Majete Wildlife Reserve was African Parks’ first mandate, signed with the government of Malawi in 2003. Prior to this, Majete was an unknown reserve where almost all its wildlife had been hunted out, only 12 scouts were employed, and not one tourist had visited the park in three years. It was the perfect place to put our model of management partnership to the test. We immediately began creating the necessary infrastructure and establishing a collaborative relationship with local communities. Reintroductions began, with rhino in 2003, followed by elephant in 2006, lion in 2012, giraffe in 2018, cheetah in 2019, and wild dog in 2021. Thanks to these introductions, along with effective conservation law enforcement measures, wildlife numbers increased significantly and by 2016, Majete was able to supply wildlife to other parks in Malawi.
Majete has come a long way in the last 20-plus years – from a sink to a source of value, providing hundreds of jobs and supporting thousands of community members with education, health and socio-economic opportunities. With thriving wildlife, this once-derelict reserve has helped to put Malawi on the map as a coveted wildlife destination. Today, Majete is a living example of how sound management partnerships and community buy-in can transform a landscape into a mutually beneficial asset for both people and wildlife.
Majete Highlights
Majete has emerged as a pioneer for large-scale wildlife reintroductions with over 3,000 animals of 17 species reintroduced over 20 years. Births of wild dog pups, and giraffe and black rhino calves have provided evidence of these species thriving.
In 2023, Majete Wildlife Reserve, local communities, government and African Parks celebrated 20 years of partnership.
With over 12,000 large mammals in the reserve, Majete’s success extends beyond its borders, supplying over 1,100 animals to help restore other Malawian parks since 2016.
By 2017, the elephant population had grown and 200 individuals needed to be translocated from Majete to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve to help repopulate that reserve as part of the “500 Elephants” translocation.
Despite increasing threats in the region, not one rhino or elephant has been poached since 2003 and 2006 respectively, thanks to effective conservation law enforcement and community engagement
Community-run initiatives, such as beekeeping and fish farming are benefitting hundreds of community members with four tonnes of honey and over 400 kg of fish harvested in 2023.
To promote biodiversity awareness, 37 Wildlife Clubs have been created and around 2,500 school children visit the reserve annually.
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On The Horizon
While Majete’s success is palpable, the story doesn’t end here: African Parks is committed to the ongoing management partnership of the reserve as we strive towards long-term sustainability of the ecosystem and enduring benefits for surrounding communities through developing its tourism product and other initiatives. By donating to African Parks today, you can help Majete to continue uplifting community and protecting wildlife populations.
Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) is the statutory organisation in charge of national parks, wildlife reserves and sanctuaries as well as wildlife management on communal lands in Malawi. Work began with the DNPW in Majete Wildlife Reserve in 2003, and in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park in 2015.
