Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hiking
The southern half of the plateau is ideal for hiking. The network of tracks and paths can
be confusing though, so for more help with orientation there's a 3D map of the plateau in
For detailed information on hiking routes on the southern half of the plateau,
Zomba
Mountain: A Walker's Guide,
by Martin Cundy, is useful and should be available in book-
shops (
Click here
)
in Blantyre.
Keen hikers may find the northern half of the plateau more interesting. There are few
tracks here and no pine plantations - the landscape is similar to that of Mt Mulanje and
Nyika Plateau.
It's recommended either to walk in a group or to use a guide when hiking, as there are
occasional muggings on the plateau. There are guides registered with the Ministry of
Forestry, Fisheries & Environmental Affairs based at the Model Hut, who charge around
US$20 per day, although the rate is open to negotiation as there's no set price.
Horse Riding
0888-714443, 0888-714445; maggieparsons@iwayafrica.com; per person per hour
US$35)
for anything from an hour to five hours, on well-kept horses. Speak to owner
Maggie. It's opposite the Mulunguzi Dam.
Sleeping & Eating
There are no shops on the plateau so campers and self-caterers should bring everything
they need up from Zomba town. Accommodation options are now down to three: camp-
ing, guesthouse or upscale hotel.
HOTEL
Ku Chawe Inn $$$
( 01-773388, 0888-965141, 01-514237; s/d US$125/160, hilltop rooms s/d US$185/
210; )
Set in elevated botanical gardens dripping with honeysuckle and blue
gum trees, Ku Chawe boasts amazing views of the distant plain. Inside its charming red-
brick exterior (built 1969) service is warm, while rooms are equally appealing, with out-
side verandahs and international-style decor and cosy stone fireplaces.
