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Other Combined discipline trails - Garden route hike and kayak trail | Lesotho hike & pony trek |
Essential data

Group size:

Min-3 Max-8 people
Minimum age 12yrs

Grade:

[3] - Hike is strenuous but achievable by someone of average fitness. Kayaking is moderate and optional if the hike exhausted you.

Duration:

9 days 8 nights (4 nights Mulanje,3 nights Island Camps,1 night Club Makokola)

Typical day:

4-7hrs hiking / kayaking - you decide.

Accommodation

Mulanje mountain huts are rustic.
Mumbo island has luxury tented huts.

Departure dates

Every Sunday

Departure point

Johannesburg international airport

Finish point:

Johannesburg international airport

Time of year

All year long
Some avoid the rainy season (Apr,May & Nov/Dec)
Best months Jan,Feb,Jul,Aug,Sep
Always be prepared for wet days and cold nights at any time of year! Plan to summit at full moon if you can!

Equipment:

In addition to the basic equipment list please view the hiking list and the kayaking list

Lugage limit:

The porters will carry max 15Kg per person in a backpack (NO duffel bags). Remember a day pack for yourself.
Trails for Africa Mulanje to Mumbo hike & kayak
  Take me now!

Hike and Kayak Malawi - Bag the highest peak, then explore Lake Malawi's deserted tropical islands!

Mount Mulanje at 3004m is the highest peak in central Africa. Appearing impregnable as it rises out of the surrounding plains, it's summit is alarmingly named "Sapitwa", loosely meaning "Don't go there". However a truly classic walking trail permits any keen hiker to indeed "go there" and in so doing bag one of Africa's most magnificent peaks.

Follow-up this achievement with a kayak out to Mumbo Island, the undisputed jewel of Lake Malawi, where a rustic yet comfortable island camp will allow you to Indulge your Castaway Fantasy.

Although you need to be in good shape, this journey does not demand any technical expertise. It is fully-catered and hassle-free, and should appeal to any active explorer. Do this and you will have really been there.

Unlike Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya the altitude is not sufficient to cause any discomfort and you can enjoy classic mountain scenery and views without constant nausea and discomfort.

Price includes: Airfares, transfers and accommodation. During the hiking and kayaking all meals, activities, equipment, guides, porters, Forestry and National Park fees are included. Club Makokola is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Price excludes: alcoholic and bottled drinks, all airport taxes and travel insurance.

Notes:

  • It has been tradition for many years to use local porters when hiking and climbing Mulanje. In keeping with this, and in an effort to include as many people as possible in the benefits of eco-tourism, porters will be used on these trips. Therefore you need to bring two backpacks; One for the porter and a daypack for yourself
  • Maximum porter luggage limit 15 kgs per person in rucksack - no duffelbags!
  • TIPPING - We recommend approximately USD 10-20 per hiker.
  • Malawi is a malaria area and prophylactics are advised!

  • Detailed itinerary

    Day 1 - Sunday: Air Malawi flight from Johannesburg to Blantyre, departing at 12h00. On arrival road transfer with Kayak Africa to Likhubula Forest Lodge at the base of Mulanje. Overnight at Likhubula

    Day 2 - Monday: Commence hiking at Tinyade Estate, heading for Thuchila Hut, constructed in 1901. (altitude gain 1200m, time required 4 hours). Overnight at Thuchila Hut.

    Day 3 - Tuesday: Traverse the plateau to the beginning of the route up Sapitwa, the highest peak on the massif. Weather permitting, attempt the peak, before overnighting at the newly constructed hut at the base of Sapitwa (altitude gain 1004m, time required 7 hours)

    Day 4 - Wednesday: Descend the massif back to Likhubula Forest Lodge. Overnight at Likhubula (time required 5 hours).

    Day 5-7 Thursday-Saturday: : Road transfer to Cape Maclear. Paddle or boat ride out to Mumbo Island. Spend the next three nights in the Island Camp.

    Day 8: Sunday Paddle or boat ride back to the mainland, followed by the road transfer to Club Makokola. Overnight at Club Makokola

    Day 9: Monday Early morning departure with Air Malawi to arrive in Johannesburg around midday.


    We are not liable for any loss, damage or injury on your side; your travel insurance should include accident, health cover and emergency rescue.

    Please Note:Terms and conditions apply. We reserve the right to change prices if necessary.

    File images
    Start of paddle from Cape Maclear to Mumbo island
    Start of paddle from Cape Maclear to Mumbo island

    Thuchila hut, 100years old
    Thuchila hut, 100years old

    Mulanje massif looms
    Mulanje massif looms

    Sapitwa hut at base of massif
    Sapitwa hut at base of massif

    Look down as well as up!
    Look down as well as up!

    View of sapitwa from plateau
    View of sapitwa from plateau

    Enjoying a well earned rest
    Enjoying a well earned rest

    Mumbo island paradise
    Mumbo island paradise

    Your base for exploring Lake Malawi
    Your base for exploring Lake Malawi

     
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