The Mulanje Massif, also known as Mount Mulanje, is an extensive inselberg in southern Malawi.

Most tourists that come here climb up to the high plateau and spend a night or two camping.

It takes effort and commitment to undertake this overnight adventure but it’s well worth the struggle.

The views from in between the cloud catchers are simply breathtaking.

They will be one of the highlights of your visit to Malawi.

I have been told that JRR Tolkien found his inspiration for his ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy here.

One can see why.

This island mountain range was formed by the intrusion of magma, lying just below the Rift Valley.

Mt. Sepitwa is 3002 meters the highest peak in this mountain range and the highest in Malawi.

Climbing the summit of Mt. Sepitwa is the goal for most hikers.

But one could spend a week hiking all around this plateau if you have enough rations and know where to go.

Huts and camping areas are well spread out on selective hiking trails over the Mulanje Plateau.

Temperatures and weather conditions can change in an instant at any time, please be aware of that. This is treacherous mountain terrain as some hikers got lost and died here in the past.

Tour guides and porters are a must for all expeditions.

Tourism is the main income for local congregations around this mountain island as tour guides and porters will welcome you on arrival, all desperate to guide you up the mountains.

From what I have experienced in Malawi so far in 2024, current times are much more frantic than they were back in 2018. Covid decimated hiking parties to mere nonexistence.

Cyclone Milton destroyed the little infrastructure that existed in March this year and washed away crops, lives, and dreams.

My visit to the Mulanje Mountains was a purely social matter. I climbed up to Mt Sepitwa 6 years ago and spent 3 days and two nights up the high plateau. It was an amazing and strenuous journey back then and I didn’t need to repeat these memories. They are also kept in a Folder of this travel blog. Just scroll down and click on the Malawi Folder for the whole experience of this hiking adventure in 2018.

Nenani was my tour guide last time around and we stayed in touch over the years. He knew about my arrival on this particular day due to pre-commundicado. It was a happy reunion at the gate, that leads up the mountains.

That’s where we farewelled last time, that’s where we reunited. Every visitor is required to pass this gate to register with the forestry office. Naturally, all guides congregate here to desperately offer their services. A few souvenir shops are shared with local art, mostly wood carvings and paintings. It all looks too familiar, it’s nice to be back.

Back and forth I went. I left and returned to the Mulanje area 3 times in as many weeks for various reasons.

It seems to be the name of the game for this year’s adventure in Africa.

I met an inspiring group of young people.

Met an even younger bunch for some afternoon fun.

I organised an afternoon of fun for kids and adults which highlighted a game of football under the dome of the Mulanje Mountains.

And reconnected with the Likabulu Community.

But basically, this is how the pineapple dropped this time around.

These are my upcoming adventures in the Mulanje Mountains.