Visit July 2025. When the nominations and evaluations for this year’s World Heritage session were published, we decided to carve out time in our itinerary for a short visit to the Mulanje Mountains in southern Malawi. On our way from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg, we managed a stopover in Blantyre and booked a place to stay—as there aren’t many accommodation options near the mountain.
No sooner had we pulled into the lodge than the World Heritage session began—and just hours later, Mulanje was officially inscribed. Talk about timing. From our lodge, we had a stunning view of the mountain range, with vivid green tea plantations spread out in the foreground.
The next day, we set off on a day hike with a local guide.
Mount Mulanje is best known for its dramatic peaks, deep forests, and rich biodiversity. But beyond its natural beauty, the mountain holds deep cultural significance. Rising steeply from the plains to 3,002 meters at Sapitwa Peak, it is considered sacred by many of the local communities living around it.
Most visitors come here to climb the mountain—it’s usually a three-day trek—but we opted for a one day hike. Interestingly, Mulanje was not inscribed for its natural features or geological value, but for cultural reasons.
For the local Lomwe people, the mountain is deeply intertwined with myths, ancestral spirits, and traditional rituals. It is seen as a dwelling place for spirits and a source of spiritual guidance and protection. Certain sites on the mountain are used for ceremonies, and oral traditions connect them to significant events, heroes, and taboos.
Our hike was a relatively easy loop, about 5 km with 250 meters of elevation gain, leading to a waterfall- Dziwe La Nkhalamba. Along the way, our guide shared stories about the spirits that are believed to protect both people and wildlife. He pointed out old ritual sites, as well as plants used in traditional medicine and spiritual protection. It was fascinating to hear how these beliefs are still alive in both the forest and the people.
For once, we weren’t alone on the trail. Aside from the spirits, the mountain was full of people—our visit happened to coincide with the annual Porters’ Race, a major event in Malawi. The race covers 25 km with 1,600 meters of elevation gain—not for the faint of heart!
Crowds of locals had made their way up the trail to cheer on their favorites and take part in the celebration. The event is such a big deal that even the Minister of Tourism was there to hand out the winner’s trophy.
Before the awards ceremony, the minister proudly announced that just the day before, the mountains had been added to the World Heritage list.
We truly enjoyed the mountains and the scenery—but understanding the cultural value behind the inscription was much more challenging without a guide. If you’re hoping to grasp the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of Mulanje’s listing, a knowledgeable guide is absolutely essential.
