Majete Wildlife Reserve

Majete Wildlife Reserve is a 700 km² protected area in the Lower Shire Valley of southern Malawi. It is a remarkable conservation success story: from near-complete depletion of wildlife due to poaching, the reserve has been restocked and is now a thriving Big Five reserve (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). It is the only reserve in Malawi where all of the Big Five can be seen. The Shire River flows through the reserve, attracting abundant wildlife.

The dry season from May to October is the best time for wildlife viewing.

By Car / Road

Majete is accessed from Chikwawa, about 1.5 hours south of Blantyre. The road from Chikwawa to the park is partly unpaved. A 4WD is recommended.

Game drives and walking safaris are the main ways to explore.

• Big Five — Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

• Hippos — In the Shire River.

• Birdlife — Diverse species including fish eagles and storks.

• Game drives.

• Walking safaris.

• Boat trips on the Shire River.

The lodge provides meals for guests. Bring food if camping.

Bring bottled water or purification tablets.

Mkulumadzi Lodge (luxury) and basic camping facilities are available.

No shops in the reserve. Bring supplies from Chikwawa or Blantyre.

• Chikwawa — Nearest town with supplies.
• Blantyre (1.5 hours north) — Commercial capital.
• Lengwe National Park (nearby) — Nyala antelope park.