Zomba, Mt Mulanje & Majete Reserve

Introduction

A highlight of Southern Malawi is the recently protected Majete Wildlife Reserve. Spanning 700km², this rugged and hilly region offers an ideal combination of isolation and first class amenities. The converging Shire and the Mkulumandu Rivers are lined by riverine forests, home to over 250 species of bird including Arnot’s Chat, pale-billed hornbills and raptors, including particularly high concentrations of bateleur eagle. On the banks of the rivers, Boehm’s Bee-Eaters and Rock Practincoles feature. Excusive luxury lodges offer laid back safari opportunities for visitors to view recently introduced black rhino, elephant, elusive leopards, nyala and sable. Spotted hyena, civet and serval are best spotted on night drives. This vast and picturesque region of woodlands, granite hills and towering large-leafed African star chestnuts offer a true wilderness yet to be discovered by tourists.

Once regarded as offering some of the most stunning views of the British Empire, the Zomba Plateau is a vibrant location home to colonial architecture, upmarket lodges, first class walking opportunities and memorable panoramic scenery. Criss-crossed by streams and tumbling waterfalls, the plateau is home to vast tracts of cedar, pine and cypress interspersed by dense forests. Despite limited wildlife viewing prospects, long-crested eagle and augur buzzard reside along with the elusive leopard, serval cat, mongoose and various antelope species. This is an ideal location for flyfishing and trout fishing enthusiasts.

Towering 10,000 feet over the surrounding countryside, Mt Mulanje dwarfs all that surrounds it. Regarded as the country’s premier hiking and rock climbing destination and spanning 245 miles², this granite mountain of dense forests was largely cleared for tea cultivation in the early 20^th century, the legacy of which is evident in the scenery today. From alpine moorland on the plateau to evergreen woodlands and 40 meter high endemic Mulanje cedars along watercourses, the area supports an array of flowers, birds and wildlife. Various small mammals feature at higher altitudes, notably the klipspringer and other antelope, while vervet and samango monkey reside on the lower slopes. Birdwatchers will enjoy observing buzzards, black eagles and white necked ravens. This geographical landmark shrouded in myth and legend is a spiritual mountain, believed to be the inspiration for aspects of Tolkien’s book The Hobbit.

When To Visit

Southern Malawi has something to offer whatever time of year. The Majete Wildlife Reserve is open throughout the year; however game viewing is superior during the dry season on June to November. Even during the wet season, rains are usually short-lived so do not seriously inhibit the traveller.

January to April – Temperatures slowly begin to fall in April and nights become more pleasant. This marks the end of the rainy season as cooler, dryer conditions prevail until September. Average temperatures are 26°C, however higher altitudes may be cooler and lowlands considerably hotter and more humid.

May to September – Game viewing in the Majete Wildlife Reserve is good during these months are scrub starts to reduce and temperatures fall to around 20°C. During July, the Zomba Plateau can be quite cold at night, while lower altitudes remain water around the Lower Shire Valley. Very little rainfall occurs during these dry months. Humidity is low.

October to December – These months see the highest temperatures in the Majete Wildlife Reserve, sometimes peaking at 45°C. Reduced vegetation cover enables more often sightings to animals which congregate at the waterholes. Higher latitudes of Mt. Mulanje and the Zomba Plateau are cooler during the daytime, averaging 28°C. October until March offers the best sightings of blue swallow on the Mt Mulanje plateau. November and December mark the onset of the rainy season, bringing evening storms and moderate humidity.

Temperature & Rainfall

Climate Chart – South Malawi