Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi

Activities

Majete has become one of the most attractive parks in Malawi and is open throughout the year from January to December. Wildlife viewing is the highlight of a visit to Majete and you can choose to do this on a game drive or a bushwalk. Majete has even more to offer! Learn about the daily life and culture around Majete or visit our community projects. Taking part in traditional music, dancing and meals is all possible.

The Kapichira Falls is an important historical site offering an interesting view over the Shire River. Close by there is a Baobab tree where David Livingstone, the famous Scottish missionary, set up camp when he visited the area. The grave of Thornton, one of the members of Livingstone's expedition, is located at Maganga village a few kilometres from Majete. The grave, also situated under the Baobab tree, is well maintained and is still intact.

Places to visit in Majete

• Nakamba and Msepete hides overlooking waterholes on Njati road south and north.

• Viewing deck at Mvuu spot overlooking the Shire River

• Akopje at a view spot on Mkulumadzi Road for a 360° view of Majete.

• Kapichira dam and falls

• Pende in the south of the reserve via the Masakala road where there are two waterholes

• Phiringome hills

• Heritage centre close to the entrance gate

With a 150km road network, Majete is best explored by car. There are a number of well-signposted tracks and 4x4 trails for the intrepid explorer. To drive on our roads, we recommend a high-clearance vehicle and a 4x4 vehicle is strongly advised in the wet season. There are free maps at the gate and make sure to read the park rules and regulations in front of the gate or on the back of the free map.

Visitors can explore Majete in their own car or choose one of the activities below:

Game Drives

Visitors can experience the wilderness of Majete on a game drive in our game viewing vehicle guided by a professional wildlife guide. From the high vantage point in this vehicle and with the sharp eyes of the guide, visitors will have a good chance to spot the different animals that inhabit Majete. Game viewing is especially exciting and rewarding early morning or late afternoon. A maximum of six people can be accommodated and a minimum of two people is accepted.

Game drive scout

The option to have a scout accompany you on your game drive in your own vehicle is also available. Our knowledgeable scouts will be able to captivate you with stories of the bush and guide you to lesser know spots based on your specific interests.

Bush/bird walks

A bush walk, guided by an armed scout, can be easily arranged. As our scouts cover the reserve every day on patrol, they are knowledgeable companions to explore the reserve up close and personal. If you are a keen bird watcher, ask to focus your walk on finding birds.  Areas along the various river courses are particularly abundant with birdlife and animals.  There is an age restriction of 12 years for this activity and a maximum of six people can be accommodated with a minimum of two people accepted.

Boat Trips

Cruise the islands and channels of the Shire River and Kapichira Dam looking for hippos, crocodiles and riverine birds.  Experience the rapids and the breath-taking sound of the Kapichira Falls.  Evenings are the best time to enjoy this activity.  An age restriction of 12 years is enforced and a maximum of four people can be accommodated with a minimum of two people accepted.

Game drive and bush walk

For true bush lovers! The Majete safari vehicle, guided by a professional safari guide can take you on a beautiful wilderness drive. From the high, open vehicle and with the sharp eyes of the guide you have a great chance to spot the different animals that inhabit the park and learn about the diversity of habitats and species. The drive will take you down to the amazing Shire River and Mvuu (Hippo Spot) which is a popular spot particularly abundant with wildlife and animals. The guide/game scout will escort you on foot placing an emphasis on understanding the wild environment, and tracking and viewing animals in their natural surroundings as well as taking in the beautiful scenery in this area. If you are a keen bird watcher, ask to focus your walk on finding birds.

Mabele Hill Hike

Enjoy the stunning views from Breast Hills in the North-West of Majete wildlife Reserve. Have a light breakfast at Thawale Lodge before setting out on an early morning game drive to Breast Hills viewing the amazing wildlife on route. Follow the path from Diwa water hole and experience the beauty of the area before reaching the top. (45 mins) Take in the breath taking scenery over Kapichira, out to Namitsempha Hill and across to Majete Hill.

Community visits

Visitors can experience genuine Malawi village life through a community visit. Visit one of the many different community projects in the villages surrounding Majete and learn how conservation activities can benefit communities. Taste freshly baked scones or honey – newly collected from a hive in the bush or visit the vegetable garden or rabbitry. Listen to the music from Namajete or Valimba band or be entertained by dancers performing the Gule wa Mkulu traditional dance. The rhythms of hypnotic drums and the mesmerizing moves will ensure that this is an experience you are unlikely to forget. Design your own programme for the day, based on your interest and the time you have available. A maximum of six people can be accommodated.

Behind the scenes at Majete - Past and Present

This historical tour showcase the current conservation work underway at Majete. In the 1980 and 1990’s Majete Wildlife Reserve was in a precarious situation, experiencing serious poaching with the last elephant population disappearing by 1992; widespread logging and charcoal burning; inadequate resources rendering scouts’ work ineffective and zero tourist revenue.

BEHIND THE SCENES is a chance for guests to see and learn how Majete was transformed from a depleted reserve into the thriving wildlife destination it is today. The guests visit the law enforcement operations room where law enforcement officers describe the period before African Parks Majete (APM) tookon responsibility for the rehabilitation, development and management of Majete Wildlife Reserve. They are shown the muzzle loading guns, snares and traps that have been confiscated over the years and learn about the current anti-poaching activities.

From there the guests learn about the reintroduction of 2,554 animals from 13 species and visit the holding bomas used before a release, then visit the 142 km fence which surrounds the park and helps protect the wildlife and the surrounding communities. Finally the guests are taken to one of the artificial water-holes within the Reserve which were constructed to provide strategic water points for the wildlife. This tour gives you an in-depth understanding of the troubles Majete faced and the initiatives that led to its resurrection.

Bush breakfasts

A bush breakfast somewhere out in the bush, perhaps a water hole overlooking a group of basking hippos, is a very popular activity (only available to Thawale residents).  A maximum of six people can be accommodated.

Boardroom hire

Fully equipped, air-conditioned boardroom facilities are available at the headquarters of Majete Wildlife Reserve to book out for a board meeting with a difference. So make your meeting, workshop or function an enjoyable event and combine it with a bush get-away.  A maximum of 20 people can be accommodated.

Mwembezi Restaurant

The Mwembezi Restaurant is located at the main gate and is a fully serviced restaurant offering a range of meals, snacks and beverages. It overlooks a waterhole where a variety of animals come to drink, making it the perfect venue to relax and unwind in after a day in the bush.

Environmental Education Centre

Majete offers a free education resource to school groups or families to learn about Majete. The venue is perfect for demonstrations by Majete staff and education teams as well as classroom based activities for school groups.  The Centre is well equipped with a TV and DVD player, books, interactive games and information sheets about nature.  It is open to formal school groups or families with kids who just want to have fun and learn more.

For bookings or more information on any of the above mentioned activities, please contact reservations on +265 999 521 741 or email thawale@african-parks.org.

Majete Rates