Planning a walk on Mulanje

How do I get there?

Mulanje is roughly a two-hour drive from Blantyre, the nearest city with an airport. Edgison can arrange the transport from there.

When is the best time to walk?

The best months are March, after the rains, through to early November. December is possible, but some areas and peaks may be closed off because the ground is wet and slippery. Edgison guides outside those months as well — talk to him before you fix dates and he will tell you what the mountain is doing.

How hard is it?

The plain sits at 600–700 m and the plateau at 1,800–2,200 m, so the climb up the escarpment is steep and continuous. Sapitwa is 3,002 m. Sapitwa is normally two or three days. It can be done in a single day, and Edgison will take you, but he counts that as a challenging hike rather than an ordinary day walk — tell him how much walking you are used to and he will tell you honestly whether it suits you.

Where do I sleep?

Forestry huts on the plateau, or camping at spots such as Malosa pool. Edgison books the huts for you.

Are park and hut fees included?

Full board: Park fees, hut fees, porter fees and meals are included. Self-catering: Park fees, hut fees and porter fees are not included, and you bring your own food. Reaching Sapitwa costs nothing extra — the summit is part of the trip price, not a fee on top.

What about porters?

Porters carry the loads up to the plateau. Edgison arranges them, and their fee is part of a full-board trip.

What does Edgison arrange?

He arranges porters, hut bookings on the plateau, park fees and transport from Blantyre, depending on the trip you choose. He will also tell you what has to be sorted out before you arrive.

How do I pay?

Cash or bank transfer.

What should I bring?

Edgison advises you on kit once he knows the route and the season, so you are not carrying the wrong things up a 2,000 m escarpment.

Prices and what is included are on the hiking page.