Discover the Best Walking Safari Routes for Unforgettable Safari Holidays in the Majete Wildlife Reserve

If you’re searching for an experience that lets you feel every heartbeat of the African wilderness, Safari Holidays in the Majete Wildlife Reserve are the answer. Tucked away in Malawi’s southern reaches, Majete offers one of Africa’s most rewarding walking safari landscapes — wild, authentic, and brimming with life. From tracking rhino footprints in the sand to watching elephants bathe in the Shire River, this is a place where each step tells a story. And with Awake in the Wild’s promise of safari experiences for every traveller, we’ll help you turn those steps into memories you’ll never forget.

Why Choose a Walking Safari in Majete?

Walking safaris bring you closer to nature in a way game drives simply can’t match. You move at nature’s pace. You smell the wild herbs crushed underfoot, hear the rustle of unseen animals in the bush, and notice the tiny tracks and signs most people miss. Majete Wildlife Reserve is perfect for this style of safari because of its varied terrain, thriving wildlife populations, and expertly trained guides who know these routes like their own back gardens.

This reserve is also one of Malawi’s great conservation success stories. Once depleted of much of its wildlife, it’s now home to the “Big Five” thanks to focused reintroduction programmes. Today, your walking safari might include sightings of lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and both black and white rhinos — all within a single trip.

Top Walking Safari Routes to Explore



We’ve handpicked some of the most rewarding walking safari routes in Majete. Each offers its own atmosphere, challenges, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Shire River Trail

Following the curves of the Shire River, this route is a feast for the senses. Hippos wallow in deep pools, crocodiles sun themselves on sandy banks, and colourful bee-eaters flash past in bursts of colour. Your guide will point out medicinal plants and tell stories of the river’s place in local culture. The trail is generally flat, making it ideal for those who want a more relaxed pace without sacrificing big-sighting potential.

Rhino Tracking Path

This is a more adventurous option for those eager to learn the art of tracking. With a guide and armed scout, you’ll follow fresh spoor — footprints, dung, and broken branches — in search of the reserve’s reintroduced black rhinos. It’s a thrilling experience that blends patience, skill, and adrenaline.

Kapichira Falls Walk

Combine the excitement of a walking safari with the drama of a natural wonder. This route takes you through mixed woodland and open plains before revealing the thunderous Kapichira Falls. Birdwatchers in particular will love this trail, as fish eagles often patrol the skies above the falls.

Mvuu Plains Trek

This route takes you into open plains dotted with acacia trees, where herds of impala and zebra graze under the watchful eyes of predators. The wide horizons make wildlife spotting easier, and the slower pace allows you to absorb the landscape’s shifting colours throughout the day. Morning treks are particularly magical, with soft light and cool air.

Thawale Bush Circuit

Starting near Thawale Lodge, this circular walk takes you deep into areas less visited by vehicles. It’s perfect for photographers, as the slower approach allows you to set up shots of giraffe, kudu, and rare antelope species. Guides share fascinating details about the area’s ecology, from termite mounds to seasonal wildflowers.

Nkhumba Hill Climb

For walkers looking for a challenge, the Nkhumba Hill route rewards you with panoramic views over the reserve. The climb is steady but manageable, and along the way you may spot klipspringers darting across rocky slopes. The summit makes an ideal picnic stop before a gentle descent back to camp.

Wildlife You Might Encounter on Foot 

Few experiences rival the thrill of seeing wildlife while on foot. On Safari Holidays in the Majete Wildlife Reserve, every step offers the possibility of a close but respectful encounter with its diverse animal inhabitants. The “Big Five” headline the list — elephants browsing quietly in the shade, lions moving with stealth through tall grass, buffalo eyeing you from a distance, leopards resting in the branches, and rhinos grazing in open spaces.

Majete is also home to less-heralded but equally fascinating species. You might spot sable and roan antelope, with their elegant horns and striking coats. Kudu and eland move gracefully across the plains, while warthogs trot away with tails held high. Birdwatchers can look forward to over 300 recorded species, including lilac-breasted rollers, African fish eagles, and the rare Pel’s fishing owl.

Walking safaris reveal behaviour you’d miss from a vehicle. You might pause to watch a dung beetle rolling its load or spot a chameleon changing colour in slow motion. Guides interpret every track, sound, and scent, turning what might seem like empty bush into a rich story unfolding in real time.

This diversity of life is a major reason many guests return to Majete year after year. With each visit, the reserve offers a different cast of characters and new stories to tell.

Protections When Booking Through Awake in the Wild

Booking your Safari Holidays in the Majete Wildlife Reserve with us means more than just arranging a trip — it means peace of mind from start to finish. We’re part of the Jamie Wake Travel family of travel brands, and every tailor-made holiday includes:

• Supplier Failure Insurance to protect your arrangements if a supplier stops trading.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance to safeguard against airline insolvency.
• ATOL Protection for qualifying flight-inclusive packages, ensuring your money and trip are secure.
• Membership with Protected Trust Services (PTS), guaranteeing that your funds are held securely until they’re needed to pay for your holiday.

From your first enquiry to the moment you return home, your booking is backed by the highest levels of financial protection available in the UK travel industry.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Walking Safari 

Preparation can make the difference between a good safari and an extraordinary one. When planning your Safari Holidays in the Majete Wildlife Reserve, keep these walking safari tips in mind:

• Pack light but smart – A small backpack with water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera is essential.
• Choose the right footwear – Comfortable, closed walking shoes are vital. Break them in before your trip.
• Dress for the bush – Neutral tones help you blend in and avoid attracting unwanted insect attention.
• Stay quiet and aware – Wildlife reacts to noise and movement. Your guide will advise when to stop, move, or stay still.
• Ask questions – Guides are walking encyclopaedias of bush knowledge. Don’t be shy about learning from them.
• Start early – Morning walks offer cooler temperatures and active wildlife.

Following these tips helps you enjoy your safari more while respecting the animals and their habitat. Remember — the aim is not just to see wildlife but to experience the reserve’s rhythm as part of it.

The Best Times of Day for a Walking Safari in Majete 

When you book Safari Holidays in the Majete Wildlife Reserve, timing your walks can greatly enhance your experience.

Early Morning:
The bush is alive with activity at dawn. Predators are often still on the move, herbivores graze in the cool air, and bird calls echo through the trees. The soft golden light is perfect for photography, and the temperatures are most comfortable for walking.

Late Afternoon:
As the heat of the day fades, animals become active again. You might see elephants heading to waterholes or hippos emerging from the river. The low sun casts dramatic shadows across the landscape, making for atmospheric sightings and photographs.

Midday Special Walks:
Though less common due to the heat, some shorter walks focus on plant life, insects, and birdwatching rather than big game. This can be a fascinating way to appreciate the smaller details of Majete.



By working with your guide to choose the best time for your goals, you’ll enjoy richer encounters and more memorable moments.

Where to Stay for a Walking Safari in Majete

Mkulumadzi Lodge

Set at the confluence of the Shire and Mkulumadzi rivers, this luxury lodge blends modern comfort with the untamed wilderness. Each suite offers panoramic views from private decks, and the main lodge’s open design means you’re never far from the sounds of nature. After a day’s walking safari, relax by the infinity pool as elephants wander past in the distance.

Ask us about our latest offers for Mkulumadzi Lodge. We often have exclusive packages that include guided walking safaris, river cruises, and extra nights. Enquire today to see how we can tailor a stay here to your plans.

Thawale Lodge

Located within the reserve itself, Thawale Lodge is perfect for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the bush without compromising on comfort. Spacious chalets overlook a waterhole frequented by giraffe, buffalo, and antelope. The lodge is community-owned, adding a meaningful layer to your stay.

We regularly feature special rates and walking safari add-ons at Thawale Lodge. Get in touch to find out which offers might be available for your travel dates.

Our View:

"Majete’s walking safaris offer a rare kind of intimacy with the wild. It’s not about rushing from sighting to sighting — it’s about hearing the heartbeat of the bush, one step at a time."

What Makes Walking Safaris in Majete Unique?

Unlike many reserves where vehicle-based game drives dominate, Majete actively promotes walking as a way to experience the landscape. The guiding teams here are not just experts in wildlife — they are skilled storytellers, weaving in local folklore, cultural history, and insights into the reserve’s transformation from a depleted wilderness to a thriving sanctuary.

The terrain is varied, from open plains to rocky outcrops and dense riverine forests. This variety keeps each walk fresh and full of surprises. On one day, you might track a herd of elephants by their fresh footprints; on another, you could pause for twenty minutes to watch a dung beetle roll its prize across the path.

Walking safaris also let you observe the smaller, often-overlooked details — the delicate flowers that bloom after rain, the intricate weaverbird nests hanging over the water, and the ancient baobabs that have witnessed centuries of change.

Why Majete is a Conservation Success Story 

In the early 2000s, Majete was a reserve in crisis. Decades of poaching had wiped out much of its wildlife, and tourism was virtually non-existent. Then, African Parks took over management in partnership with Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife.

Through intensive anti-poaching measures, community engagement, and wildlife reintroductions, Majete transformed. Lions, black rhinos, elephants, and other key species returned. The reserve now boasts healthy populations and generates income for surrounding communities through responsible tourism.

For travellers, this means your Safari Holidays in the Majete Wildlife Reserve directly contribute to protecting wildlife and supporting local livelihoods. Every walking safari you take, every lodge stay, helps ensure this conservation success story continues for generations.

Combining Walking Safaris with Other Majete Experiences

While walking safaris are the focus for many visitors, Majete offers a variety of activities that complement time on foot. Boat trips along the Shire River give you a new perspective on the park’s wildlife, while traditional game drives allow you to cover more ground and increase your chances of spotting elusive predators.

You can also take part in cultural visits to nearby communities, learning how conservation efforts benefit local people and how tourism supports sustainable development. These experiences deepen your connection to the reserve, adding meaning to your sightings and photographs.

Plan Your Safari Holidays in the Majete Wildlife Reserve with Confidence

From your first enquiry, we listen to what matters most to you. Whether you dream of early-morning treks, private sundowner spots, or the thrill of tracking rhinos, we’ll craft an itinerary that’s entirely yours. With our network of trusted guides, handpicked lodges, and access to exclusive walking routes, your time in Majete will be as personal as it is unforgettable.

Remember — every booking with Awake in the Wild is fully protected through our ATOL licence, PTS membership, and comprehensive supplier and airline failure insurance. That means you can focus on the adventure ahead, knowing your holiday is in safe hands.

Speak to us today on 01495 400545 or send us a quick enquiry through our website. We’re only a call or message away from starting your journey into one of Africa’s most inspiring walking safari destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions