At around 3,000 meters (about 9,850 feet), the Mulanje Massif dwarfs the lush land that surrounds it. It’s split in two by the Fort Lister Gap, a broad pass eroded by the Phalombe and Sombani rivers.

The mountain is distinguished by giant basins of rock and narrow gullies cut by fast-flowing streams. A strenuous trek leads to magnificent viewpoints.

En route, expect to encounter monkeys, hares, voles, and a carpet of enchanting wildflowers after the rain. Large numbers of butterflies are another feature.

Mulanje has Malawi’s highest peak and the scale of this truly magnificent mountain has to be seen to be appreciated. Its bare rock flanks tower to 10,000ft (3,000m), dwarfing all that surrounds it. Mulanje is actually a ‘massif’ of syenite and granite covering a massive 650 sq km. Erosion by rivers running along lines of weakness on the rock has resulted in deep clefts striking back into the heart of the mountain. Where they meet, cauldron-like hollows have developed. The resulting landscape is a wondrously beautiful one of basins/plateaux, rivers, gorges, waterfalls, and no less than 20 peaks above 2,500m

Mulanje is known locally as the ‘island in the sky’ because it rises almost sheer from the plains below, which have an average altitude of just 650m. Unlike some of the world’s peaks that are somewhat ‘hidden’ in surrounding ranges, there is a genuine sense of wonder and awe as you draw closer to Mulanje and see it looming over all that surrounds it.

The height of Mulanje is such that it creates its own climate, and it has a great variety of vegetation reflecting its massive range of altitude. The best known and most impressive of the forest trees is the cedar which takes its name from these mountains. The massif stands at the northern limits of its natural habitat but this does not prevent the Mulanje Cedar from rising to over 30 meters. This majestic tree stands straight and proud it’s 2 m trunk protected but a thick fibrous bark.

Things to do at Mount Mulanje in Malawi

One of the must place to see in Malawi is the epic mountain range of Mount Mulanje which sits about 3000 meters above sea level and some of the activities to do include.

Drives around the foot of the Massif

Mulanje lies to the east of Blantyre and is easily accessible from South Malawi’s capital. Visitors can drive around the foot of the massif in a day.

Trekking in Mount Mulanje in Malawi

Even more attractive is to walk, trek, hike, and camp on the mountain. There is a large network of paths and trails and choices between quite gentle walking and serious climbing. Visitors can spend a couple of hours taking a walk to some river pools and waterfalls or spend many days exploring the whole massif. The arrangement can be made to hire camping equipment and the services of guides.

Wildlife viewing in Mount Mulanje in Malawi

Once on the mountain, the vegetation changes with altitude and there’s plenty of wildlife from the klipspringer, a tiny antelope, to various other small mammals.

Birding tours in Mount Mulanje.

The mount range is a great habitat for birdlife and some of the common species include buzzard, the black eagle, and countless white-necked ravens, weavers, cisticola, and many more.

Fishing for trout in River Lichenya

Fishing for trout is possible in the River Lichenya which drains the south-western slopes however clients can bring their own equipment as there might be limited equipment services in the area.

How to get to Mount Mulanje in Malawi

Using a 4×4 safari vehicle travelers can drive from Lilongwe the main capital to Blantyre which is 320 km which is about a 5-6 hour drive and from Blantyre Mount Mulanje is 65 km east of Blantyre.

Where to stay while trekking Mount Mulanje in Malawi

Satemwa Tea Estate Lodges

Huntingdon, and indeed Satemwa Estate, evokes a romantic nostalgia for Malawi’s past. By African standards, 100 years of history is seldom found. Every tea field, tree, and building on this estate shares a tale and you are invited to enjoy a glimpse of a bygone era in this rapidly changing continent.