Majete Wildlife Reserve is one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories. The reserve is located in southwestern Malawi, just 70 kilometres from Blantyre, but the last 18 kilometres on a dirt road slowed us down to a total drive of 3 hours. This 70,000-hectare reserve has been transformed from a depleted, heavily poached landscape into a thriving Big Five sanctuary. We spent one night at the campsite inside the park (🎟️30 USD/24 hrs) and went on a game drive (32 USD).
Situated within the African Great Rift Valley, Majete’s landscape is characterised by rolling hills, open grasslands, and striking granite-topped peaks. The reserve is dominated by mature miombo woodlands interspersed with ancient baobab and star chestnut trees, as well as riverine forests. Along its eastern boundary, the majestic Shire River winds through the landscape, creating the spectacular Kapichira Falls.
Established in 1955, the reserve was once a flourishing wildlife refuge, particularly during the 1960s. However, rampant poaching, inadequate funding, and poor management devastated animal populations over the following decades. By the late 1990s, many large mammals, including elephants and rhinos, had become locally extinct. A remarkable recovery began in 2003, when African Parks entered into a public-private partnership with the Malawian government. Electric fences were erected, well-equipped ranger units were deployed, and thousands of animals were reintroduced, bringing the reserve back to life.
Today, Majete is Malawi’s only official Big Five reserve, supporting healthy populations of elephants, black rhinos, leopards, lions, and buffalo. It is also home to more than 5,000 animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, African wild dogs, elands, and numerous antelope species. With more than 300 recorded bird species, Majete is also a premier birdwatching destination, offering the chance to spot elusive species such as Pel’s fishing owl, palm-nut vultures, and a variety of kingfishers.
Parking location – Majete Reserve: 15.9024922S 34.7227031E (🚻,🚿,💦,🚙5 USD, 🅿️11 USD/pax)