Why Malawi should be your next safari destination

Big game is returning to a tiny nation beloved for its friendly people and tropical lakes, says Millie Kerr

Majete Wildlife Reserve (Robin Pope Safaris)

It’s eerily quiet as we drive through the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve looking for elephants. Never before have I seen a stretch of African wilderness so still, so devoid of life. There aren’t baboons leaping between branches nor impalas grazing on rich grasses. Although it’s midday, the dense forest encircling our Land Rover blocks out the sun, making the light dim and wildlife-spotting difficult.

Suddenly, through a cluster of trees, I see motion in the distance: three blobs of grey amble through a small clearing. I tap one of our park rangers on the shoulder and point towards them.

“Elephants!” he excitedly proclaims while handing me his binoculars, but I already have my long lens focused on the small herd. They’re too far away for a clear shot, but I don’t mind: seeing them is prize enough.