Experience the Big 5
Sunbird Thawale Lodge is a peaceful haven from which to experience Majete Wildlife Reserve, the only Game reserve in Malawi where the “the big five” can be viewed. Completely unfenced, the Lodge is regularly visited by wildlife.
Sunbird Thawale Lodge is a peaceful haven from which to experience Majete Wildlife Reserve, the only Game reserve in Malawi where the “the big five” can be viewed.

Situated in the lower Shire valley in the south west of Malawi, approximately 70 kms from Blantyre’s Chileka International Airport, Sunbird Thawale Lodge offers four twin tented chalets, two double tented chalets and one family chalet all en-suite and each with its own private veranda overlooking the waterhole. A communal lapa (traditional lounge area) and kitchen is available as well as Mwembezi restaurant where you can enjoy both local and international cuisine.
Majete also has a fully equipped boardroom available for meetings.

Rooms
Rooms are en suite, air-conditioned, have digital satellite television, international direct dialing, Wi-Fi internet, email facilities and 220 volts power points (British standard).

Standard Room
This double room has a balcony.

Double Room
This double room has a balcony.

Family Room
This family room has a balcony, minibar and seating area.

All children are welcome. One child under 16 years stays free of charge when using existing beds. There is no capacity for extra beds in the room.

Restuarant & Bars

Mwembezi Restaurant
This bush restaurant has an a la carte menu and offers a wide range of local and international dishes, buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hours  Breakfast: 09h00 – 11h00 Snack & Lunch: 11h00 – 18h00

Thawale Bar
Cocktail bar is a casual public bar with digital television and serves both local and international beverages. The cocktail bar has a live band playing every Friday.
Hours  06h00 – 22h00

Activities & Experiences
Sunbird Thawale offers a variety of activities and experiences for you to enjoy and experience first hand.

Safari Game drive
The Majete safari vehicle, guided by a professional wildlife guide and scout, takes you first to a view spot or hide where you can enjoy the sunset while having a sun-downer and snacks. As the sun dips discover the magic of the onset of an African night. Be thrilled by nocturnal animals; hippos grazing by the Shire River, elephant, buffalo, bush babies, genets, civets, serval, antelope, porcupine and nocturnal birds. You may even get to see predators who are more active at night such as hyena, the elusive leopard and best of all the three lions hunting.

Bush walks
Bush walks are conducted by the scouts who themselves cover the reserve on foot during patrols and thus know the area and the animals found in different habitats. If you are a keen bird watcher, ask to focus your walk on the wealth of birds. Areas along the river systems are particularly rich in birdlife and animals.

Boat trips
Cruise the islands and channels of the Shire River and Kapichira Dam looking for hippos, crocodiles or, commonly seen, elephants in the water and riverside birds. Feel the rapids and be awed by the roar of Kapichira Falls. Evenings are best for the riverside experience.