← Blantyre International Marathon·2 nights

Majete Wildlife Reserve: Game Drives After the Marathon

Two nights at Majete, where game drives from a vehicle ask nothing more of the legs than climbing into a seat.

Duration2 nights
TransitPrivate driver, about 90 minutes and 70 km from Blantyre
DepartsBlantyre

After the Blantyre Marathon: Majete Wildlife Reserve

The Route: Blantyre → Majete → Blantyre → Chileka Airport Logistics: A driver both ways, about 70 km and 90 minutes each way. Four-wheel drive is advised in the wet season. Marathon Month: September Duration: 2 nights

Blantyre ──(about 90 mins, 70 km)──> Majete Wildlife Reserve
                                          │
Chileka Airport (BLZ) ◄──(driver)── Blantyre ◄──(about 90 mins)

The Blantyre marathon has run in late September, which sits in the middle of Malawi's dry season. That helps here. Majete is a reserve managed by African Parks, and the dry months are generally easier for seeing animals because the bush thins and they gather near water.

September in Majete: dry and warm in the day, cool at dawn. In the wet season (around November onwards) roads can be difficult and animals harder to find, so a November trip needs a different plan.

African Parks documentation puts the reserve about 70 km and 90 minutes from Blantyre, and recommends four-wheel drive when it is wet. Malawi Tourism gives a similar journey time. Book the lodge and ask them about transfers from Blantyre.

Nights One and Two: Majete

Game drives are from a vehicle, which is the point. You sit, you look, you stop. Ask the lodge for a seated schedule with a rest in the middle of the day, and keep your first morning short. Dawn drives are cold on an open vehicle, so wear layers.

Walking safaris are offered at some lodges. Skip them on the first morning after the race.

Where to Stay

Mkulumadzi Lodge and Thawale Lodge are the established camps within the reserve. Check which is open and what they charge, as rates vary by season. Confirm a bag transfer from Blantyre before you leave the city.

Where to Eat

Meals are normally included at the lodge; ask about dietary needs when booking. Bring water and snacks for the transfer.

Getting to Chileka Airport (BLZ)

Drive back to Blantyre and on to Chileka International Airport (BLZ). Leave at least three hours before an international flight, and do not drive after dark.