Climbing Mount Mulanje in Malawi

We talk to a guide about Malawi's highest peak

Snowden
Snowden
Published on
28 Aug 2018
Updated on
16 Apr 2025
Snowden Guiding Guests Up Mount Mulanje

Do you fancy spending some of your Malawi holiday climbing its highest peak? Find out exactly what it's like here....

Mount Mulanje in southern Malawi is the highest peak in Central Africa. The vast massive stretches 26 kms and has a height of over 3000m at the highest point. The slopes of Mount Mulanje are lush and green, with deep forest ravines and grassy swathes. It is thought that the mountain was inhabited by humans back in the Stone Age, and the first European who visited was reported to be David Livingstone in 1895. Mount Mulanje is one of the most impressive sights in Malawi, with superb scenery and well-maintained mountain huts for multi-day walks, which range from moderate hikes to technical scrambles.

We spoke to Snowden, a Hiking Guide and Chef who loves taking his guests exploring on Mount Mulanje.

View Of Mount Mulanje In Malawi
The mighty Mount Mulanje

How long have you been a hiking guide?

It’s now been 4 years, and for the past year I've been doing cooking up the mountain as well for a lodge.

Why did you decide to become a hiking guide?

Before I started guiding, I went on the Mount Mulanje trips as a cook with guests and their guide – I saw that the guides often failed to tell stories and answer questions, or really connect with the guests. So I learnt the routes and decided to study to be a good guide who could do it better

Slopes Of Mount Mulanje Malawi
Dramatic slopes of Mount Mulanje

Tell us 3 things that you love about your job?

Sharing stories with people is my favourite, and I never get bored of telling the same story to different people.

Being in Mulanje, my friends, the way of life, the new visitors, the view.

Being able to do something I love every day is amazing for me

Tell us about your typical daily routine?

When I'm working as a lodge chef in Mulanje I have early starts for breakfasts and late evenings for dinners. But when I'm guiding hikes the days are very different.

I’ve hiked often and met lots of different people, so many guests call me to hike with them. I shop for food the day before, and then meet the guests early in the morning on the day of the hike. Sometimes they are on different sides of the mountain which determines where we start our hike. I choose a route and the mountain huts depending on the people, if they are slow or fast, and if the weather is good or starting to rain. I will guide them and my friends help me porter, then I will cook meals for them at the mountain huts. It is this cooking which has helped me find my job at the lodge. Some days my guests want me to guide them in the tea plantations, or through villages, and I like showing them different things in Mulanje as well.

Mount Mulanje In Malawi
The imposing Mount Mulanje can be seen from miles around

Why is Mount Mulanje such a popular peak to climb?

I think it is popular because it's so beautiful. It is Malawi’s biggest mountain and there are many very nice waterfalls and streams to explore along the hiking trails. Climbing Mount Mulanje is something for adventurous people, so people who like to hike, see amazing views and be immersed in nature.

Waterfalls On The Hike Up Mount Mulanje
Waterfalls on the hike up Mount Mulanje

Is it hard to climb Mount Mulanje?

Yes, you are climbing a mountain and you need to concentrate. But I choose routes depending on the fitness of people, as you cannot hike alone up this mountain, so a good guide can make it better. Sometimes you are climbing high, about 1000 meters and sometimes the path is steep or difficult, which means you need a decent level of fitness. Some very fit people like to go to Sapitwa, the highest peak of Mount Mulanje, others just like to do around the mountain. So there is something for everyone.

Hiking In Malawi
Hiking in Malawi requires effort but the rewards are views like this

Any top tips for visitors wanting to climb Mount Mulanje?

Always make sure you have these essential items:

Good mountain boots, warm clothes, head lamp, sleeping bag, water bottle, suncream and a raincoat!

Best tip is to organise a route with a guide, choose someone a lodge will recommend, they will get porters. Make sure you have money to pay for hiking fees, porters, hut fees etc. Never hike alone and make sure your friends or family know you are hiking

What is the best time of year to climb Mount Mulanje?

The best time to hike Mount Mulanje is between April and November, although trips in the area are possible during other months of the year too.

Tell us a funny story about one of your guests?

I remember on one hike with Americans and they were very funny. We stopped for a swim at Dziwe la nkhalamba and after we swam, they put their underwears on their heads like a hat and they told me they are doing it to thank the spirits who allowed them to swim in such a big swimming pool!

Hiking Up Mount Mulanje
Waterfalls on the way up
Snowden Guiding Guests Up Mount Mulanje
Snowden on Mount Mulanje
Heuglins Robin
Keep an eye out for wildlife

What makes Malawi such a special place for travellers to visit?

I think because it is not like anywhere else. The people here make Malawi, and we are in no hurry in Malawi.

So it’s a place of peace and happiness. And there are many things to do in this country, many places to see and visit.

So putting it together with happy people, it is an amazing country – And many many people come back again and again or just never leave.

You can read more about a Far & Wild Traveller's perspective of a Mount Mulanje Trek, by Ruth.

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.

Start planning your tailor-made Malawi safari – call us and speak with a Malawi travel expert.

Speak to a Malawi expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
or
Our Malawi Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Ben morison bio pic May18

Ben

Otti profile pic

Ottilie

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024