Majete Wildlife Reserve
Overview
Malawi Parks
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Malawi.
Majete Wildlife Reserve is Malawi’s major Big Five reserve and one of its top wildlife destinations. Badly neglected and heavily poached, the reserve was rescued in 2012 by the African Parks organization. Since then, more than 2,500 animals have been reintroduced and populations of naturally occurring large animals have started to recover. Accommodation ranges from a community-owned tented camp to a five-star lodge.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Most of the wildlife in Majete has been reintroduced, including large numbers of elephant, buffalo, zebra, sable antelope, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, nyala and waterbuck. Several lions and black rhinos have also been brought in, as well as giraffe, although not indigenous to Malawi. The reserve boasts the largest variety of antelope species in the country including thicket-loving greater kudu. The 600-odd buffalo move around in huge herds, and the Shire river teems with hippos.
Scenery
Terrain in the reserve is mostly brachystegia (miombo) woodland with rocky outcrops. One of these outcrops, the ‘view spot’, is a great place to get a sense of space and the wilderness overlooking the endless wooded hills. Kapichira Falls, reached by a short self-guided footpath, is worth a stop as well.
Weather & Climate
The climate in Majete is hot and tropical. Temperatures are relatively uniform throughout the year, though there is a distinct rise in humidity and temperature in October, just before the Wet season starts. December to February are the wettest months, and daily thunderstorms can be expected. The first half of the Dry season, June and July, is cooler, so bring warm clothing for early mornings.
Best Time To Visit
The best months for wildlife viewing are July to October in the Dry season, when animals are drawn to the river and waterholes. It can however be very hot in October, which might be difficult to bear. The scenery is lush and green in the Wet season months from November to April, but animals tend to be harder to find and the roads become difficult to navigate.
Want To Visit Majete WR?
Safari Tours to Majete WR
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![14-Day Malawi Family Safari Holiday]()
14-Day Malawi Family Safari Holiday
$6,394 pp (USD)
Malawi: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Blantyre (Start), Chimwenya GP, Majete WR, Liwonde NP, Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi), Lilongwe (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.9/5 – 132 Reviews
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![5-Day S/ 4 Nights Super Malawi Safari]()
5-Day S/ 4 Nights Super Malawi Safari
$1,330 pp (USD)
Malawi: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Blantyre (Start), Majete WR, Lake Malawi, Lilongwe (City), Lilongwe Airport (End)
Swahili Paradise Tours & Safaris
4.3/5 – 81 Reviews
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![12-Day Best of Malawi]()
12-Day Best of Malawi
$4,995 pp (USD)
Scheduled Start DatesMalawi: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Lilongwe (Start), Liwonde NP, Mt Mulanje, Majete WR, Cape Maclear (Lake Malawi), Senga Bay (Lake Malawi), Lilongwe (End)
Barefoot Lodge And Safaris
