by Tiyamike Kathewera
Mention Mulanje Mountain, the most probably picture that first immediately comes to mind is that of an enormous stretch of barren rock, with likely no life on it, lying in the southern part of Malawi. You are also compelled to remember all the almost comical fallacies of ghosts who rumour mongers speculate that they prepare food for visitors to the mountain. And they will even tell you that you are bound to get lost if you attempt hiking the mountain.
What most people don’t know perchance is that the mountain is home to several indigenous animal and plant species. Mulanje Mountain is home to such wild animals as leopards, hyenas, monkeys and bushbucks. There are also smaller animals that inhabit the mountain like chameleons, geckos, skinks and squeaker frogs.
Lest we forget, the mountain is also home to Malawi’s national tree, Mulanje Cedar. The tree has unbeatable qualities that make it unique. It is resistant to termites, long lasting and in addition to that produces a wonderful scent. It is a source of pride to the Malawi nation though only found in the unique Island in the Sky, as it is affectionately called.
The tree though is seriously endangered by perfectly grown up mindless human beings who cut the species carelessly albeit it being a protected lot. Others continue to set fires around the mountain’s forest reserve in a sheer exposition of gluttony as they claim to hunt for wild animals that deserve life in the mountain.
Efforts have been made to restore the cut down cedar trees. Cedar trees have been planted on Chambe Hut, one of several huts on the mountain. There are also nurseries of the tree at the hut.
The mention of huts
brings in another interesting feature of Mulanje Mountain. The mountain has 10 huts that are open to visitors. Chambe for example, is one of the most popular huts on the mountain, mainly because it is relatively easier to access. The journey to the hut starts from Likhubula Forestry offices that are conveniently located few minutes away from the Mulanje Phalombe road. An average walker must take about 3 hours to get to the top using either Skyline or Chapaluka paths.
The hut is well situated on Chambe plateau. Pine trees provide fantastic scenery to the unsuspecting traveller. They form a beautiful pathway and the leaves lay a magnificent carpet. On the other side water from nearby waters makes its way down the stream.
Chambe is a small village on its own. Houses are painted white and stand on the left hand side as you advance towards France’s cottage. Just close by are cedar nurseries in a green house.
France’s cottage has been standing from as early as the 1940s. It faces Chambe peak and boasts of two bedrooms that can accommodate up to sis people. It has a relatively small living room that has a fire place, however, that shouldn’t be a cause for
concern as the cottage has two verandas that should accommodate as many people as possible. Water at the cottage is piped. Those who like to cool off with a bottle of beer or fanta shouldn't worry as there is both beer and soft drinks for sale.
The cottage further has a clean outdoor bathroom and a pit latrine just behind the house as you face Chambe Hut.
Chambe hut is situated south of France’s cottage, down the road. It is barely 200 metres from France’s cottage It has two big rooms that should be enough for about 16 people. Water here is also piped.
Mention Mulanje Mountain, the most probably picture that first immediately comes to mind is that of an enormous stretch of barren rock, with likely no life on it, lying in the southern part of Malawi. You are also compelled to remember all the almost comical fallacies of ghosts who rumour mongers speculate that they prepare food for visitors to the mountain. And they will even tell you that you are bound to get lost if you attempt hiking the mountain.
What most people don’t know perchance is that the mountain is home to several indigenous animal and plant species. Mulanje Mountain is home to such wild animals as leopards, hyenas, monkeys and bushbucks. There are also smaller animals that inhabit the mountain like chameleons, geckos, skinks and squeaker frogs.
Lest we forget, the mountain is also home to Malawi’s national tree, Mulanje Cedar. The tree has unbeatable qualities that make it unique. It is resistant to termites, long lasting and in addition to that produces a wonderful scent. It is a source of pride to the Malawi nation though only found in the unique Island in the Sky, as it is affectionately called.
The tree though is seriously endangered by perfectly grown up mindless human beings who cut the species carelessly albeit it being a protected lot. Others continue to set fires around the mountain’s forest reserve in a sheer exposition of gluttony as they claim to hunt for wild animals that deserve life in the mountain.
Efforts have been made to restore the cut down cedar trees. Cedar trees have been planted on Chambe Hut, one of several huts on the mountain. There are also nurseries of the tree at the hut.
The mention of huts
brings in another interesting feature of Mulanje Mountain. The mountain has 10 huts that are open to visitors. Chambe for example, is one of the most popular huts on the mountain, mainly because it is relatively easier to access. The journey to the hut starts from Likhubula Forestry offices that are conveniently located few minutes away from the Mulanje Phalombe road. An average walker must take about 3 hours to get to the top using either Skyline or Chapaluka paths.The hut is well situated on Chambe plateau. Pine trees provide fantastic scenery to the unsuspecting traveller. They form a beautiful pathway and the leaves lay a magnificent carpet. On the other side water from nearby waters makes its way down the stream.
Chambe is a small village on its own. Houses are painted white and stand on the left hand side as you advance towards France’s cottage. Just close by are cedar nurseries in a green house.
France’s cottage has been standing from as early as the 1940s. It faces Chambe peak and boasts of two bedrooms that can accommodate up to sis people. It has a relatively small living room that has a fire place, however, that shouldn’t be a cause for
concern as the cottage has two verandas that should accommodate as many people as possible. Water at the cottage is piped. Those who like to cool off with a bottle of beer or fanta shouldn't worry as there is both beer and soft drinks for sale.The cottage further has a clean outdoor bathroom and a pit latrine just behind the house as you face Chambe Hut.
Chambe hut is situated south of France’s cottage, down the road. It is barely 200 metres from France’s cottage It has two big rooms that should be enough for about 16 people. Water here is also piped.
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