8 Best Places for Walking and Hiking in Malawi

Malawi offers walking and hiking routes along lake shores, through forests, across wildlife areas and over mountain terrain. Trails range from gentle walks to steep mountain hikes, with routes near ancient rock art, along the Rift Valley escarpment and across Mount Mulanje. The variety suits both casual walkers and skilled hikers.

Best Places for Walking and Hiking in Malawi

Mount Mulanje

Key fact	Details
Height	9,850 ft
Estimated hiking time	3 hours to 3 days, depending on the route

Mount Mulanje, about 40 miles from Blantyre, is Malawi’s highest mountain. Its routes pass through valleys, grasslands, wooded plateaus and forested areas, with six main trailheads and ten mountain lodges.

Walks range from the 2.5-mile route to Likhubula Falls to the eight-hour Porter’s Race Loop. The 7.5-mile Chambe Basin trail suits hikers seeking a longer route, while experienced trekkers can take a three-day hike towards Chaguru Peak. The five-day Grand Traverse crosses the full length of the Mulanje Massif.

Guides and porters can be arranged through the Guides and Porters Association of Mount Mulanje or at the main trailheads.

Nyika Plateau

Key fact	Details
Height	8,530 ft
Estimated hiking time	1-5 days, depending on the route
Area	Approx. Area: 1,250 sq miles
Wildlife	Nearly 100 mammal species and 400 bird species
Orchids	More than 200 species, including 27 endemic species, bloom during the rainy season

Located in northern Malawi, Nyika National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Malawi. Almost the entire Nyika Plateau is designated as a national park, with rolling hills, grasslands and flowers. The name Nyika means “where the water comes from”, and the plateau is Malawi’s most important catchment area.

There are marked trails for those keen to hike and camp for a few days. The 25-mile Nyikap-Livingstonia Trail takes three days and connects Chelinda Lodge on the Nyika Plateau with Livingstonia, perched high on an escarpment overlooking Lake Malawi. You can hike in either direction, with guides and tented accommodation arranged through Mushroom Farm Eco Lodge or Chelinda Lodge.

Zomba Plateau

Key fact	Details
Height	6,847 ft at Malombe Peak
Estimated hiking time	1-8 hours, depending on the route
Distance from Blantyre	About 50 miles north
Plateau area	About 80 square miles
Former capital	Zomba was Malawi’s first capital until 1974
Historical view	The view from Malombe Peak was called “the best in the British Empire” during the colonial period

Zomba Plateau rises from the surrounding plain and extends behind Zomba Town. It is easier to access, though less wild, than Mount Mulanje. The plateau is an excellent place for walking and hiking, with easily followed roads and trails.

It has pine plantations, rolling grasslands, forests, scrub, woodland, hills and streams. Wildlife includes serval cats, bushbuck, samango monkeys, giant butterflies and baboons.

Zomba town offers accommodation, restaurants and British colonial architecture, including the Governor General’s residence and the Old Parliament buildings. Visitors can stay overnight to explore the area’s historical sites. Walkers can contact the Zomba Tour Guide Association for guidance.

Senga Hills

Key Fact	Details
Height	1,600 ft
Number of hills	7
Hiking time	1.5 to 5 hours
Main route	Covers all seven hills in about 5 hours
Short route	Reaches the first hill in around 90 minutes
Difficulty	Moderate to difficult
Main feature	Views across Lake Malawi

Located about 70 miles from Lilongwe, Senga Hills forms part of the Senga Hills Forest Reserve near Senga Bay in Salima District. The reserve contains seven hills, each offering views across Lake Malawi.

The main hiking route crosses all seven hills and usually takes about five hours. Travellers with less time can take a 90-minute return walk to the top of the first hill. Some sections are steep, and the route can be difficult to follow, so first-time visitors should consider hiring a local guide.

The trail begins near the entrance to Sunbird Livingstonia Hotel. Turn left before reaching the property.

Viphya Plateau

Key fact	Details
Main feature	Often described as one of Africa’s largest planted forests.
Elevation	About 1,700 m (5,577 ft), with higher peaks above 1,800 m (6,000 ft).
Estimated hiking time	3 hours to 3 days, depending on the route.
Forest reserve area	About 347 square miles.
Birdlife	More than 280 species.

The Viphya Plateau rises from the shore of Lake Malawi, with several rivers flowing through the highlands towards the lake. Marked hiking trails run around Luwawa Forest Lodge, where guided walks are also available.

A popular route begins at Kawandama Hills, passes through Viphya Forest, descends the steep slopes of the Rift Valley and finishes near Kande Beach Resort on the shore of Lake Malawi.

Dzalanyama Forest Reserve

Key fact	Details
Birdlife	More than 300 bird species
Height	1,650 m
Estimated hiking time	About 3 hours
Trekking trails	7 trails

Dzalanyama Forest Reserve lies about 35 miles from Lilongwe and is popular for hiking and mountain biking. Routes begin at Dzalanyama Forest Lodge and range from gentle walks to more demanding hikes. The trails are well signposted, making the reserve suitable for a day trip from Lilongwe or a weekend stay at the lodge.

Blue Zebra Island

Key fact	Details
Estimated hiking time	About 1 hour
Trail features	Old fig trees and giant baobab trees

Blue Zebra Island Lodge is located on Nankoma Island in the Marelli Archipelago, reached by a 20-minute boat ride across Lake Malawi. A 1.5-mile nature trail circles the island and includes a steep section leading to the summit, where visitors can look across the lake. Early-morning walkers may also see duikers and bushbuck.

Shire River Trail

Key fact	Details
Estimated hiking time	3 days
Walking distance	23.6 miles

Organised by Central African Wilderness Safaris, the Shire River Trail starts at Mvuu Camp in Liwonde National Park. The first day begins near the Nafiulu Hills and ends beside the Mwalasi River. On the second day, walkers reach the Shire River. The final route follows the river across open floodplains before returning to Mvuu Camp.

Guides help walkers identify animal tracks, birds, wildlife and different habitats. Overnight stays are in tented camps, and participants carry only a day pack.

Final Thoughts

Choose a route that suits your fitness, time and hiking experience. Check current trail conditions, arrange a guide where needed and plan transport before setting out.

Content Disclaimer: Trail access, hiking times, weather, guide services and fees in Malawi may change. Check local sources before travel.