Tucked away in the wild heart of Majete Wildlife Reserve, Mkulumadzi Lodge offers a truly remote escape in Malawi. Mkulumadzi Lodge is on the banks of the mighty Shire River, shaded by giant lead wood trees. The only way into camp is to cross a footbridge suspended over the Mkulumadzi River. The adventure begins even before you have arrived. The camp is surrounded by 7,000 hectares of private concession. It is the perfect combination of splendid isolation and first class facilities. For connoisseurs of wildlife many exciting encounters lie in store.
Once at camp, a friendly welcome and many home comforts await, with sweeping views over the Shire River. As elephants and various buck meander by, plus the monkeys that are always present. The lodge has a restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, a lounge and terrace, a bar, a small shop and swimming pool. The starlit fire pit is a great gathering point pre or post meals. It is also possible to spend a night under the stars on the elevated sleep-out star deck.
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Mkulumadzi Lodge Accommodation
The perfect combination of luxury and isolation, Mkulumadzi boasts eight superb chalets set on the banks of the Shire River, shaded by giant lead wood trees and wild mangoes. One of these is the honeymoon chalet. Each has a spacious bedroom and lounge, en suite bathroom, outdoor shower and private viewing deck where guests can sit back and marvel at the sights and sounds of the river.
The bush chalets are luxurious and spacious with contemporary furnishings, some crafted from locally sourced materials. They are flooded with natural light, giving you the sense of being in the forest without compromising your comfort and privacy.
There is Evening Breeze air conditioning units in all the chalets. This cools the air within your mosquito net and not the entire room.
Of the 8 chalets, there are 2 x family chalets. These consist of two en suite bedrooms connected by a lounge area and a shared deck overlooking the Shire River. They don’t have the outdoor shower (it is inside).
There is limited cellphone reception for TNM & Airtel (local network in Malawi). The lodge has WIFI internet access in the main area (is being added to the rooms soon). The lodge runs off solar power with a backup generator for cloudy days. The plugs (three square pin) here may only be used for lamps and charging equipment for mobile phones or cameras. Hairdryers cannot be used.
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of the outstanding success stories of African conservation. Located in the south of Malawi, Majete is an area of 70.000 hectares, part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The reserve is made up of mature miombo woodlands and granite topped hills that contrast with picturesque river valleys and lush riverine forest.
Majete is one of the big success stories in African conservation, as after decades of poaching, hard work has turned the reserve back into a sustainable development. As well as a Big 5 reserve. Now previously endangered species live and breed here and you can look forward to amazing encounters. Reintroduced species include elephants, buffalo, sable, water buck, eland, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, nyala, zebra, black rhino and most recent years giraffe, cheetah, lion, and leopard. Various species have multiplied beautifully.
There is quite a variety of bird species. Common sightings include vultures (4 species), bateleur eagles, pale-billed hornbills, Arnot’s chat, wood hoopoes and various shrikes. Some highlights include cuckoo hawks, Pel’s fishing owls, Livingstone’s fly-catchers racket-tailed rollers, Boehm’s bee-eaters, and rock pratincoles.
As the various species continue to breed, Majete will certainly see an increase in sightings of all the game.
Top tip: The Majete foliage gets quite dense in the wet season which can make it difficult to find the game.
Mkulumadzi Lodge Activities
Game encounters at Mkulumadzi Lodge
Thrilling game drives led by our expert guides offer some of the best wildlife experiences in Majete.
Our guides are ready to take you on exciting game drives each morning. Longer excursions are also offered with a packed breakfast or lunch, perfect for exploring the far reaches of Majete.
Viewing hides (Off the property)
From the seclusion of a comfortable hide overlooking a waterhole guests can experience the thrill of watching animals coming to drink. An excellent photographic opportunity with buffalo, elephant, black rhino, sable antelope and eland all regular visitors to the waterhole.
Cultural experience
A visit to a nearby village and community centre offers guests a chance to experience Malawi outside of Majete, to understand local culture and to share people’s experiences of living alongside a wildlife reserve.
Star Bed
Spend the night on our exclusive raised star deck gazing at the twinkling galaxies above us, far from the bright lights of the city. A truly unique and unforgettable experience the star deck can host a maximum of two people. The cozy set-up includes a double bed with cotton linen, bedside tables, a canopy mosquito net, lanterns and seating, perfect for sharing with someone special in the midst of a truly wild and stunning natural paradise. Available from May to October and to be arranged in the lodge on a first come basis.
Climate and when to visit
The Emerald Season (January–March) is a time of regrowth, with breeding birds, newborn wildlife, and mostly nighttime rainfall. April and May bring clear, warm days, occasional storms, lush green grass, and migrating birds departing. June to August is the dry winter season with cool nights, warm days, and easier game viewing as the grass dies back. From September to December, temperatures rise, rains begin, new growth emerges, and newborn animals appear, accompanied by brief insect bursts and humid conditions.
January: Lower rates | Beautiful lush scenery | Baby boom in animal kingdom | No crowds
Closes 9th January.
Emerald season.
The bush comes alive during this time of year with an abundance of baby animals and migratory birds.
Rainfall is very high during this month as are temperatures and humidity.
February
Closed for spring cleaning and maintenance
March: Lower rates | Beautiful lush scenery | Baby boom in animal kingdom | No crowds
Reopens 16 March.
Emerald season.
Great birding this time of year with several special birds including Livingstone’s flycatcher and Hildebrandt’s spur-fowl.
It is still the height of the rainy season so rainfall is frequent and temperatures and humidity are still high.
April: Lower rates | Beautiful lush scenery | Baby boom in animal kingdom | No crowds
Emerald season.
As the rains ease off the bush starts to dry out and wildlife is becoming easier to see.
The rainy season is coming to an end and humidity starts to fall. Temperatures are pleasant throughout the day.
May: Lower rates | Beautiful scenery | Great game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
Emerald season up to 21st May.
Shoulder season from 22nd May.
The wildlife is becoming more prolific as the bush continues to dry out. Bird watching is still good despite the lack of migratory birds.
The end of summer is approaching, the temperatures are cooler particularly at night and the humidity decreases but there are still some sporadic showers.
June: Lower rates | Great game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
Shoulder season.
The lack of rain results in less vegetation making wildlife easier to spot. Birding continues to be fantastic despite the lack of migratory birds.
Although winter has arrived, the days are sunny and warm. At night the temperatures drop.
July: Great game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
Peak season.
Enjoy fantastic wildlife encounters this time of year as well as birding. As the inland lagoons dry up the wildlife is concentrated at water holes and along the Shire River.
This is one of the coldest months of the year but the days are sunny with the occasional drizzle (chiperoni).
August: Great game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
Peak season.
The wildlife continues to congregate at the water holes and along the river during the warmer parts of the day. Birding continues to be prolific.
Winter is coming to an end and the temperatures slowly rise and the days are sunny and clear.
September: Exceptional game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
Peak season.
The higher temperatures mean the Majete vegetation continues to thin out thus making wildlife more prominent. Keep an eye out for Bateleur Eagles as the reserve has a high concentration of them.
The days are noticeably warmer as the temperatures continue to rise. The nights are still chilly.
October: Exceptional game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
Shoulder season.
This is a phenomenal time of the year for game viewing and the wildlife does not disappoint.
During October the reserve experiences some of the hottest days of the year and the chance of rain is little to none.
November: Great game viewing | Lower Rates
Emerald season.
Wildlife is still very prolific due to the mostly dry weather that leaves the bush very dry and sparse.
Temperatures are still very high in November and humidity begins to rise. There is often showers towards the end of the month.
December: Lower rates | Beautiful lush scenery | Baby boom in animal kingdom | No crowds
Emerald season.
The onset of the rains brings great relief to the wildlife after the harsh dry season. Migratory birds also start to arriving and the breeding season starts for many mammals.
Rain becomes more prolific in December with frequent afternoon showers. Temperatures remain high and humidity too.
How to get here
South African Airways, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airways fly into Lilongwe, Malawi (plus more may be added).
From Lilongwe, it is a 1.5-hour flight in a small aircraft to the Majete Airstrip.
The drive from Lilongwe is about 5 – 6 hours! From Blantyre, it is about 2 hours.
The transfer to the lodge is about a 20 minute drive with the possibility of some game viewing along the way.
Park entry is allowed between 7 am and 6 pm. Arrivals outside these hours require advance arrangements and will incur a fee for a guide to meet guests at the gate.
Mkulumadzi Lodge Accommodation Rates
Mkulumadzi Lodge is open from 16th March – 7th January each year. Please note Robin Pope issue rates ‘until further notice’. These rates were issued in January 2025. As much as we try to keep on top of updating rates, please check with us to see if there are any changes.
Mkulumadzi Lodge Rates |
Peak: July – September |
Shoulder: 22d May – 30th June and October |
Emerald: 1st – 7th January, 16th March – 21st May and 1st November – 31st December |
| Bush chalets x 8 (incl. 2 family chalets & 1 honeymoon chalet) | $520 | $430 | $385 |
Children of all ages are welcome at Mkulumadzi Lodge. Children of 1 – 6 years, pay 20%, 7-11 years pay 45% and 12-16 years, pay 65% of the above rates.
The rates are per person sharing (no single supplement unless more than 3 rooms booked). For 4+ rooms single supplement is 30% of the per person sharing rate.
Rates are inclusive of:
All meals,
Game viewing activities (2 per day – game drives or walking safaris),
Laundry,
Bar,
Majete Airstrip transfers.
Rates Exclude:
Visas, flights, airport taxes, Tourism Levy, Conservation & Community Fund* & park costs
*This levy ensures the survival of the areas/parks that the camps are in.
Mkulumadzi Lodge Accommodation Special Offers
Long Stay Discount
Stay 7 nights at Robin Pope Safaris properties, and get a 10% discount. Or stay 10 nights and get a 20% discount.
The Robin Pope Safaris camps in Malawi are:
Mkulumadzi Lodge in the Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park
Pumulani Lodge in Lake Malawi National Park
The Robin Pope Safaris camps in South Luangwa, Zambia are:
Nkwali Camp (and Robin’s House), Nsefu Camp, Tena Tena, Luangwa River Camp, Luangwa Bush Camp*, or Luangwa Safari House. Please note we are still adding some of the camps.
*Many guests staying at Nsefu or Nkwali will walk to Luangwa Bush Camp. It lies between the two camps and only sleeps 4 people. The 2 Meru tents have bucket showers & long drop loos. It is about a 3 hour walk. Unlike set departure trips, this experience is arranged to fit within your safari itinerary. Offering a seamless extension into South Luangwa’s remote wilderness. Entirely on foot and guided by experts, you’ll explore untouched terrain by day and sleep under the stars by night. With no vehicles, just the sounds of nature around you. This is a walking safari at its most raw and exhilarating. Luangwa Bush Camp is open from around the 22nd May – 20th October every year.
The Robin Pope Safaris camps in Zimbabwe are:
John’s Camp in Mana Pools National Park
Last Minute Safari
If you book Robin Pope Safaris camps within 30 days of travel, receive these excellent discounted rates (per person per night):
Malawi camps: $350 (Peak), $300 (Shoulder) & $275 (Emerald)
South Luangwa camps (excludes Houses, Bush Camping & Mobile Walking): $595 (Peak), $475 (Shoulder) & $425 (Emerald)
John’s Camp: $600 (Peak) & $525 (Emerald & Shoulder)
Family Safari
Complimentary stay for a second child 12 years to under 16 years.
Group Safari
10% discount on groups of 10 or more people.
We are still adding Malawi accommodation so please do not hesitate to contact us with your requests.
Mkulumadzi Lodge (Majete)
Mkulumadzi Lodge is a family-friendly Robin Pope camp in the Big 5 Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi. An African conservation success story
Kaya Mawa (Lake Malawi)
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Kuthengo Camp (Liwonde National Park)
Kuthengo Camp maintains a rustic charm, complemented by stunning views which are best appreciated from your private deck with a cold sundowner in hand. Admiring the herds of waterbuck that frequent the camp area, milling about in the evening glow. You may be quite isolated …
Pumulani Lodge (Lake Malawi)
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Majete Wildlife Reserve Malawi
