Thawale Camp is a small camp with comfortable, ensuite tented accommodation in Majete Wildlife Reserve, an area of about 70,000 hectares situated in the Lower Shire Valley. The reserve was established in 1955 and was rich in both flora and fauna. However, poaching was rife and the animal population suffered greatly. In 2003 the reserve was taken over by the African Parks Network, who are dedicated to reintroducing animals to the area. Now, elephant, black rhino, buffalo, sable antelope, eland, waterbuck, hartebeest and kudu, among others, can be seen. There are also plans to reintroduce big cats - lion, leopard and cheetah.
The reserve is diverse in vegetation, with woodland, grassy glades, dry savannah and watercourses. Early morning and late afternoon game drives take guests into the reserve. There are also night drives, to spot shy nocturanl species. Guided walks are another great way to explore the region. A special activity is elephant tracking. Several of the elephants reintroduced since 2006 wear radio collars, allowing them to be tracked. Guests can join trackers as they look for breeding herds or lone bull elephants. The minimum age for both bush walks and elephant tracking is 12 and the maximum number of guests is 6. As well as game viewing, guests are encouarged to visit local villages to gain an insight into the local culture and way of life.
Thawale Camp consists of 8 canvas and brick tents, all with ensuite bathroom with hot and cold running water. Each tent also has a private viewing deck, with views over the camp's waterhole, where animals gather to drink. The waterhole is floodlit at night. All meals are served at the camp which produces some delicious local Malawi dishes. There is a shared boma, where guests can relax and chat.
Thawale Camp is within easy access of Blantyre and is a year round wildlife destination.
Thanks to Bentley Palmer for photographs
