Malawi
Hiking and trekking options in Malawi
Malawi is the best known for Lake Malawi that occupies one-fifth of the country's territory, however what is often less-known are the plenty of highlands all over Malawi featuring mountains, forests, streams, waterfalls, lakes, and last but not least providing amazing landscapes and beautiful scenery.
Mulanje Massif
Situated on more than 3,000 meters, called the 'Island in the Sky' by the locals, Mount Mulanje is the highest peak in Malawi and also the highest point in South-Central Africa. It is one of the world's largest granite inselbergs (meaning an isolated rocky hill or mountain that rises isolated), hence it offers one of the best granite climbing experiences in the world. This popular mountain has well-organized trails and huts for people who want to trek in the old cedar forests or hike until the top, called Sapitwa Peak.
Zomba Plateau
Located in Southern Malawi, peaking around 2,000 meters, Zomba Plateau is the other best-known highland in Malawi next to the Mulanje Massif. The plateau is covered with cedar, pine, cypress and mixed forests hosting small streams, waterfalls and lakes. There are numerous hiking, trekking and walking trails through the forests connecting the different viewpoints on the plateau that are suitable for all levels of fitness and experiences. Zomba Plateau is rich in wildlife as well, however rarely spotted, but it is home to leopards, and the more frequent inhabitants include giant butterflies and baboons.
Blantyre
Blantyre is Malawi's hilly center of finance and commerce surrounded by several mountains, like Mount Soche, Michiru Mountain Reserve all offering great trails and home to different types of monkeys. One of the best hikes nearby Blantyre is Mount Soche, a forest reserve including evergreen forests with exciting birdlife and a chance to see blue monkeys. Another remarkable hike is to reach the top of the Michiru Mountain Reserve's peak, located just below 1,500 meters offering stunning views over Zomba Plateau and Blantyre.
Nyika Plateau
Nyika Plateau is situated in Northern Malawi near Livingstonia. The plateau is lying on an average elevation of more than 2,100 meters with its highest point being on more than 2,600 meters. The whole plateau is protected by the Nyika National Park hosting great wildlife including several mammal species like roan antelopes, bushbucks, reedbucks, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, leopards, and Crawshay's zebras.
Nkhoma
Nkhoma Mountain is situated around an hour drive from the capital, Lilongwe. Reaching the top of the mountain at 1,743 meters is a less-known hike than Zomba or Mulanje Massif, however, the views are stunning so it is definitely worth the struggle that comes at the last kilometers when the trail gets steeper and a bit trickier. The first few kilometers can be more described as a nice walk through some communities surrounding the mountain.
Livingstonia
Lying on 900 meters, Livingstonia was established by Scottish missionaries. Today it is a quiet town with a great atmosphere and with terrific views across the lake to Tanzania. Visit Manchewe Falls accessible by a small path from Livingstonia thundering down for 125 meters into a valley in the bottom.
Dedza
Dedza is the highest town in Malawi situated right at the foot of the Dedza Mountain offering a great climate and beautiful forested landscapes. Besides trekking in the nearby forests, the main attraction of the town is the Dedza Pottery whose products can be found all over Malawi. It is also possible to visit workshops of the local craftsmen who are producing a variety of items. Another nearby attraction is the Chongoni Rock Art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock paintings.
