Canoe The Shire River

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The Shire River is of great economic importance to Malawi as it generates more than 98% of Malawi's electricity, provides freshwater for irrigation in Malawi's plantations and supports fisheries. It is the only river that flows out from Malawi and joins the Zambezi before flowing into the Indian Ocean. Malawi is a land-locked country lies along a sector of the East African Rift Valley and has a population of over thirteen million people, with over eleven different ethnic groups and more than seven different languages. Wetlands and marshes in the Shire basin serve as breeding sites for migratory birds, produce crops and are key wildlife conservation areas.

The Lower Shire Valley is vulnerable to floods and droughts and the tropical climate is moderated by altitude. The dry season lasts from April through to November while the wet season lasts from December to March. Only in the Lower Shire Valley can temperatures become unpleasantly high, and then only in the summer months. Liwonde National Park has the highest concentration of hippos in Africa and tours advertise a hippo sighting every twenty metres along the Shire along with the likelihood of seeing other animals such as crocodiles. On the banks and in the park, elephants, impala, water buck, baboons and bucks can be spotted. There are places to rent a canoe and experience these sightings without risking being a hippo meal as the areas are safe and guides are on hand to host tours and canoe rides.