Rising almost abruptly from an almost featureless plain to a marginal plateau above 2000m, the Mulaje Mountain is the 3rd largest Mountain on the continent blessed with 13 sister peaks of varying difficulty. Sapitwa at 3002m is the highest point in central Africa from which views stretch as far as Lake Chirwa and Zomba Mountain to the west and Milanje Mountain to the South East. Declared a world biosphere reserve 2006 due to the numerous endemic plant and bird species that inhabit its plateaus, the mountain offers numerous hiking options to choose from depending on your time and level of fitness. Our 1 to 6 Day itineraries are carefully designed to in cooperate all the key areas of interest. The most popular is the sunrise at the summit challenge. You can make your own itinerary with us or make changes to your chosen route before or during your hike.
4 Days 3 Nights Sunrise at Saptiwa (Grade 4)
A demanding but equally rewarding hike that culminates at the peak of Sapitwa which at 3002m above sea level is the highest point in Central Africa from which views extend to as far as Milanje Mountain in Mozambique to the South East, Zomba Plateau & Lake Chirwa in the West.
Pick up at Airport or Doogles Lodge in Blantyre and transfer directly to Mulanje. Check in at lodge reception and tour overview briefing. Depending on your time of arrival we have a 3 D orientation of the mountain before taking a warm up hike to nearby falls and rock pools returning to lodge before sun set. Detailed briefing of the entire tour before dinner. Drive Time: 3 Hrs.
Ascend to the top of Lichenya Plateau following the fairly shaded winding donkey trail that overlooks the mighty Likhubula River Gorge. Proceed onwards to CCAP cottage that is ideally nested at the foot Chilemba Peak arriving early afternoon. In the evening we take a gentle stroll to nearby Lijne Pools returning to the cottage just after sunset. Hiking Time: 6 + 1 Hrs.
We take an undulating circular route that circumvents the central main ridge of peaks past the knife edge water shed that is the source of Likhubula and Thuchira River onwards to Chisepho Hut arriving at lunch. In the late afternoon we ascend to a vantage campsite at finest cave from which to safely achieve summit at sunrise. Hiking Time: 6 Hours
At 3002m above sea level Sapitwa is the highest peak in central Africa. At sunrise on a clear day stretch to Zomba Plateau and Lake Chirwa to the North West and as far as Milange Mountain in Mozambique. Return to Chisepho hut for breakfast before proceeding across the undulating terrain to Thuchira hut passing through patches of mountain rain forest as we cross the numerous streams. We celebrate the hike as we enjoy sunset at Elephant head view point. Overnight at Thuchira Forest hut: Hiking Time: 5 Hrs.
Descend to pick up point at Tinyade Estate via the fairy shaded Namwali-Zaone trail that follows the Likulezi River to the bottom of the massif. Vehicle transfer back to Likhubula where we take a shower before Lunch and debrief. Hiking Time: 4 Hrs. Drive Time: 1Hr
