Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 01-794491;
www.mkulumadzi.com
; high/midseason per night per person incl 2 wild-
life drives & full board US$378/337; )
The first reason Majete is the bright-
ening star in Malawi's firmament is the introduction of lions; the second is this extraordin-
ary lodge romantically reached by a suspension bridge over a croc-lathered river. Opened
in 2012, Mkulumadzi is a fusion of African tradition and boutique chic.
Imagine a high thatched ceiling strung with contemporary lights and ballasted by
columns of leadwood trunks, driftwood art installations, and a kidney-shaped pool outside
- not that you'll be doing much swimming given the friendliness of local elephants who
wander into the lodge.
Food is eaten communally at night and glorious it is too. The chalets themselves are art-
fully blended with the bush with grass roofs, and look out on to the Shire River; think
step-in rain showers and windows that give you widescreen views of the river as you flop
in a sunken, candlelit bath. Run with warmth and efficiency, the camp offers morning
walks to a hide close to the river (it's well situated for spotting black rhinos coming for a
dawn drink); or night drives to see hippos rising from the bank in the moonlight. Also ex-
pect to see civets, bushbucks, lots of elephants and the blazing red eyes of crocodiles. All
wildlife drives are included, as is food and drink. If you're getting here by bus, free trans-
fers are available from Chikwawa village.
Community Campsite $
(campsite s/d US$10/15, tent hire US$25; )
Enabling visitors on a budget to stay in the
park and fully immerse themselves in the park's wildlife-viewing activities, this camp-
ground has shady places to pitch up, park or sleep on a stilted deck under the stars.
There's also drinkable water, clean ablution blocks and hot showers, as well as cooking
facilities for barbecuing. You do need to bring your own food though.
Profits are ploughed directly back into the wellbeing of the park. To get here turn left
just before the heritage centre.
CAMPGROUND
Thawale Camp $$$
( 0999-521741;
www.african-parks.org
; luxury tent per person incl full board from
US$170; )
Situated around a floodlit watering-hole, this upmarket bushcamp is
about 3km from the reserve's main entrance. There are six double and twin tented chalets
on raised wooden platforms, and each has its own verandah overlooking the watering-
hole. There are gorgeous bathrooms out back, complete with deep baths, stone sinks and
loos with a view! They're also well spaced out so you really get the sense that you're in
the middle of nowhere.
CAMPGROUND
