Malawi’s Highest Peak was Harder than reaching Everest Base Camp
Ruth travelled solo to Malawi in January 2019 and stayed for 4 months! She worked at a school in Kasungu and Far & Wild arranged her Malawi safari holiday itinerary. Ruth explored Malawi and visited Victoria Falls in Zambia. She learned a lot in her 4 months and this review gives wonderful insight into her experiences.
During my time in Malawi, I visited many places and took part in many amazing activities such as safaris and snorkelling, however, the most incredible memories were made during my experience trekking up and summiting Mount Mulanje.
By far the most difficult trekking I’ve ever done, but totally worth it! (and Ruth has trekked to Everest Base Camp so she is certainly no beginner!)
The views were incredible and made the sweat and aches feel worthwhile.
I went up with a team of 4 Malawians - a guide, a chef and two porters. These people were amazing and looked after me so well. Their support and expertise, particularly when climbing to Sapitwa Peak was exceptional on such treacherous trails.
The huts I stayed in each night were basic but comfortable and warm and well looked after - my team lit a glowing fire for me each night which kept the space cosy. I was scared at times due to the difficulty of some of the climbs, particularly up to the peak, but that didn’t shadow the experience for me - it was amazing!
I was scared at times...but that didn’t shadow the experience for me - it was amazing!
The chef created some amazing meals despite the remote hike. We had steaks and curries! This was perfect after a hard day of hiking some treacherous trails; I went through caves, clambering large boulders, it was difficult and sweaty, but the guides were excellent. Some elements that were meant to be 5 hours took 7.5 hours. I stayed in Likhubula Forest Lodge at the end which was great. Eliot runs it very well and it’s got a lovely atmosphere of hikers. After the hike I went to Liwonde National Park for a wildlife safari before relaxing at Cape Mac Lodge (great ice-cream!) & Mgoza Lodge.
My favourite wildlife safari was in Majete where I saw lions on every drive. I enjoyed Thawale Campsite which was so well run, it’s excellent, very clean, got a good fridge and the staff would light the braii (BBQ).
My vehicle was fantastic and so well equipped, it was an amazing adventure.
Read more about trekking Mount Mulanje from a Guide's perspective.
Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Malawi.
Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.
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