Why Mulanje

There is nothing quite thrilling like standing at the top of a mountain, with the clouds and the rest of the world stretched out below you. The exhalation of completing a difficult climb, the camaraderie of your new climbing friends, the knowledge that you have done something that few other people do, and the feeling that you are truly at the top of the world. It is no wonder that once people start climbing mountains, they never want to stop. Though undeniably exciting, mountain climbing trips require a level of advanced preparation and physical fitness that few other types of travel can equal. This said, to experience a thrilling hike or long walk, there is a need for such natural and beautiful physical features or landscapes that should give you the pleasure and beauty you want to see after burning your calories in the course of the long walks and climbs. Mulanje Mountain does have it all! The Mulanje Mountain also known as the Mulanje Massif is in Southern Malawi and is only 65km east of Blantyre city rising sharply from the surrounding plains of Phalombe, and the tea-growing Mulanje Districts. It measures approximately 13×16 miles (22×26 kilometers) and has a maximum elevation of 3,002 m and its highest point –Sapitwa Peak is the target of many visitors to the mountain though there are many interesting peaks to explore.

It is the highest peak in South-Central Africa. It is a huge, isolated massif with 20 peaks of more than 2,500m rising out of a disjointed plateau. A great impression of impregnability is given by its precipitous flanks which rise abruptly from the flat plain below. The west face of Chambe offers the longest rock climb in the whole of Africa – 1,700m of sheer cliff.

Mulanje Mountain is the best known and most popular mountain area in Malawi and world over also having been featured in the National Geographic pictorial book “100 HIKES OF A LIFE TIME” written by Kate Siber and originally published in 2020. The book depicts the world’s ultimate Scenic trails.

The peaks are steep and rocky, and range in difficulty from moderate hikes to technical scrambles. There are 10 huts on the mountain that provide shelter for all hikers, and several well-marked trails up to the plateau and between the huts. Local porters and guides are found within the surrounding villages. The best time to visit/trek Mount Mulanje is from mid-April to the end of September. October and November are the hottest and haziest months, becoming cooler and clearer as the rains move in from December to March.

Night frost can be expected from May to August when day temperatures are pleasantly cool. During this period a thick, wet mist known locally as Chiperoni occasionally envelops the whole massif for one to five days. Navigation in Chiperoni can be particularly difficult. A sleeping bag is advisable all year-ro

Excursion during the rainy season are feasible though extra precautions should be taken. The granite slabs on the peak are wonderful to walk up in dry condition but can become treacherously slippery when wet. It is advisable to carry a rope in the rainy season as streams can become raging torrents after a heavy downpour and only a rope will get you safely across.

Mount Mulanje supports a range of unique ecosystems, a great diversity of endemic plants and animals, and provides some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The mountain environment dominates the lives and livelihoods of the surrounding communities, and there are fascinating spiritual beliefs associated with the mountain.

Tried by others and our team, below are a number of hiking tours that we together with some experienced hikers, guides and porters have put in place for your wide selection according to your energy levels, experience, time constraints and most importantly budgets.

We have put in place short walks and hikes that take you just about 2 hours or more, long day hikes that take you to over 8 hours, some between 2 to 5 days for yours desired experience during your short or long stay in Malawi. Hike Mulanje with our warm support!

Short Day Hikes

There is nothing quite thrilling like standing at the top of a mountain, with the clouds and the rest of the world stretched out below you. The exhalation of completing a difficult climb, the camaraderie of your new climbing friends, the knowledge that you have done something that few other people do, and the feeling that you are truly at the top of the world. It is no wonder that once people start climbing mountains, they never want to stop. Though undeniably exciting, mountain climbing trips require a level of advanced preparation and physical fitness that few other types of travel can equal. This said, to experience a thrilling hike or long walk, there is a need for such natural and beautiful physical features or landscapes that should give you the pleasure and beauty you want to see after burning your calories in the course of the long walks and climbs. Mulanje Mountain does have it all! The Mulanje Mountain also known as the Mulanje Massif is in Southern Malawi and is only 65km east of Blantyre city rising sharply from the surrounding plains of Phalombe, and the tea-growing Mulanje Districts. It measures approximately 13×16 miles (22×26 kilometers) and has a maximum elevation of 3,002 m and its highest point –Sapitwa Peak is the target of many visitors to the mountain though there are many interesting peaks to explore.

Long Day Hikes

1. Chambe Basin
It’s a 12km long walk on a picturesque loop. With an altitude of 1,000m, takes between 5-6hrs to complete.

2. Boma Path and Linje Pools
It’s a 15km long walk up the steep Boma path to the Lichenya plateau and Linje pools. With an altitude of 1,400m, takes about 7-8hrs to finish.

3. Porters Race Loop
The renowned porter’s race takes place on this route annually in Malawi. With falls and pools along, this 21km long walk has an altitude of 1,600m and takes 8hrs to complete.

2-3 Day Hikes

1. Lichenya Plateau
Peer down the 21km long walk into the breath-taking Crater and explore the most expansive grasslands and forests of Mulanje mountain conquering an altitude of 1,700m. You will spend a night at Lichenya hut.

2. Nandalanda Peak
This 19km long walk takes you through peaks, falls and pools with steep slabs and scrambles making you conquer a 1,800m altitude. Spending a night at Thuchila hut. Alternatives to this peak are Khuto or Dzole Peaks.

3. Chagaru Peak
Negotiate the gully and cave to reach this ragged peak after a 25km walk and conquering an altitude of 2,100m. You will spend your night at Chinzama hut. An alternative to this peak is Chinzama Peak.

4. Namasile Peak
This 16km long walk with an altitude of 1,800m has a superb panoramic view, and is one of Mulanje’s most accessible peaks. You will spend your night at Sombani hut. Alternatives to this peak are Matambale, Masasa and Litakala Peaks.

5. Manene Peak
This 24km long walk with an altitudes of 2,100m makes you peer into Mozambique from Manene at the end of Mulanje horseshoe. The spectacular Madzeka falls maybe Mulanje’s finest. You will spend a night at Madzeka hut.

6. Chambe Peak
This 33km long hike takes you to an altitude of 2,500m after straddling the megalithic Chambe with a mighty steep scramble. You may spend a night at Chambe or France’s huts. It is one of the most difficult climbs on the mountain.

3 Day Hikes

1. Sapitwa Peak from Thuchila
This 24km hike is an outstanding direct route to Sapitwa, Mulanje’s highest peak with an altitude of 2,300m. You will spend 2 nights at Chisepo and Thuchila huts after stunning views of several peaks, falls and pools. Alternative peak to this is the Nakodzwe Peak.

2. Sapitwa Peak from Likhubula
Take in the Chambe basin on the way to the highest peak of Sapitwa after a 31km long walk and conquering 2,600m with great views of several peaks, falls and pools. You will sleep at Chisepo, Chambe or France’s huts. Nakodzwe Peak is an alternative.

3. Sapitwa Peak on Crater Path
Brave the Crater path to Lichenya and the rarely-trodden Scorpion route to Sapitwa Peak after a 41km hike conquering 2,500m altitude. You will spend your nights at Lichenya hut after enjoying stunning views of other peaks and pools.

4-5 Day Hikes

1. The Ruo Loop
Conquer the scrambly peaks, spectacular waterfalls and stunning pools which the Ruo Loop has after a 36km of hiking and conquer a 2,500m altitude. Taking you 3 nights on 4 days you will be able to take long rests by spending your nights at Madzeka, Chinzama and Minunu huts.

2. The Grand Traverse
An epic trek that crosses the full length of Mulanje and touches Sapitwa, its highest point. Great vies of peaks, falls and pools after a 53km long walk and achieving an altitude of 3,000m. You will be able to spend your nights at Lichenya, Chisepo, Thuchila, Chinzama and Sombani huts. An alternative to this is the Grand Circuit.