Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
domes rise softly from the earth like sleeping beasts. Indigenous woodland bristles with
birds and wildflowers, antelope can often be seen, and monkeys are regularly spotted dart-
ing through the trees.
The main route to Mzuzu from Lilongwe passes through the plateau and much of it is
lined by pine trees, encasing the road in an eerie silence on misty days (and there are
plenty). When the mist lifts you'll be rewarded with a line of sweeping grey- and purple-
tinged mountains lining the western horizon in the distance. If you want to stay for a few
days, there are a few peaceful forest lodges and plenty of hiking, cycling and rock climb-
ing to be done.
Sights & Activities
Hiking
is the main activity here and the nearby accommodation will be able to give you
advice on where the best places are to roam, though there's a lot to be said for simply sit-
ting back and taking in the views.
Otherwise, for activity junkies the best place to head is to Luwawa Forest Lodge where
activities organised on the plateau include
rock climbing
(half day per person US$40)
,
mountain biking
(half day per person US$18)
,
fishing
(rod hire US$4)
and
walking
(guides from US$10)
. Walking trails include the Luwawa-Chintheche Trail, a two-day
hike down to the lakeshore.
Sleeping
LODGE
Luwawa Forest Lodge $$
( 01-342333, 01-991106;
www.luwawaforestlodge.com
; campsite per person US$7, tw/
tr with shared bathroom per person US$40, chalets with half board/full board per person
US$68/75, cottages per night US$160; )
Set at 1585m, homy Luwawa sits in a
clearing of pine trees, its manicured gardens spilling with colourful flowers and morning
mist. The centrepiece lounge is dominated by the impressive baobab-inspired fireplace,
crackling from dawn until late at night.
Outside is a verandah to take breakfast and soak up the gorgeous view of the forests and
nearby lake. There are four chalets with bunk beds, bathrooms, self-catering facilities and
swallow-you-up four-posters which are perfect for families (sleep up to six), as well as
three new cottages, and also a well shaded camping area.
Activities on offer include mountain biking with a guide on solid Trek bikes, abseiling
and rock climbing with an experienced instructor, three-day hikes to Lake Malawi, camp-
