Mt Mulanje

Mt Mulanje or the Mulanje Massif, as it is also known, is located 65km east of Blantyre, rising sharply from the surrounding plains of Chizardzulu, and the tea-growing Mulanje district.

The mountain towers over 3000m high, the locals call it the ‘island in the sky’, it is easy to see why – on a misty day the mountain is enclosed in a smoke-like haze, and its highest peak, Sapitwa, bursts through the cloud.

The Massif is popular for hiking and climbing, and has several mountain huts scattered across it which are maintained by the Malawi Mountain Club and the Malawi Forestry Department. There are a number of trails for hikers. The trail route depends on the length of your stay on the mountain and what you want to see and do.

Mulanje has many individual peaks reaching heights of over 2500m, including Sapitwa, Central Africa’s highest point (3,001m) and Chambe Peak, the West Face of which is the longest rock climb in Africa. Each of these peaks are accessible for hikers.

Did you know?

• There are many endemic plant and animal species on the mountain.
• The Mulanje cedar is Malawi’s national tree and used to cover the lower slopes but is a very durable wood for building and carving and is now critically endangered.
• The Mulanje cedar is actually part of the cypress family of trees.
• The Mountain huts are simple but perfectly comfortable.
• Always take some porters with you as it provides local employment.
• There are lots of pools and waterfalls for swimming but only for the brave they are usually freezing cold.
• Once you summit Sapitwa peak you will be at the highest point in central Africa.