Lace up those walking boots and experience Africa on foot, getting involved in the nitty gritty of nature as you clamber over boulders, scarper up inclines, cling to tree branches or just set out on a gentle stroll. Mount Mulanje is Malawi’s answer to Kilimanjaro – off the beaten track with less crowds, unspoiled nature, cheaper price tag, unique wildlife and endless surprises. Pay a visit to the numerous waterfalls, and the famous Dziwe la Nkhalamba (which means ‘pools of the old men’), two crystal-clear mountain pool that sits underneath Likhubula Falls. Old Man Pools are said to be home to ancestral spirits which can be appeased by throwing a coin into the water and only then will it be ‘safe’ to swim in!
Pass by this on your way to the peak, Sapitwa, which towers at 3002m high. For you ‘bush’ babies and wilderness lovers, why not head to one of the national parks for a famous walking safari, these are offered in most parks across the area but South Luangwa National Park is the most famous, with the walking safari concept having been pioneered here by the great Norman Carr. If you’re looking for an easier trek, try Zomba for spectacular views, birdlife and waterfalls – you can even explore on horseback! Or have a stomp around Nyika Plateau for more breathtaking views, wildlife and astounding birdlife; do the Livingstone trail that takes 3 days, walking from Nyika all the way to Livingstonia on Lake Malawi.
