Malawi’s beautiful Majete Wildlife Reserve /

Majete Wildlife Reserve is Malawi’s premier ‘Big Five’ reserve and one of the top wildlife destinations. Located in southwest Malawi, about 40 miles from Blantyre and three hours from Lake Malawi, Majete is one of Africa’s great conservation success stories – an unlikely tale of resurgence and recovery.

In 2023 it will be 20 years since African Parks, a non-profit conservation organization, signed an agreement with the Malawian government to take over management of the reserve. Prior to this agreement, Majete was neglected and, after decades of poaching, almost devoid of wildlife – elephants, rhinoceroses, lions, buffaloes and even warthogs had disappeared, with only a few antelopes remaining. Trees were felled en masse for charcoal, there were only a handful of scouts and not a single tourist had visited the park in the past three years. The once beautiful Majete seemed doomed.

Jump forward to 2023 and intensive conservation work has given Majete a new lease of life. Africa Parks have reintroduced rhinoceroses, elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs and wild dogs – over 2,500 animals in total have been reintroduced. The animals have thrived and are breeding well, with current estimates putting the total mammal population at over 11,000. In 2017, the reintroductions were so successful that excess elephants and other animals could be relocated to help repopulate Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, 200 miles away.

Majete has come a long way over the past two decades. It is almost unrecognizable from its former dilapidated state. Through incredible hard work, the reserve has become Malawi’s only official Big 5 Game Park (Big 7 if you count the reserve’s wild dogs and cheetahs!). Not a single rhinoceros or elephant has been poached since they were reintroduced, and Majete has been completely transformed. This once hopeless reserve is now one of Malawi’s best game parks, offering some wonderful safari experiences and putting the country on the map as a great wildlife destination.

Wild animals

Visitors to Majete can look forward to some fantastic wildlife experiences, including boat safaris on the magnificent Shire River (temporarily unavailable), as well as the usual vehicle and foot safaris. Go in search of Majete’s beautiful wildlife on an adventurous safari! Most of Majete’s wildlife has been reintroduced, including large numbers of elephant, buffalo, zebra, sable antelope, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, nyala and waterbuck. Several lions and black rhinoceroses have also been brought in, as well as wild dogs and giraffes. The reserve also has somewhere in the region of 70 lions and the largest variety of antelope species in the country, including greater kudu. The approximately 2000 buffalo move in huge herds and the Shire River teems with hippos.

birds

Majete is home to over 300 different species of birds, including four species of vultures and numerous Bateleur Eagles. Other bird highlights include the Boulder Chat, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Boehm’s Bee-eater, Cuckoo Hawk, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Rock Pratincole. There is enough variety to keep even the most avid birdwatchers entertained.

5 reasons to visit Majete

1. Majete is an incredible conservation success story – almost devoid of wildlife 20 years ago, it is now Malawi’s premier Big Five destination with thriving animal populations and an abundance of bird life.
2. It is the only reserve in Malawi where giraffes and African wild dogs can be seen.
3. Majete has the highest concentration of predators in Malawi. These include hyena, cheetah, leopard and lion.
4. Located just an hour and a half from Blantyre, this is the perfect reserve to visit in Malawi.
5. All funds generated in Majete contribute to the management of the reserve. African Parks is a non-profit organization – your contribution will help keep this incredible story of hope and revival alive.

Best time to visit

Although Majete is open all year round, weather conditions vary considerably depending on the season. The best months to spot wildlife are July – October, the dry season, when animals are drawn to the river and waterholes. However, in October it can be very hot, which may be hard to bear. The landscape is lush and green in the wet seasonal months, November – April, but animals are often harder to find and the roads become difficult to navigate.

How to get there

For those wishing to drive to the reserve there are vehicles available for hire in Blantyre. The last 12 miles is an all-season dirt road and can be driven all year round, but a 4×4 vehicle is recommended during the wet months. The journey takes about an hour and a half. For those who prefer to fly, Majete has an airstrip and charters can be booked from local providers.

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Majete accommodation

Thawale Camp is a classic tented camp in a prime location. The lodge is situated on the edge of a bustling watering hole which regularly attracts a wide variety of wildlife including elephants and numerous antelopes. The lodge is located within the boundaries of the reserve and is fully enclosed, giving guests a true experience in the natural environment. There is a large lounge and dining room and 6 tented chalets for accommodation (including 2 family chalets). There is also a bio swimming pool on site for guests to use. Please note the lodge is not suitable for children under 3 years old and children must be supervised at all times.

The Game Capture Community Campsite is located in the reserved area under a grove of trees, for shade and cooler temperatures. Sleeping up to 25 in designated tent pitches and up to 8 guests in shelters, this is a great base from which to explore the reserve. The site is open allowing wildlife to move freely around the camp, however there is a short fence around it to prevent elephants from surrounding your tent.

The Research Campsite is located next to the Mwembezi entrance gate. This camp is completely fenced. The camp has 4 tent rooms, each with two single beds and a private bathroom with hot water. There is a shared kitchen, sitting area, fire pit and BBQ. Meals, drinks and activities are not included but can be booked at reception. Reservations can only be made 14 days in advance.

Mkulumadzi Lodge, run by Robin Pope Safaris and in its own private concession area, has 8 beautiful chalets situated on the banks of the Shire River offering true luxury in a fantastic setting. All ages are welcome and the lodge is open from March 16 – January 9.

A visit to Majete during your trip to Malawi is an opportunity you definitely don’t want to miss!