Rising dramatically from the flat plains of southern Malawi, the Mulanje Massif — known locally as "the island in the sky" — is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in Central Africa. At 3,002 metres, Sapitwa Peak is the highest point in the region, and the plateau's sheer escarpments, cedar forests, and sweeping grasslands make the effort of getting up there very much worth it.
Traversing Mulanje takes around three to four days. A network of forest department huts provides overnight shelter across the plateau — each staffed by a caretaker and supplied with firewood. There are no food supplies or blankets available on the mountain, so you need to carry everything in. Plan accordingly.
The standard starting point is Likhubula Forest Station, where you pay hut fees in advance (around US$5 per night) and arrange guides and porters. A good local guide is not strictly required but makes a significant difference — they know the trails, the weather patterns, and where to find water. The ascent through the forest to the plateau is steep and can be slippery after rain.