Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve

The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is a 100,000 acre private reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe, adjacent to the South Gonarezhou National Park. The word 'malilangwe' translates to 'call of the leopard', which is fitting for an area known for excellent sightings of the Big Five (leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo). The reserve in a non-profit that integrates the local community into its development and operation, which helps ensure stable, long-term conservation of the magnificent wildlife that it harbors. Steep cliffs rise up out of rolling grasslands dotted with clusters of shrub-land. Rivers and streams gently criss-cross the land, creating fertile habitats for the game that flock to the water.

With only two lodges on the reserve and a philosophy that strives for immersing yourself in the adventure and not just ticking off a list of must-sees, visitors are sure to have an uncrowded bush experience that goes deeper than just snapping a photo of a wild animal. The reserve was created to protect and manage the spectacular wildlife there in the largest ever single donor investment in Zimbabwe, so the people who run it are deeply passionate about sharing the land they love with visitors. Breathing deeply and savoring the scents, sounds and sights of the beautiful landscape is strongly encouraged for all. This marvelously diverse ecosystem that boasts varying geological formations, myriad types of habitat and a wide array of plant and animal life. Among the creatures that can be expected are hippos, crocodiles, terrapins, monitors, elephants, wild dogs, buffalo, lions, hyenas, leopards, many types of antelope and over 500 species of birds. Rare and endangered species like roan, sable antelope and the black rhino can be spotted as well.