Run4Reforestation 2026 Returns to Zomba Plateau this Weekend

Run4Reforestation returns to Malawi’s spectacular Zomba Plateau on Saturday 12 September 2026, bringing together runners, conservation supporters and communities to raise vital funds for the TREEZ charity and the continued protection and restoration of the Plateau’s forests.

Presented by TREEZ and Zomba Forest Lodge, the annual event combines three trail-running challenges with a much wider fundraising effort, helping TREEZ continue its work to restore degraded forest, protect existing trees and support the local communities involved in conservation.

Run for the Forests

Participants can choose from three distances across Zomba Plateau, with options ranging from an accessible 5km route to a demanding 21km challenge.

Race details:
5km – Easy – starts at 9:00am
10km – Fair – starts at 8:30am
21km – Very Challenging – starts at 8:00am
Registration opens from 7:00am on the day
Entrance fee: MK5,000 for Malawians and MK20,000 for non-Malawians

While the event provides a chance to experience the beautiful surroundings of Zomba Plateau on foot, fundraising remains at its heart. Participants are encouraged to raise as much as possible for TREEZ alongside taking part in their chosen distance.

Supporting Reforestation on Zomba Plateau

The money raised through Run4Reforestation helps TREEZ protect and restore the forests of Zomba Plateau while working alongside local communities.

The impact of donations can be significant. £10 can protect 100 trees on Zomba Plateau for an entire year, while £50 can support three conservation group members to protect the Plateau’s forests for a year. A donation of £100 can fund 200 trees for planting, purchased from a community nursery.

The results of this work can already be seen in areas such as Nankhunda Stream, where images comparing 2019 with 2024 show the transformation from a degraded landscape to thriving vegetation.

Win a Malawi Experience in the Run4Reforestation Raffle

Fundraising for 2026 also includes a major raffle, with tourism businesses and other organisations from across Malawi donating an impressive collection of prizes.

Among the prizes available are stays at Zomba Forest Lodge, Mwambezi Gorge Bush Camp at Majete Wildlife Reserve, Makuzi Beach Lodge, Chelinda Camp, Game Haven Lodge, Casa Rossa, The Commonage at Ntchisi Forest, Thumbi View Lodge, The Crafted Residence, Butterfly Space, Thangadzi Lodge, Mumbo Island, Africa Wild Truck, N’gona Lodge, Sunbird Ku Chawe, Kuti Wildlife Reserve and Blend Lodge & Kitchen.

Other prizes include scuba diving with Cape Maclear Scuba, horse riding with Horseback Adventures, dining experiences and vouchers from restaurants and cafés around Malawi, and a massage from Beauty Incorporated.

Raffle tickets cost MK6,000 each or MK25,000 for five.

How to Support Run4Reforestation

Whether taking on one of the three running distances, entering the raffle or simply making a donation, Run4Reforestation offers plenty of ways to support the protection of one of Malawi’s best-known natural landscapes.

The 2026 event takes place on Saturday 12 September on Zomba Plateau.

For further information, visit www.zombatreez.com.