Mkulumadzi
Mkulumadzi, accessed by a footbridge across the Mkulumadzi River, sits high on the banks of the Shire River under a shady canopy of mixed riparian woodland. The camp is near the confluence of the two rivers in a private area of the Majete Wildlife Reserve in southern Malawi. The reserve, in the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, encompasses 70,000 hectares and combines miombo woodland with granite hills and riverine forest. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
There are eight open fronted rooms at Mkulumadzi. The two family rooms comprise two bedrooms separated by a lounge, each of which have vegetated roofs, solar powered lighting, an en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower, and a verandah overlooking the Shire River. Additional children’s beds can be added to the family rooms to accommodate a family of five people. The main area of the lodge has a restaurant and lounge as well as a small child friendly pool with shallow end.
Eating & Sleeping
The chefs are happy to prepare food that children enjoy at mealtimes to suit and will discuss children’s dietary preferences with parents on arrival. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice. A listening service is available, with prior warning, if parents would like to dine later than the children and is provided by the night watchman who would be posted outside the room. Alternatively a babysitter can be provided – this would normally be one of the housekeeping ladies.
Wildlife & Activities
Game drives, walks and boat trips are offered at Mkulumadzi, and the reserve is home to rhino, leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant, sable antelope and eland among many others. The birdlife is phenomenal. The hide overlooking a waterhole is perfect for close up photographic opportunities and for those looking for more wildlife viewing in the downtime between activities. Visits to a local village can also be arranged.
Specifically for children …
The lodge staff are very child friendly and are happy to keep children busy taking them on walks around the lodge to identify spoor, track animals and teach them bush-wise facts. The walks are carried out in the camp confines as the park rule is that bush walks are only available to children 12 years and above. Other activities include:
• Baking cookies with the chef.
• Drawing and painting.
• Games and puzzles.
