Hiking Mulanje in Central Africa

Hiking Mulanje in Central Africa. A trekking- hiking on Mulanje Mountain, Malawi.

It is called magic mountain and island in the sky. It seems that J. R.R. Tolkien began writing about the fantastic world of the Middle-Earth described in The Hobbit, soon after a long journey in Malawi which included Mount Mulanje and its magical atmosphere.

We do not find it hard to believe. Mulanje is a place of inspiration, where you can feel the uniqueness of this land. Maybe it is because of the many legends that inhabit the oral traditions of mysterious spirits, including Napolo, the creator of wind and storms. Maybe because of its unique location that places it in the world network as a Biosphere Reserve. Maybe because of its slopes, covered with kilometers of tea hills that make the scene even more dreamy.

The hike starts from Africa Wild Truck eco camp and lodge, at an altitude of 650 meters, where there are spectacularly huge and rolling hills covered by green tea mantle. Walking among the plantation areas we meet the workers of the tea. In front, majestic, massive Mulanje. It climbs on the plateau, and spend a few days at an altitude of 2000 meters. Go down the opposite side of the mountain, after the crossing the Mountain from East to West. A hiking trek in Africa dedicated to mountain lovers and to all those who want to try a trip on foot, slowly.

Exploring the island in the sky: a challenge between waterfalls, peaks and clouds to reach Sapitwa at 3,002 meters, on the summit of Southern Africa, in the heart of Malawi.

DURATION

from 3-4 days to reach Sapitwa to 10 days. Possibility of extensions on the beautiful beaches of Lake Malawi.

MEANS OF TRANSPORT

The only distances covered by jeep will be those to reach Africa Wild Truck headquarters, from and to the airport of Blantyre. We will walk in contact with nature, on the highest mountain in southern Africa, passing through the huts of the plateau. A travel that still today is similar to the one made by David Livingstone.

GUIDES

Professional guides that works with AfricaWildTruck have been selected in the field during our trekking hiking expeditions on Mulanje Mountain. they stand out for their vey high preparation, experience and reliability. They are listed among the official guides from Malawi Tourism Board. They are local guides we have chosen with attention following an idea of travel sustainability and social commitment, to guarantee deeper experiences to the traveler giving benefits to the local communities. Africa Wild Truck use only services from guides and porters certified and authorized by malawi Government. A porter (advisable) can carry a maximum of 18 kg.

ACCOMMODATIONS Hiking Mulanje in Central Africa

In Mulanje, at the base of the mountain, we’ll spend the nights in a pleasant setting of Africa Wild Truck eco lodge and camp, in the area of the Ruo river in lodge. The nights on the mountain will be spent in simple and basic mountain huts, equipped with water and firewood, no electricity. Equipped with mattresses on the floor and with a simple and traditional “bucket shower”, a hot shower with a bucket. A hiking trek as 100 years ago, when they were built. There is a magical atmosphere around the fire. The shelters, apart CCAP Hut, are managed by the Malawian Government with a watchman who provides the fire and hot shower. If you want something special, you can sleep in a tent. We will do everything to satisfy your requests when booking with us. The mountain equipment (mats, tents and field kitchen) will be always available for your requests (before departure, just inform us!)

PERIOD Temperatures widely depend on season, altitudes and latitudes. Here by side (download the .pdf) an indicative table of the average temperatures in the different seasons. The hottest month is November, the coolest June/July. The dry season runs from April/May to November/December, period that we suggest for trekking expeditions. The rainy season usually runs from December to March/April. Contact us to have further information about the current season, not all years are the same!

ROADS On the mountain excursion difficulty ranges from moderate (T2) and possible for middle-level walkers since it is at a moderate altitude and on good paths with some demanding rises and slopes (T3) for walkers quite trained and on rugged paths/ground.

TO KNOW MORE:

Download the programme Hiking Mulanje in Central Africa

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This is a route that should be considered as an example. You can change before departure or,  in case, also on the mountain with the guide itself. Hikes itineraries and prices depends on your fitness level but surely we can advise you 3 nights / 4 days is ideally a good time to spend on the mountain and ability to reach Sapitwa the main peak at 3002 m. All access points start at 650-700 meter above seal level. All 11 huts are approx at 2000 meters. There are several routes, but this is the gap you have to cover in one day.

1st DAY,  BLANTYRE, Malawi Arrive in Blantyre, Malawi, welcoming and hearty country: its people has a warm and welcoming heart that we have never felt in any other African country. Meeting with Africa Wild Truck staff and transfer to Mulanje, in one of the most ancient colonial houses, located in a pleasant and green garden. Dinner at Africa Wild Truck eco lodge and camp.

2nd - 3rd DAY  MULANJE A couple of days for setting-in are necessary to undertake the climbing and plan some details in order to customize at best the trekking expedition. Mulanje offers incredible landscapes at the foot of the mountain of the same name, hills and tea hills like endless stretches and the bright green color gives space only to the red of the labyrinth paths that cross the plantations. The red color of the tea in cups of the Malawi black tea is unique. Africa Wild Truck eco lodge and camp, full board.

DAY 4 WILD AFRICA TRUCK BASE CAMP - MADZEKA HUT After breakfast briefing with our guide. Departure from the base camp (650m) to Madzeka hut which is situated at 2000 meters. Beginning of the journey, passing among tea plantations for about two hours, villages and then enter into the forest. Lunch. A steep staircase with some difficult passage of streams and fords. Arrival at Madzeka hut around 16:00. Dinner

DAY 5 MADZEKA HUT - THUCHILA HUT After breakfast we go on a different path. We reach a second hut at the same altitude on the plateau. Solitary landscapes and the silence of the mountain among us. Switching from Chinsama hut for lunch (packed). Arrival at Thuchila hut. Estimated total travel time: 5 hours and 30 min. Dinner.

DAY 6 THUCHILA HUT - CHISEPO HUT From the lovely Thuchila hut the path continues. Streams form wonderful swimming pools. The valley offers unique landscapes and finally reaches the Chisepo Juction. From here you reach Chisepo Hut. Estimated total travel time: 2 hours and 30 min. Dinner.

DAY 7 CHISEPO HUT - SAPITWA- CHISEPO HUT Today we will reach the summit of Sapitwa, 3002 meters, one of the higher peak in southern Africa. The journey is long, and at times the vegetation becomes dense. It takes about 5 hours to reach the summit. The panoramic view from the peak is on the entire plateau, in the clear days you can see the base of the mountain. Return simply Chisepo hut, where we will tell you some Mountain legends! Dinner.

DAY 8 CHISEPO HUT - CHAMBE HUT This walk of about four hours will take us to Chambe Hut. Spectacular scenery will open behind us and finally we get to Chambe hut, one of the largest, from which we can observe the south-east slope of Chambe peak, located at 2557 m altitude. Overnight in the hut. Dinner.

DAY 9 CHAMBE HUT - LIKHUBULA FOREST LODGE We descend from an altitude of 2500 to be roughly 700 meters, again at the base of the mountain. Estimated total travel time: 7-8 hours. Dinner.

DAY 10 LIKHUBULA - BLANTYRE We will move to Chileka International Airport in Blantyre, to connect with the international flight.

ATTENDANCE FEE: 860 euro for 10 days

inclusive VAT 16,5%, Tourism Levy 1% and taxes 30%

BASED ON 2 PEOPLE

DISCOUNTS

The following discounts are possible:

  • discounts for groups with at least 4 persons
  • family discounts: for children and young boys/girls under 12 years
  • 10% for travelers who already took part at least in a travel with AFRICA WILD TRUCK (minum base of 4 persons)

Discounts are subject to variations and can't be combined together.

THE FEE INCLUDES

  • all transports, to and from the airport, road taxes
  • all overnights in lodge and basic huts as to program, see page 3
  • Kitchen utensils material
  • Backpack and other material to be organized on the mountain
  • all meals
  • mountain equipment (mattresses, tents and material for kitchen camp, if necessary) excluding sleeping bags
  • VAT (16.5%), TOURISM LEVY (1%) and government taxes (30%)

THE FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • flights 
  • Malawi Visa 
  • Euroassistance/Globy or similar travel insurance (cancellation, luggage, health insurance highly advisable – it is possible to stipulate it with the above cited agency or online – write to us, we will help you to find the best solution!)
  • optional excursions not mentioned
  • English speaking guides authorized by Forest Department (25 Usd per day) and porter in case you need (20 Usd per day)
  • all entry fees to the Mount Mulanje Forest Reserve (currently 1 Usd per day per person)
  • drinks 
  • any possible personal expense
  • tips
  • anything not expressely specified under "The fee includes"

BOOK!

Contact info@africawildtruck.com to book or to ask informations.

No obligation to vaccination. Write to us to have more information! Note that on the mountain (above 2000 m) is malaria free.

We recommend these vaccines:

  • tetanus
  • typhoid fever
  • hepatitis A and B

Concerning malaria, disease transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, its prevention is accomplished, first of all, with a mechanic prevention i.e. avoiding getting stung, following these rules:

  • sleeping under mosquito tents
  • using insecticide to get rid of possible mosquitos
  • after sunset, when mosquitos are more active, avoiding leaving parts of the body uncovered, wearing light-colored long trousers and long-sleeve shirts, because dark colors attract mosquitos and spraying parts of the body uncovered with Autan Extreme

For the use of any possible antimalarial drugs we suggest that you consult your Public Health Service; health norms change very rapidly.

TRAVEL MEDICAL KIT

We suggest that you take with you a small supply of these medicines:

  • analgesics/fever reducers: acetylsalicylic acid and nimesulide
  • antibiotics like ciproxin or amoxicillin or clavulanic acid
  • antimalarials: anyway carry with you 2 packs of Lariam for emergency cases
  • antidiarrheals: loperamide or kaolin in case of symptoms (to use only if really necessary!)
  • rehydration salts: in case of fluid leaks
  • against car or air sickness: a pack of pills or chewing-gums
  • antihistamines: in case of allergic reactions
  • scissors, tweezers and thermometer
  • suntan cream
  • insecticides (like Autan Extreme)

Required documents and Visa

It is necessary to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after departure date with at least two free pages; for the entry in Malawi the Visa is obtainable under 75 USD payment. Write us for more informations.

 

CLOTHING

On the mountain, to maximize comfort, we suggest to dress with layers.

  • comfortable trekking/hiking shoes
  • technical sandals
  • easy to dry slippers for the shower
  • windbreaker
  • k-way
  • sweatshirt/pile
  • cotton/linen long trousers
  • cotton/linen long sleeve shirts
  • cotton T-shirts
  • bathing suit
  • panty
  • belly pack for passport
  • sunglasses
  • cap and hat

OTHER

  • sleeping bag that can withstand up to 5 degrees for who is always cold
  • technical towel
  • binoculars
  • head torch-light
  • penknife/water bottle
  • camera/videocamera/spare batteries or eventually a solar panel
  • passport photocopy and 2 passport photos
  • energy bars may be useful
  • telescopic poles
  • personal Karimat (or if you prefer we can reserve one for you)
  • any other mountain trekking that you might need
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