Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of the leading success stories of African protection. Granted protected status in 1955, it became the subject of widespread poaching in the 1980s and 1990s. However, a concerted joint effort since 2003 by the African Parks Network and the Malawian government.

Established in the South of Malawi, Majete is a region of 70.000 hectares, part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The park is made up of older miombo woodlands and granite topped hills that disagreement with scenic river valleys and riverine forest. For collectors of wildlife, many exciting encounters lie in store, with the chance to view many species like leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, eland, kudu,  black rhino, zebra, sable, sun, klipspringer, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. Enclosed by 7,000 hectares of private concession, Mkulumadzi appreciates an idyllic location at the junction of two rivers shaded by giant leadwood trees. It is the ideal combination of splendid isolation.

The lodge holds eight excellent chalets, each with large living quarters and private deck. Visitors can swim in our pool, dine under the stars, go for river cruises, walking safaris, game drives, and even sleep under the stars on our view star deck. Majete is a real wilderness where every tour into the bush with our team of qualified guides will feel like an event.

The lodge

Visitors arrive by a footbridge hung over the Mkulumadzi River to discover a friendly welcome and many home comforts. The hostel has an eatery with outdoor and indoor dining,  viewing deck, sleep-out star deck lounge and terrace, a bar and shop and a swimming pool.

The perfect blend of luxury and isolation, Mkulumadzi boasts eight elegant chalets set on the edge of the Shire River, sheltered by giant leadwood trees and wild mangoes. Each cottage has a spacious bedroom and lounge, en-suite bathroom,  and outdoor shower with a private deck where guests can sit marvel at the scenes and sounds of the river.

The bush chalets are comfortable and roomy with modern furnishings; some crafted from locally-sourced materials. They are flooded with open light, giving you the sense of being in the forest without jeopardizing your comfort and privacy. An outdoor shower with a big rain shower where guests can experience the excitement of bathing under a waterfall. The shower is open to the enclosing bush with stone-clad walls for the isolation.

Every cottage has a  vegetated roof planted with indigenous species such as succulents, aloes, shrubs, and grasses. This minimizes their influence on the environment and keeps them fresh in the hot season. Game drives and walking safaris are given in the mornings and late afternoon, giving guests enough of time to relax at the pool, gaze at the resident bird population. Afternoon tea is on the terrace, and most nights, dinner is served beneath the stars.

Game drives

Our staff is ready to take you to game drives every morning. Longer tours are also given with a packed breakfast or lunch, perfect for exploring the far reaches for Majete.

Walking

Majete on foot is hugely recommended. The tracks that follow the Mkulumadzi and Shire River are particularly scenic with an abundance of birdlife and large mammals. Early mornings are the best and most cooling times for hiking. We also provide hikes to the of Chimwala hill.

Boating safaris

Enjoy the Shire River on a  boat trip is a calming viewing wildlife. The banks of the Shire are familiar with elephant and buffalo; hippo and crocodile sightings are assured, and birdlife is overflowing.

Viewing hides

The private of a healthy coat overlooking waterhole visitors can experience the thrill of watching animals coming to drink. A unique photographic occasion with, elephant, black rhino,  buffalo, sable antelope and eland all regular visitors to the waterhole.

Star deck

Enjoy the night on our special raised star-deck gazing at the bright galaxies above us, far from the bright lights of the city. A truly unique and unforgettable event the star-deck can host a maximum of two people. The cozy set-up includes a double bed with cotton linen, beside tables, a canopy mosquito net, lanterns and seating, ideal for sharing with someone special in the midst of a truly wild and natural paradise. Available from May to Oct.

Cultural experience

A visit to a village offers visitors an opportunity to experience Malawi outside of Majete, to experience local culture and to share people’s practices of living alongside a wildlife reserve.