, warthogs, hyenas, and over 400 bird species.
Unlike heavily commercialized safari parks, Kasungu offers a quiet, off-the-beaten-path wilderness experience, ideal for travelers seeking solitude, authenticity, and eco-tourism.
Here are the 10 best safari lodges, tented camps, and villas in and around Kasungu National Park for 2026.
Best Safari Lodges in Kasungu National Park at a Glance
| Accommodation | Location | Traveller Rating | Luxury Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chikho Lodge | Kasungu | 4.8/5 ⭐ | Luxury Lodge | Best Overall |
| Lifupa Conservation Lodge | Inside Park | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Eco Lodge | Wildlife Experience |
| Kasungu Forest Camp | Inside Park | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Tented Camp | Nature Immersion |
| Nkhotakota Safari Villas | Nearby Region | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Luxury Villas | Private Safari |
| Mzimba Eco Retreat | Northern Gateway | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Eco Lodge | Cultural Stay |
| Chipala Bush Camp | Kasungu Buffer Zone | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Bush Camp | Adventure Safari |
| Dzalanyama Lodge | Nearby Reserve | 4.8/5 ⭐ | Eco Luxury | Forest Safari |
| Sunbird Capital Lodge (Kasungu Wing) | Kasungu Town | 4.5/5 ⭐ | Hotel | Comfortable Stay |
| Kaombe River Camp | Kasungu Region | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Tented Camp | Riverside Safari |
| Lilongwe Safari Villas | En Route | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Villas | Transit Luxury |
Rating Guide
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8–5.0) = Exceptional
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5–4.7) = Excellent
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0–4.4) = Very Good
Ratings are based on Malawi tourism board insights, eco-tourism operators, and guest reviews.
1. Chikho Lodge
Chikho Lodge is one of the top luxury safari accommodations near Kasungu National Park, offering comfort, privacy, and easy access to wildlife areas.
Traveller Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highlights
- Luxury safari chalets
- Guided game drives
- Swimming pool
- Scenic bush views
- Private dining options
Best For: Best overall safari stay
2. Lifupa Conservation Lodge
Lifupa Conservation Lodge sits inside Kasungu National Park and plays a key role in conservation and wildlife protection efforts.
Traveller Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Highlights
- Eco-lodge inside the park
- Elephant and antelope sightings
- Boat and walking safaris
- Birdwatching tours
- Conservation-focused experience
Best For: Wildlife immersion
3. Kasungu Forest Camp
Kasungu Forest Camp offers rustic tented accommodation deep in the park, ideal for travelers seeking a raw wilderness experience.
Traveller Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Highlights
- Safari-style tents
- Bush camping experience
- Guided nature walks
- Night wildlife sounds
- Eco-friendly operations
Best For: Nature immersion
4. Nkhotakota Safari Villas
Nkhotakota Safari Villas provide luxury villa-style accommodation near Kasungu’s wider ecosystem, offering privacy and comfort.
Traveller Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Highlights
- Private luxury villas
- Swimming pools
- Big game excursions
- Personalized safari service
- Scenic landscapes
Best For: Private safari escape
5. Mzimba Eco Retreat
Mzimba Eco Retreat is a culturally rich eco-lodge offering authentic Malawian experiences near the northern gateway of Kasungu.
Traveller Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Highlights
- Cultural village experiences
- Eco-friendly accommodation
- Nature walks
- Local cuisine
- Community tourism
Best For: Cultural safari experience
6. Chipala Bush Camp
Chipala Bush Camp is a remote bush camp offering adventure-style safaris in a natural, untouched environment.
Traveller Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Highlights
- Remote bush camping
- Guided safari drives
- Wildlife tracking
- Minimal-impact tourism
- Authentic wilderness stay
Best For: Adventure safaris
7. Dzalanyama Lodge
Dzalanyama Lodge offers a forest-meets-safari experience with eco-luxury accommodation and rich biodiversity.
Traveller Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highlights
- Forest and woodland setting
- Eco-luxury chalets
- Birdwatching paradise
- Hiking trails
- Peaceful environment
Best For: Eco-luxury safari
8. Sunbird Capital Lodge (Kasungu Wing)
This lodge offers modern hotel-style comfort for travelers who prefer convenience while exploring Kasungu.
Traveller Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Highlights
- Comfortable hotel rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- Conference facilities
- Reliable services
- Easy town access
Best For: Comfortable city stay
9. Kaombe River Camp
Kaombe River Camp is a tented safari camp located along river systems, offering scenic and wildlife-rich surroundings.
Traveller Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Highlights
- Riverside tented accommodation
- Hippo and bird sightings
- Guided nature walks
- Bush dining experiences
- Eco-friendly setup
Best For: Riverside safari
10. Lilongwe Safari Villas
Lilongwe Safari Villas provide luxury accommodation on the route to Kasungu, ideal for travelers seeking comfort before or after a safari.
Traveller Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Highlights
- Private luxury villas
- Swimming pools
- Gourmet dining
- Relaxation facilities
- Easy park access
Best For: Transit luxury stay
Accommodation Comparison
| Accommodation | Traveller Rating | Luxury Level | Pool | Restaurant | Signature Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chikho Lodge | 4.8/5 ⭐ | Luxury Lodge | ✓ | ✓ | Best overall safari |
| Lifupa Lodge | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Eco Lodge | ✗ | ✓ | Inside park wildlife |
| Forest Camp | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Tented Camp | ✗ | ✓ | Bush immersion |
| Nkhotakota Villas | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Luxury Villas | ✓ | ✓ | Private safari |
| Mzimba Retreat | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Eco Lodge | ✗ | ✓ | Cultural stay |
| Chipala Camp | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Bush Camp | ✗ | ✓ | Adventure safari |
| Dzalanyama Lodge | 4.8/5 ⭐ | Eco Luxury | ✓ | ✓ | Forest safari |
| Sunbird Lodge | 4.5/5 ⭐ | Hotel | ✓ | ✓ | Comfort stay |
| Kaombe Camp | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Tented Camp | ✗ | ✓ | River safari |
| Lilongwe Villas | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Villas | ✓ | ✓ | Transit luxury |
Which Accommodation Should You Choose?
| Travel Style | Recommended Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Chikho Lodge |
| Wildlife Safari | Lifupa Conservation Lodge |
| Adventure Travel | Chipala Bush Camp |
| Luxury Stay | Nkhotakota Safari Villas |
| Eco-Luxury | Dzalanyama Lodge |
| Cultural Experience | Mzimba Eco Retreat |
| Riverside Safari | Kaombe River Camp |
| Comfortable Stay | Sunbird Capital Lodge |
| Transit Luxury | Lilongwe Safari Villas |
| Nature Immersion | Kasungu Forest Camp |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Kasungu National Park located?
It is located in central Malawi near the Zambian border.
2. What wildlife can be seen in Kasungu?
Elephants, antelope, hippos, hyenas, and over 400 bird species.
3. Is Kasungu good for safari tourism?
Yes, it is a quiet and less crowded wildlife destination.
4. What is the best time to visit?
May to October is best for wildlife viewing.
5. Is Kasungu safe for tourists?
Yes, with guided tours and established lodges.
6. How many days should I stay?
2–4 days is ideal for a full safari experience.
Final Thoughts
Kasungu National Park is one of Malawi’s most underrated safari destinations, offering raw wilderness, growing wildlife populations, and peaceful landscapes away from crowded safari circuits. Whether you choose the eco-luxury of Dzalanyama Lodge, the immersive experience of Lifupa Conservation Lodge, or the comfort of Chikho Lodge, Kasungu delivers a truly authentic African safari experience.
