Southern Malawi & Majete

From the tropical plains of the Lower Shire to the cool forested plateau of Zomba, explore Malawi’s greatest scenic contrasts. You can enjoy hiking, elephant tracking, tea tasting and big game safaris at Majete Game Reserve.

Overview

There are three wildlife reserves in southern Malawi. The most exciting is the Majete Wildlife Reserve. This large 14,000ha sanctuary has embarked on an ambitious & systematic programme of wildlife restocking, with the aid of private funding. African Parks has re-introduced thousands of animals including nearly 200 elephant. Plus both lion and leopard as well as black rhino, buffalo, zebra, sable antelope, eland, waterbuck, nyala, hartebeest and kudu.

Thus you have a good chance to see large herds of elephant and buffalo in Majete. Or perhaps the magnificent sable antelope. There’s a variety of game viewing activities including elephant tracking, game drives, game walks. Plus scenic guided walks to the waterfalls.

Majete Game Reserve - walking safari

Another area of great interest in Southern Malawi is the Thyolo tea district. This is one of the most scenically beautiful regions of southern Malawi, the heart of Malawi’s tea producing region. Rolling hills of immaculately cultivated, emerald green plantations and some of the oldest estates in the country are the attraction.

Mount Mulanje is Malawi’s highest mountain at 3000 m, surrounded by oceans of picturesque tea plantations. So it’s a favourite with hikers and climbers. Contact us if you would like to hike up the mountain.

Finally the magical Zomba Plateau (1,500 m), rising above the old Malawian capital of Zomba, provides spectacular vistas over Southern Malawi. Choose between delightful woodland walking to scenic waterfalls, horse riding, mountain biking and trout fishing.

Zomba Plateau, Southern Malawi

Features

Why you may love it

  • The Majete Wildlife Reserve is only 1½ to 2 hours from Blantyre to the south-west.
  • Large herds of elephant and buffalo to be seen in the Majete.
  • Sample both of the local brews, tea and coffee, which thrive in the fertile red soil at Satemwe tea estate and enjoys a temperate climate and a relaxed ambience.

When to visit Southern Malawi & Majete

December to March

Rainy Season

Majete Game Reserve lies on the plateau of Malawi at approx 1100m altitude (3600ft) and so shares the same climate as Lilongwe and Blantyre. During the rainy season (December to March) the max temperatures are a pleasant 26C as the rain cools everything down. Though there is rain, it is less than in the north of Malawi, and usually comes as afternoon thunderstorms.
AVG RAINFALL 226mm
MAX TEMP 33 ℃ / 91 ℉
MIN TEMP 22 ℃ / 72 ℉

April & May

Dry season

This is a transitional period when the dry season starts. However the daytime temperatures stay warm at 25-26C due to the altitude.
AVG RAINFALL 113mm
MAX TEMP 32 ℃ / 90 ℉
MIN TEMP 21 ℃ / 70 ℉

June to August

Cooler Season

There’s not a drop of rain during this period. Temperatures drop down to 23C rising to 25C as August progresses. However the night-time temperatures are noticeably cooler at a minimum of 6-7C. Great time for game-viewing.
AVG RAINFALL 9mm
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 81 ℉
MIN TEMP 15 ℃ / 59 ℉

September to November

Very Hot season

Temperatures rise steadily from mid August onward becoming seriously hot in October to November (max 32c with high humidity) just prior to the start of summer rains. Night-time temperatures are also high so its really suited to those who cope well with heat!
AVG RAINFALL 65mm
MAX TEMP 35 ℃ / 95 ℉
MIN TEMP 20 ℃ / 68 ℉

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Huntingdon House Review

Huntingdon House has old world charm which may not appeal to everyone. I liked it but it was slightly dark and a little old-fashioned. However, the food was excellent, as was the setting. The rooms are perfectly fine, but ideally would benefit from some updating or modernising slightly with a ‘softs’ refurbishment.  I loved the gardens and even though we didn’t have time to enjoy the tea tasting, this seems like a great activity. Huntingdon House is close to Blantyre and makes a perfect place to break the journey between Majete and Liwonde. Please note that there is no swimming pool at Huntingdon House.

Cedarberg : Mari Jacobs

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Tasha Eygelaar

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I’m Tasha, I’m here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

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