Majete Wildlife Reserve is in the lower Shire valley in the South West of Malawi. Approximately 70kms (one and a half hour’s drive) from Blantyre’s Chileka International Airport. And about three hours from Lake Malawi.
The Story of Majete Wildlife Reserve
Majete was once a prolific wildlife refuge. But by the late 1990s, most species of all large game; including elephants; had been eradicated. In 2003 African Parks; a non-profit organization; in partnership with the Malawian government and local communities; took total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of the reserve. They introduced black rhino in the same year. Adding to this along the way.
The restocking of the park has led to Majete becoming a ‘Big Five’ reserve. And Malawi’s premier wildlife destination.
The high lying areas in the west of the park are dominated by Miombo/Brachystegia woodland. Whereas in the east of Majete mixed combretum woodlands and mosaics of Riparian forest can be found. In the east, the Shire River cuts through the landscape to crash over the impressive Kapichira Falls. Majete Hill, the highest point, provides a breathtaking vantage over the whole Reserve.
Herds of zebra, buffalo, kudu, sable antelope and other large mammals thrive. Providing a healthy prey base for lions. Elephants bathe in the waters of the Shire River whilst hippos wallow nearby. Majete also boasts Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, klipspringer, cheetah, giraffe, and African wild dog.
Birding is typical of the woodland and forest regions with about 250 species. Birders are well-catered for. With four species of vulture and local specials such as Livingstone’s flycatcher, Boehm’s bee-eater and racket-tailed roller
Majete Wildlife Reserve Activities
The park offers its guests a variety of activities including:
Morning and Afternoon drives
Boat excursions on the Shire river
Birding trips on the Shire River and to Elephant Marsh
Bush/Bird walk
Black rhino tracking
Hiking Majete or Mabele Hill
Community visits
When to visit Majete Wildlife Reserve
Although Majete is open all year-round. The weather conditions vary considerably depending on the season. The wet season occurs from November to March. It is hot and humid with thick lush vegetation. This is the best time of year for photography as the air has a crisp, sharp clarity. This is also the best time for birding; as migrants and breeding plumage’s are present.
In contrast the dry season runs from April to October. When the bush gets increasingly less green and temperatures are mild to very hot by October. Rain is very unlikely from June – October. The grass is shorter during these months and wildlife is more concentrated around water sources. Therefore they are easier to find.
Temperatures range from 11 to 40 degrees celsius. With July being the coolest, and October/November being the hottest.
