Malawi is a country not only able to boast being home to the big 5, having one of the biggest inland lakes in the world, supporting one of the largest colonies of fish, not to mention the breath taking views...but it's also hot on the destination lists of bird lovers.
(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - August 21st, 2013 - Malawi is a country not only able to boast being home to the big 5, having one of the biggest inland lakes in the world, supporting one of the largest colonies of fish, not to mention the breath taking views…but it’s also hot on the destination lists of bird lovers. Boasting not only a diverse range of bird life, Malawi, and in particular it’s Majete Wildlife Reserve, is home to 16 species that aren’t found anywhere else in Southern Africa.
Majete Wildlife reserve lies in the lower shire Valley part of the Great Rift Valley in the south of Malawi snuggled between Mozambique to the east and Lake Malawi to the North. Majete offers a special combination of majestic scenery and rich wildlife and is the perfect destination for fun filled bird watching adventures.
The reserve is 70,000 hectares of unspoilt miombo woodland, combretum terminalia stands, open rocky outcrops and thick riverine woodland shadowing the riverbanks.
Birding is simply fantastic all year round in Malawi and notably at Majete where over 300 species have been documented. The birdlife is varied, with different species often seen working their way through the miombo areas, Pale-Billed Hornbills and various Shrikes and Wood Hoopoes in attendance. Raptors are very much in evidence, with at least four species of Vulture and a particularly high concentration of Bateleur Eagles. Birding 'specials' here include Boulder Chats on Majete Hill, Cuckoo Hawks, Livingstone's fly-catchers in riverine thickets, Boehm's bee-eaters, and Rock Pratincoles on the Shire River. (Especially in September).
During the months of July to November avan activity heats up, as an abundance of migratory birds such as Goliath Heron and African Skimmer are seen by the amazing riverine woodland surrounding the Shire river and also home to species such as Arnot’s chat seen nesting around Thawale Lodge and Racket Tailed Roller which will not be seen elsewhere. A night drive along the river may afford you the opportunity to spot the Giant Spotted Eagle Owl and night jars. You may also encounter the bronze winged courser and Water Dikkop.
Any time of the year offers both the expert and casual bird watcher an exciting opportunity to view numerous other bird species who inhabit the diverse and fascinating ecospheres of woodland, riverine and miombo. Hammerkop, Palm-nut Vulture, Marchial Eagles, Brown Snake-Eagle, Narina Drogo, Collared Palm Thrush are also frequently seen.
Other inhabitants of the park include the Big Five as well as large numbers of hippo and crocodile, buffalo, kudu, eland, sable bushbuck, impala, zebra, and hyena
At night, you will be able to catch a glimpse of genet, civet, porcupine, ardvaark, and bush baby.
Majete Wildlife Reserve is offering a three night birding package from July to December. The package includes a 3 night stay at Thawale Lodge which surrounds a water hole where birds and animals congregate. Full breakfast, lunch and dinner and five activities which include:
An afternoon game drive on the banks of Shire River and nearby dam area.
A game drive and walk combination for 4 hours (with breakfast in between)
An afternoon boat trip on the Shire River
A half morning hill hike
A night drive to see nocturnal birds.
Price: $560 per person. The price is not inclusive of park entry fees and drinks
By visiting Majete Wildlife Reserve you are directly contributing to help conserve 77,000 hectares of land while getting up and close with wildlife
For more information please email thawale@african-parks.org
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