- A design-led flagship on a private wilderness concession in Majete Wildlife Reserve, at the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi rivers.
- Eight glass-fronted suites of stone, glass and thatch — barefoot luxury with the bush pressed right up to the glass.
- Majete is Malawi's Big Five success story: black rhino, lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo all roam a once-empty reserve.
- Reached by a footbridge over the Mkulumadzi River — a genuine sense of crossing into private wilderness.
Why Mkulumadzi
Mkulumadzi is Majete's showpiece, and it earns the title. Set on a private 7,000-hectare concession within the reserve, it occupies a spectacular position at the meeting of the Shire and Mkulumadzi rivers, reached across a swaying footbridge that makes every arrival feel like a threshold. Majete is the reserve that started Malawi's rewilding miracle — brought back from near-total poaching to hold the full Big Five — and Mkulumadzi lets you explore it in style and near-total privacy.
The design is quietly brilliant: cool, contemporary and built from local stone, glass and thatch so the bush is never more than a pane away. It is a lodge for travellers who want their wilderness with a strong dose of design and space.
The Suites & Setting
Just eight glass-fronted suites are spread along the riverbank, each private, spacious and open to the wild. Floor-to-ceiling glass, indoor-outdoor bathrooms and shaded decks blur the line between suite and savanna, while the central lounge, pool and dining area look out over the river. It is barefoot luxury with real architectural intent — the kind of place where you linger long after the drive.
Wildlife & Activities
Majete's turnaround is one of Africa's great conservation stories, and the game viewing now reflects it: elephant, buffalo, sable, eland, and the prized Big Five trio of black rhino, lion and leopard. Days are spent on game drives across varied miombo and riverine country, on guided walks with expert trackers, and on boat trips and fishing along the Shire. Birding is excellent, and the private concession means you often have a sighting entirely to yourselves.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (May to October) is prime, as thinning bush and receding water draw wildlife to the rivers; September and October deliver the most concentrated game viewing. The green season (November to April) is lush, quieter and rewarding for birders and photographers, with newborn animals across the reserve.
Rates & How to Book
| Location | Private concession, Majete Wildlife Reserve |
|---|---|
| Rooms | Eight glass-fronted stone & thatch suites |
| Signature | Big Five drives & the river footbridge arrival |
| Best for | Design-lovers, couples, Big Five seekers |
Mkulumadzi is offered fully inclusive of meals and activities. We tailor length of stay and pair it with Liwonde and Lake Malawi, so we quote current rates when we design your trip.
Ready to plan your own tailor-made Malawi safari? Talk to a Beyond Africa Safaris specialist, browse our tailor-made safari packages, or message us on WhatsApp for private, custom pricing.
