Majete makes a good day trip if you are not based too far away.
About an hour and a half from Blantyre there is a pool and restaurant just inside the entrance gate. As Majete is in a hot area of the country and considering that you are likely to go on a game drive; a drink and a swim upon arrival may be ideal. Below the pool and restaurant is a waterhole. After a dip we watched a waterbuck and a warthog cooling off.
Swimming pool Majete Mwembezi restaurant
Also next to the entrance gate there is useful information as well as tasteful local products in the shop. When we arrived late in the morning I could see from the park entry book that were the first arrivals of the day..
Although in all likelihood there were overnight guests elsewhere, to have almost a whole National Park to yourself is a luxury that must be unusual in many other parts of the world. You may question my use of 'National Park' but in Malawi there is little difference in reality between what are called Wildlife Reserves (or Game Reserves) and National Parks. Majete itself is a large protected area with elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, rhino, hippos, crocodiles and numerous and varied antelope not to mention the extremely rich birdlife and beautiful scenery. River Safaris are quite special in the moderately fast moving waters as the richness and greenness of the vegetation all around give you a real feeling of being in untouched Africa.
Waterhole by Mwembezi Restaurant in Majete
You can understand that there is far more here for those staying longer. But on a day trip it is economical as day entry is $10 for Malawi residents and $20 for international visitors (children half price). Meals are between $5 and $8 according to my very quick and rough currency exchange calculation.
The drives by the river & to the main hides by waterholes are very doable on a day trip. What you do miss of course are the sunrise and sunset safari drives and listening to the sounds of nature and the wild during the night. If you are on your only or first African safari clearly the overnight experience is likely your first choice.
When on my own I have spent a whole day and a half stocked up with snacks, drinks and books at a hide. Wildlife was constantly coming and going to the waterhole and there was no point in the day when I was not accompanied by (suspicious and wary) wildlife. I was silent but they were well aware of my presence. With children this would not be ideal as I can't easily persuade them to be silent for more than 20 mins. Adults are more like 20 nanoseconds.
Nsepete Waterhole and Hide Majete Wildlife Reserve
Whether on your own (at a hide) or with others driving around, the relaxation in the wild and seeing wildlife is well worth it for those with only a day to spare.
Some people may not wish to drive when likely to meet a herd of elephants on the road. For some people I recommended a driver and also got them to travel with a highly trained Malawian wildlife expert. Whether doing something like that or travelling completely independently, Majete is good value for a day trip.
If you want some more tips or thoughts on organising a trip then drop us a line.
O-Sense
