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Magical Malawi
If your children are in their mid-teens, chances are they won't want many more family holidays before they're choosing a week's clubbing in Ibiza with their friends
So, if you're planning a last hurrah and want somewhere memorable and adventurous, an African safari might fit the bill.
Malawi has long been overlooked, but thanks to Madonna's recent adoption quest, the 'Warm Heart of Africa' is in the limelight. Arriving at Lilongwe airport, we headed to the south of Malawi and checked out various parks and camps around the Liwonde National Park.
Mvuu Camp in Liwonde National Park
(£130-£150 per person per night, family discounts available - www.mvuucamp.com)
Mvuu is accessible only by boat. It's a 30km cruise from one side to the other of Liwonde's 250-mile long Shire River, so we sat back to take in the breathtaking views.
Guests can stay in luxurious brick chalets with en-suites, full-board or self-catering, or the cheaper walk-in tents with shared facilities. Children are welcome, but under-eights are not allowed on safari. Meals are served in a communal, thatched dining room and there's also a pool and bar area where you can while away an afternoon, waiting for your next game drive.
We all laughed at the sign which read 'Beware The Hippo And Other Wild Animals'. But it makes sense to be cautious, especially at night, as lights go out at 9pm, and guests have to use lanterns. Wild animals are free to roam around the camp, and we had to chase vervet monkeys and warthogs away from our door.
Sun-downer (6pm) and early morning safaris (5.30am) are included in the price and the two-hour drives take in only a tiny section of the 220-square-mile National Park. The park is home to more than 40 species of mammal including impala and monkeys, and 400 different types of bird. Mornings are best for seeing Boehm's bee-eaters, barbets and a host of others. Also included in the price is a river safari. The large boat holds 10 people and there's nothing quite like becoming the afternoon entertainment for a group of elephants, with cattle egrets on their backs. You can also expect to see crocodiles and hippos.
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