Majete Wildlife Reserve

Pros & Cons

• Good wildlife viewing with all the Big Five present
• Beautiful scenery along the Shire River
• Accommodations include a community-owned camp and a stunning five-star lodge
• Night drives are available
• Strong wilderness feel, especially in the little-visited south
• More than 400km/249mi of roads and 4x4 tracks
• 4x4 vehicle needed outside the main 55km/34km road circuit
• Some animals are still quite shy and difficult to find
• Walking safaris have been suspended due to the high lion population

Wildlife

Since 2003, lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog, black rhino, elephant, buffalo and zebra have all been successfully reintroduced to Majete. Giraffe, though not indigenous, have also been translocated into the reserve. Of the Big Five, elephant and lion are both plentiful, while the population of 2,000 buffalo tends to move around in huge herds. Hippos and crocodiles are resident in the Shire River. A varied cast of antelope includes Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable, impala, waterbuck, greater kudu, nyala and bushbuck.

• More about Majete WR’s wildlife

Scenery

The main vegetation type is brachystegia (miombo) woodland interspersed with rocky outcrops. One of these outcrops, the ‘view spot’, is a great place to get a sense of space and the wilderness overlooking the endless wooded hills. The reserve also incorporates patches of acacia woodland, while the Shire River supports a ribbon of lush riparian forest and there are some areas of open grassland in the south. The landmark Kapichira Falls is now largely submerged by a hydroelectric dam.

Activities

The main northeastern road circuit can be tackled in any vehicle and comes with a good chance of spotting elephant, lion, hippo, giraffe and zebra. A high-clearance 4x4 is required to explore the wilder-feeling south, which is the best place to look for buffalo. Boat trips on the Shire River were stopped for safety reasons after a flood destroyed Kapichira Dam in January 2022, but should resume once repairs are complete. Walking safaris are no longer offered. For self-sufficient visitors, an overnight stay at Nakamba Hide, overlooking a grove of baobabs and waterhole, offers your best chance of seeing a black rhino.

Weather & Climate

The climate in Majete is hot and tropical. Temperatures are relatively uniform throughout the year, though there is a distinct rise in humidity and temperature in October, just before the Wet season starts. December to February are the wettest months, and daily thunderstorms can be expected. The first half of the Dry season, June and July, is cooler, so bring warm clothing for early mornings.

• More about the weather and climate

Best Time To Visit

The best months for wildlife viewing are July to October in the Dry season, when animals are drawn to the river and waterholes. It can however be very hot in October, which might be difficult to bear. The scenery is lush and green in the Wet season months from November to April, but animals tend to be harder to find and the roads become difficult to navigate.

• More about the best time to visit

Want To Visit Majete WR?

12 Majete Safaris

• Majete Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Majete