Walking & Trekking

Malawi has such beautiful and varied scenery throughout the country, that outdoor walks are popular at pretty much any location, even along the shores and across the islands of Lake Malawi. Walking through the national parks and wildlife reserves is also popular for game viewing but more strenuous hiking and trekking is generally through the cooler, shady forests on the hills and plateaux.

Mulanje Massif offers the greatest choice and has a network of huts for intrepid explorers to stay in. Marked paths offer a variety of routes and guides and/or porters can be hired cheaply. The tea estates between Blantyre and Mulanje are also beautiful environments that can be explored on foot.

Nyika Plateau is less rugged but walking is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore this unique and wildlife-rich wilderness. There are trails for those prepared to hike and camp for a few days. They cover the varied peaks and valleys whilst offering chances to encounter the animals in the park close at hand.

Also in the north are the Viphya Highlands which are covered in forests and provide fascinating trails, including those off the highlands and down the Rift Valley escarpment to the shores of Lake Malawi.

Another which offers an exploration of the Rift Valley escarpment is Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. This is an area of rugged wilderness where rivers crash through thick forest. Fast developing as a safari destination, its wilderness scenery is reason enough to explore on foot.

The serene forests, hills and streams of Zomba Plateau, and, particularly the views from it, offer another attraction for walkers. And, south of Lilongwe, another set of highlands at Dedza has the added bonus of the Chongoni Rock Art site (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to explore.

A few more forestry reserves around the country provide pleasant walks through shady environments. Ntchisi Forest is easily accessed from Lilongwe and a wonderful tranquil retreat. Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is even closer to Lilongwe (in the opposite direction). As well as the wonderful scenery, its hills and forests are home to fantastic birdlife. The hills surrounding Blantyre are also popular for walks.