A hugely popular part of the school trip (for the fittest members) is the climb up Mount Mulanje, the highest mountain in Malawi. Over 3km high, the hike takes the best part of the day but includes a refreshing swim in the Likhubula Falls.
We also see first-hand the desperate effects that deforestation is having on the landscape, with the native Mulanje Cedar close to extinction.
We camp overnight, under the hospitable watch of the staff at Likhubula House, before heading back down the next day.
Myths and legends of Mulanje
Aaron and Paul share some of the magic of Mulanje: the lucky stone, Old Man's Pool and old pottery used for making ancestral sacrifices.
Mulanje up close and personal
Old Man's Pool
At the base of Likhubula Falls, ancestral spirits in the form of old bearded men have been seen to rise from the pool. If you wish to swim in the water - and beware, it is very cold - you are advised to throw in a coin to appease the spirits. If the water turns from black/green to blue, then you know it is safe to swim.
Mwalawanthunzi
'The Rock of Shade' on the Thyolo road is alleged to possess magical powers. Having resisted multiple efforts at being moved to accommodate a new road, the stone is said to bestow good luck in the form of shade on any traveller that taps it with a pebble. The new road now runs around it!
Ancestral pot
If you find a piece of pottery on the Mulanje trail, far from any houses, it was probably used for a sacrifice. In the case of drought or ill-health, people make a sacrifice to their ancestors in these pots in the hopes of restoring good fortune.
Environmental conservation
Mount Mulanje is struggling with deforestation. Just before the outbreak of COVID, we began discussions with Moutn Mulanje Conservation Trust to provide support to their ecological programmes. As part of this tour, Aaron and Paul have been out to meet the team and provide some interim funding.
