The reserve is in the Southern Region of Malawi within the Lower Shire valley district of Nsanje. It derives its name from Mwabvi tree known as forest ordeal tree one of the rare species.
The most commonly seen mammals include nyala, sable, kudu, buffalo, impala, suni and common duiker. The reserve has a record of 273 bird species, which includes Woodward’s Batis, Double-collared Sandgrouse and Black-tailed Grey Waxbill.