BY LOMDAKA BANDA
Serendib Hotels, a conglomerate that runs various hotels and conference centres in the country, on Sunday launched its luxurious Mangunda Cruise Ship on Shire River at Liwonde in Machinga district.
With thirty people aboard, the MV Mangunda – an 18.5-metre three-deck cruiser based near the Liwonde Barrage on the Shire River – took the former in its inaugural expedition that took them deep inside Liwonde National Park.
“The expedition is an important one as far as efforts to promote the tourism sector in Malawi is concerned,” Patrick Chipisa, tourism officer in the Department of Tourism, said.
Among others, MV Mangunda has three rooms – one double, one twin and one quad in bunk formation – making it ideal for families and groups.
It has on-board toilets and showers. The middle deck comprises the lounge/bar, kitchen and the wheel house/crew quarters. There is a 360-degree walk around the middle deck with secure railings.
The top deck is 3.7 metres above the water, where guests can relax and enjoy drinks and meals.
From its base at Liwonde Barrage, the Mangunda cruises the Shire River into Liwonde National Park, providing opportunities for game viewing along the water’s edge. Guests will be able to take overnight trips on the Mangunda and/or a combination of overnight on the boat and staying at any of the lodges in Liwonde National Park, such as Mvuu Lodge/Camp.
The Mangunda also has a small tender boat that can be used for closer viewing of the wildlife in Liwonde, as well as fishing, swimming, and snorkelling in Lake Malawi.
Bookings for the MV Mangunda can be made through Serendib Central Reservations.
