Unique hiking on South Central Africa's highest mountain, Mount Mulanje, offering superb views and experiences for novices and experienced climbers alike
Day 1 Clients are expected to make their own way to Mulanje Mountain [we can arrange transfers if required] – Arrival at Likhubula should be just after lunch. After your rooms are allocated, we hike to the nearby waterfall. [ 2.5 hrs]. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. After dinner we discuss the route, indicate what the safety procedures are and finalise the logistics. Overnight Likhubula Forest Lodge. Dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Hike time [HT] = 2 & 1/2 hrs
Day 2 We have an early breakfast, finalise our packing and porter requirements, then walk up the Chapaluka path to Chambe basin. Hike up through Brachystegia trees and at times along the Likhubula stream. Climbing time to Chambe Basin is 4 hrs then there is a 1 hr hike along relatively flat terrain to our overnight hut. Overnight Chambe hut. HT = 5 hrs morning & 2hrs afternoon
Day 3 After breakfast we hike out of Chambe Basin and cross the narrow saddle “knife edge” separating Chambe basin from massif [2 hrs]. Continue through endemic Mulanje cedar forests to the base of the highest peak in South Central Africa – Sapitwa. [Ascent to the top is possible ONLY for those individuals who are very fit and have mountain climbing experience – your route will be a scramble to the peak, then back down again (6hrs) and from there continue to Tuchila hut – an extra 3 hrs away !] For those not climbing the peak, we continue along undulating terrain to Tuchila Hut with fine views of the main peaks. Overnight hut. HT = 6 hrs
Day 4 Hike to Chinzama Hut where we will spend the night – the hike is short [3 hrs]. Once here we prepare to ascent Chagaru. This route involves some hard scrambling which includes negotiating a narrow cave formed by fallen chockstones. The climbing time is 3 hrs. Return back to Chinzama hut for the evening. HT = 7 hrs
Day 5 Hike along the upper Ruo plateau and then across and follow the Malosa river, before heading southwards to Madzeka hut, situated on the southern end of the basin of the same name. This is probably the most remote area of Mulanje massif with limited evidence of human interference. HT = 5 hrs Overnight Madzeka Hut
Day 6 The descent following the Ruo River is spectacular. We follow the river down to the Lujeri Tea estate. [3 hrs] From here your guide will organize local transport to take you back to Likhubula Lodge by road. When you arrive at the lodge, permission will be obtained for you to have a shower and sort your equipment out and then assist you in getting transport back to Mulanje town where regular transport is available. HT = 5 hrs
Please Note Route descriptions above are an indication only - hiking routes may change depending on local conditions
Mulanje is south central Africa's highest mountain. A huge block of mountains rising 2380m above a largely flat and featureless plain. Hiking is unrivaled up numerous peaks and along plateaus, which are intersected by deep-forested ravines, in which the most conspicuous tree - Mulanje cedar - attains heights of 150ft. Clients have to be reasonably fit and have their own sleeping bags and mats - we supply the rest.
Service Hikes. These hikes / treks are led by a professional guide with porters carrying the food and communal camping equipment. Participants are expected to carry their own personal effects [or hire a porter at their own cost]. Camping is in small dome tents - sleeping mats and sleeping bags are not provided [these can be hired for a small fee from Lilongwe]. Cooking is done on an open fire and participants are expected to assist in setting up tents, collecting firewood and preparing the meals.
Other HIKING options available 4 Day Mulanje Trail at $ 575 per person - min 2, 5 Day Mulanje Trail at $ 660 per person - min 2, 6 Day Mulanje Trail at $ 810 per person - min 2 - above itinerary
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Our 4-day trek on Mulanje Massif, was excellent from start to finish. We were warmly welcomed and well briefed.
Our guide was first class, very knowledgeable and sensitive to our individual needs. Arrangements for porterage and cooking were good too and the meals were excellent (and copious).
Weather conditions, in July, were perfect for walking. We will go again and stay longer!!
