Majete was once a prolific wildlife refuge but by the late 1990's most species of large game, including elephant, had been eradicated.

Remnant populations of a few resilient species remained but they had been reduced to very low, and in some cases critical numbers. Law enforcement teams were ill equipped and underfunded, illegal encroachment, agriculture and hardwood logging were all occurring inside the reserve and the resource was diminishing.

In 2003, African Parks Majete (APM) a non-profit organisation, in partnership with the Malawian government and local communities, took total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of the reserve.

The restoration of Majete has included significant infrastructure development (142kms of electrified perimeter fence, 300kms of roads, water holes, scout camps, fence camps and a complete tourism infrastructure), wildlife restocking and a complete overhaul of the law enforcement and scientific monitoring function.

The mass translocation of wildlife began in 2003 and by March 2012, 2,554 animals from thirteen different species had been reintroduced including elephant, black rhino, leopard, buffalo, sable antelope, zebra, Lichtenstein hartebeest and eland. In August 2012, three lions were introduced to Majete making it one of the only reserves in Malawi where the BIG FIVE can be viewed. APM has also engaged positively with local people and has made a significant contribution to fostering cooperative relations with the surrounding communities.

A range of community outreach projects have been launched with donor support and continue to generate positive working relations with Majete's neighbours and generate much needed income for the community. In the last five years, APM has focused on tourism development and made significant achievements in pursuit of its goal to restore, develop and improve the management of Majete Wildlife Reserve as a potential tourist destination.

Situated within Majete around a serene floodlit waterhole that attracts a variety of wildlife, Thawale Lodge is a peaceful haven from which to experience Majete. Completely unfenced, the camp is regularly visited by wildlife. Thawale Lodge offers six double and twin tented chalets all en-suite and each with its own private veranda overlooking the waterhole.

The more luxurious chalet has a unique open air bathroom built among the rocks with a shower and a sunken bath and views of the floodlit waterhole. The chalets are spaced out to offer visitors privacy and an individual bush experience. A communal lapa (traditional lounge area) with a fully staffed kitchen is available in the centre of the camp.

Fresh meals are served in the beautiful thatched bamboo restaurant and bar and there is a birding veranda looking out over the combretum forest and waterhole. Thawale is fully electrified.

The wildlife which can be found at the reserve includes the BIG 5: elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions and leopards as well as sable, antelope, nyala, zebra, waterbuck and kudu amongst others. The visitors are assured of an enjoyable stay as they engage in activities such as game viewing, bushwalks, game drives and boat trips.

Near the entrance to the park is a self-catering campsite which was built in 2007 and equipped with a thatched bar and dining space, barbeque area, toilets and hot showers. Power is provided through a solar system and two beautifully thatched hideouts offer a comfortable place to spend the night.

The campsite is owned and managed by a Committee of local people from villages surrounding Majete, with assistance from the extension team of African Parks and the profits go directly to them.

06:00-18:00

From Blantyre you take the road to Chikwawa (M1) which is a right turn after turn after the Victoria hotel on Victoria avenue.

Drive down the escarpment mountain road and keep going for about 55kms until you cross the Shire River bridge. There you will see a police road block which means you are just heading into Chikwawa.

You drive past a petrol filling station and then after take the first right hand turn. This is a tarmac road which goes through Chikwawa Boma.

At the end of the tar road, take a left at the junction and follow 17km of good dirt road to Majete. It will take you about 1,5 hours in total.

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