Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are now more than 3000 animals in Majete, most translocated from other parks in
Malawi and elsewhere in Southern Africa, including hyenas, sables, nyalas, bushbucks,
impalas, servals, civets, zebras, antelopes, 10 black rhinos, 300 buffaloes, more than 300
elephants, 200 hippos and leopards.
As Malawi's first Big Five park, Majete is leading the way for the rest of the country.
African Parks' objective is to restore natural areas and make them financially self-reliant;
so when this particular park is handed back to Malawi's Department of National Parks, it
will be fully self-supporting.
Sights & Activities
Mkulumadzi Lodge has a 7000-hectare slice of the 7000-sq-km park, which is literally
bursting with animals. There are 250km of tracks in the park, and you'll need a high-
clearance car to get around - especially during the wet season. The two main routes here
are the Mkurlmadzi Rd, which runs parallel to the Shire River (although not near enough
for you to see it from the track) and Namitsempha Rd, heading west from the entrance.
Along Mkulumadzi Rd, just past the park entrance, are the grand Kapichira Falls, which
David Livingstone failed to cross on one of his expeditions back in 1859; further on is
Mvuu Spot, a small hide from where you can watch hippos frolicking in the river.
If you'd rather your activities were organised there is plenty on offer, including bush
walks (per person US$20), wildlife drives (per person US$25), and night wildlife drives
(US$35). You can also opt to have a scout join you in your own car (US$15). Hiking Ma-
jete Hill is also possible (US$40), as are boat rides past hippos on the Shire River
(US$20).
At the entrance to the park is a small open-air
heritage centre
and
gift shop
featuring a
display of art and craftwork made in and around Majete by local people. There's also a
little
museum
with displays on the region's heritage as well as information on local con-
servation projects.
Sleeping
There are currently three places to stay in the reserve: an upmarket bushcamp, a commu-
nity campsite, and one of the newest and most exquisite boutique lodges in the country.
LODGE
Mkulumadzi Lodge $$$
