MOUNT MULANJE

The highest peak in Malawi

Mount Mulanje

Mount Mulanje is the highest peak in Malawi rising to a height of 3000m, what makes this all the more impressive is that the bare rock flanks of this great massif rise up high above the surrounding countryside. Mulanje is easily accessible and you can drive around it in a car but the first price is to hike up on the mountains.

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. It measures approximately 13 x 16 miles (22 x 26 kilometres).

Mount Mulanje towers over 3000m high, 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.

Hiking level

The mountain welcomes all hiking abilities; you do not need to be a serious hiker to enjoy the trails of Mulanje. If you want to tackle Sapitwa you will most likely be able to take it on, providing you are relatively fit and well-prepared. So, if you enjoy walking and breathing in the freshest of fresh air then Mount Mulanje is a great destination for you.

Things to do at Mount Mulanje

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. We advise anyone trekking the mountain to do so with a certified guide.

The mountain isn’t just for hikers; the mountain itself is part of the protected Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve, within the reserve there are a number of plant and animal species – many of them endemic to the area. Making Mount Mulanje a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Must do’s

Reach the summit:
The moment you reach the summit of Mount Mulanje, Sapitwa, you will be higher than anybody else in Central Africa. This is an awesome prospect, and if you’re on the mountain you may as well reach the top, right?

Drink straight from the spring:
Once you reach a certain altitude you can drink the spring water running down the mountain. But make sure your guide permits you drinking before you take those first thirst-quenching mouthfuls.

Dive into a waterfall (if you can brave the cold):
There are a number of waterfalls on the mountain. There is a particular one which feeds into a large spring pool – perfect for diving into after a strenuous hike. Be warned though the water is often icy cold!

Best time to visit Mount Mulanje

Mount Mulanje can be visited all year round. The best time to visit Mount Mulanje is April to November when it’s dry. October and November are the hotter months.

Wildlife

There is plenty of wildlife from the klipspringer, rock hyrax, chameleon to various other small mammals and, of course, a variety of birds such as buzzard, black eagle and countless white-necked ravens.

Special interests? Talk to us and we can include these in your itinerary.

WHAT TO EXPERIENCE

National parks & highlights

Explore Malawi

Botswana has one of the highest desities of African cats. The endangered Wild dogs can be spotted in several areas aswell. 

Why travel with African Travels to Malawi?

  • Financial protection

  • We are from the area

  • Office in Europe and Africa

  • Locally involved

  • Unique tailor made itineraries

  • We have lived what we sell

Explore Africa your way

Travel Styles

Honeymoon & Romance

Luxury Travel

Family Holidays

Accommodated Group Tours

Camping Group Tours

Self Drives

Popular Malawi Tours

  • €200 discount on selected dates

    77 days – The Absolute Safari

    From$3,737.33
    77 days
    Camping Group Tour
    Nairobi - Cape Town
    Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
    Min Age : 18+
    Max People : 28 (currently max 14)
    (7 Reviews)
  • Best Seller

    16 days – Zambia and Malawi Livingstone trail

    From$3,312.05
    16 days
    Camping/Accommodated Group Tour
    Lusaka - Lilongwe
    Zambia, Malawi
    Min Age : 12
    Max People : 12
    (3 Reviews)
  • 68 days – The Wildlife Journey

    From$3,507.05
    68 days
    Camping Group Tour
    Jinja - Cape Town
    Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
    Min Age : 18+
    Max People : 28
    0
  • 12 days – Zambia & Malawi trail safari

    From$2,224.37
    12 days
    Camping Group Tour
    Livingstone - Lilongwe
    Zambia, Malawi
    Min Age : 12
    Max People : 12
    (1 Review)
  • 39 days – Classic Component

    From$2,800.55
    39 days
    Camping Group Tour
    Nairobi - Victoria Falls
    Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe
    Min Age : 18+
    Max People : 28
    0
  • 73 days – Northern Trails

    From$2,991.63
    73 days
    Camping Group Tour
    Cape Town - Nairobi
    South-Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya
    Min Age : 18+
    Max People : 28
    (3 Reviews)
  • 62 days – Classic Safari | Nairobi – Cape Town

    From$4,016.60
    62 days
    Group Camping Tour
    Nairobi - Cape Town
    Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South-Africa
    Min Age : 18+
    Max People : 28
    (1 Review)
  • 30 days – African Adventurer

    From$1,826.53
    30 days
    Camping Group Tour
    Nairobi - Vic Falls
    Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe
    Min Age : 18+
    Max People : 28
    0
  • 61 days – Wildlife Wanderer

    From$3,808.86
    61 days
    Camping Group Tour
    Nairobi - Johannesburg
    Kenya,Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa
    Min Age : 18+
    Max People : 28
    0
  • 53 days – Southern Safari

    From$2,896.58
    53 days
    Camping Group Tour
    Nairobi - Cape Town
    South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, RwandaUganda • Kenya
    Min Age : 18+
    Max People : 28
    (2 Reviews)
  • 33 days – Northern Star

    From$2,403.69
    33 days
    Camping Group Tour
    Johannesburg - Nairobi
    South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya
    Min Age : 18+
    Max People : 28
    0

WHERE TO STAY?

African Travels will send you to the most beautiful and unique accommodations in Africa. They are not only runned by excellent staff, they also give back to the local community and operate as eco friendly as possible. Located in the most beautiful locations, they will contribute to the your ultimate safari experience. From tented safari camps to luxury boutique hotels. We will make sure they tick all the boxes!

  • All accommodations are carefully selected by us
  • Value for money
  • Local community support
  • The location compliments the African experience

Kaya Mawa – Malawi

/ / / /
Located on Likoma island in Lake Malawi, the luxury resort Kaya Mawa provides guests with an unforgettable island getaway.

Mkulumadzi – Malawi

/ / /
Mkulumadzi is the only upmarket accommodation in Majete Wildlife Reserve, one of the only Big Five reserves in Malawi

Mumbo Island Camp – Malawi

/ /
Mumbo Island Camp is a green eco-camp situated on a pristine and otherwise-deserted island in Lake Malawi.

OUR CLIENTS FEEDBACK

  • This trip went far beyond our expectations leaving us with indelible memories of people, places and experiences!

    Susan G.
    Private safari
  • This was a great trip and what perfectly arranged! From Johannesburg to the Kruger Park and back again. Everything but everything arranged down to the last detail with freedom of choice. An unforgettable experience!

    Maarten V.
    Small Group Safari
  • We have never had such a great and personal travel agent! African Travels is an excellent organization that arranges everything the way you want.

    Annemieke van E.
    Self drive
  • Our experiences with African Travels are 100% positive. Everything was arranged perfectly. If we will make such a trip again, then it will be with African Travels! Thanks Will and Marijnke.

    Julia W.
    Self drive Botswana
  • African Travels arranged our trip to South-Africa in a really personal way. They booked a wonderfull guesthouse in Cape Town and we had a perfect tour (Wine tour and Garden Route)! If you ever need a agency helping you out by booking your trip to SA, contact them!

    Heleen
    Tailor made South Africa
  • Excellent Service, Great Tour and always available! I strongly recommend this agency for your SA trip!

    Michael
    South Africa

Zambia & Malawi Trail

/Explore
International Group Safari

Start planning your dream holiday to Africa!

We will get back to you within 24 hours.