Away from the lake, Malawi
has some excellent trekking and hiking opportunities few visitors
know anything about. There are 1-6 day hikes in the Nyika Plateau
National Park in northern Malawi at an altitude over 2 000 metres.
The plateau is made up of rolling grasslands, split by forested valleys
and surrounded by steep escarpments and several peaks. Hikes here
take you through the local villages, where the villagers eke
out a living on the steep slopes. There are large numbers of antelope
and zebra in the park, and a considerable number of leopard, though
you are unlikely to see them. Smaller mammals include warthog and
bush pig, and the odd elephant and buffalo have been spotted on the
lower slopes. It’s a very scenic place to hike. You can even go horse
riding to waterfalls, trout pools and grasslands rich in wildflowers.
There are marked trails, and the most popular hike is the guided three-day
Chelinda to Livingstonia trail.
You can also get to Livingstonia from Chitimba on the lakeshore on
a day hike up the escarpment. On the way are the Manchewe Falls, a
spectacular 50 metre drop with an intriguing cave behind it. Livingstonia
is a village that was once a mission post for the Church of Scotland. It was
named in memory of the explorer David Livingstone. It has some
interesting architecture and great views over the lake from the escarpment.
For more adventurous trekking, head south to the Mount
Mulanje massif near Blantyre. This rises steeply and suddenly from
the plains in near-vertical cliffs of bare rock, many over 1 000 metres
high. The biggest, Sapitwa, at 3 001 metres, is Malawi’s highest
peak. Stunning scenery, easy access, clear paths and well-maintained
huts make Mount Mulanje a fine hiking and trekking area.
There are gentle walks, or a number of little-used
routes up the great granite faces offer experienced climbers a variety
of challenges. Arrangements can be made to hire camping equipment and
guides.
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