Majete Game Reserve was the first park to fall under the management of Africa Parks in 2003. Situated in the south western part of Malawi the park was a wasteland with very little game, no tourists and no perceived value. Since 2003 rhino, elephant, lion, giraffe, cheetah, wild dog and various antelope have been introduced. It is in this reserve that Dylan has spent the last year learning something new every day. He has been involved in rescuing Tenminck’s Pangolins, re-introducing African Wild Dogs, catching and relocating crocodiles, releasing giraffe, darting and replacing collars – the list goes on! He has even got as far as running his first 21km in support of the unsung heroes of the bush – the African Parks Rangers.
Majete Game Reserve is a 90 minute drive (70km) from the city of Blantyre. We had stopped in Blantyre en route to Majete to get money, groceries, a fan for Dylan and a double thick milkshake before winding down the precarious road to Chikawa. Heavy haze had settled on the valley and so the beauty of the landscape could not be fully appreciated. The temperature increased to 38 degrees which we immediately felt as we exited our air-conditioned vehicle.
Accommodation
Our accommodation at Thawale Lodge was in a very comfortable tented chalet with the most magnificent five star bathroom. The property is unfenced allowing grazing nyala and warthog to wander freely around the chalets. The busy waterhole attracts a wide variety of game and we were spoilt with sightings of giraffe, buffalo and elephant coming to drink. Whilst in the middle of an afternoon snooze I was fortunate enough to watch three elephants walk past the room for their afternoon drink. They were so close and so quiet for such big animals. The full board option meant we were treated once again to delicious meals served in the large lapa adjacent to the waterhole. The hospitality and friendliness of all the staff made it extra special.
Activities
We were fortunate enough to have Samuel Chihana as our guide on a couple of occasions. He is reputed as being the best birding guide in Malawi and he didn’t disappoint. His eagle eyes spotted an Olive Bee Eater, a pair of Rock Pratincole and an Eastern Nicator to name just a few. Driving along the River Loops enabled great sightings of herds of elephant, crocodiles, hippo and a lion. Our sundowners were served against the breathtaking backdrop of the Shire River.
If you haven’t visited Malawi make sure it is on your destination list.
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