Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mountain. You might also notice a huge cross on the side of the hill - the Way of the
Cross Roman Catholics march up the mountain on a pilgrimage every Easter.
To reach the
visitor centre
(where the trails start), take Kabula Hill Rd from the city
and Michiru Rd through a select suburb and then a township. At the end of the sealed road
(3km from Blantyre) a dirt road leads along the eastern foot of the mountain. Take the left
turn signposted 'nature trails', which leads you to a green gate from where you'll be direc-
ted to the reception further up the hill. After you've paid the entry fees staff can give you
a map or will arrange a guide for you at no extra charge (though a tip of about MK200 is
appropriate). There's no public transport, but you could get a taxi as far as the driver is
prepared to go along the dirt road - that won't get you very far though - the road is ter-
rible, especially after the rains, and much better attempted in a 4WD. What's more, there
are very few visitors so you'd have trouble getting a lift back.
FISHERMAN'S REST
Fisherman's Rest
( 0888-836753;
www.fishermansrest.net
; )
is a nature reserve,
lodge and tea house, and makes a good place to stop off on the way down to the Lower
Shire or as a day trip from Blantyre. The reserve is open from sunrise to sunset and has
several attractive nature trails; although you're not likely to see many animals other than a
few antelopes, the surroundings are beautiful and the views out over the Rift Valley awe-
some. The three chalets have verandahs and wicker chairs, comfy beds and mozzie nets,
while the tea house and gift shop sells locally grown coffee, teas and serves English
breakfast and Malawian fare. Fisherman's Rest accepts volunteers at its primary school to
help with its literacy program. Information Technology teachers are particularly welcome.
Sleeping & Eating
If you want to stay the night there's a cosy
lodge
( 0888-836753; sleeps 6 people, per
night for hire of lodge incl breakfast US$375, plus each additional guest $40; )
that can be rented out in its entirety with three bedrooms, a farmhouse-style kitchen and a
fantastic lounge area complete with huge stone fireplace. It's set in an acre of gardens. In-
side the reserve itself is the
Woodland Cottage
( 0888-836753; s/d incl breakfast
US$80/115; )
with en suite rooms and a family apartment opening out onto a verandah.
For those with a more rustic bent, hidden deep in the bush are wooden stilted
bushcamp
hides
( 0888-836753; s/d US$80/115)
with twin beds, private bathroom facilities and
stunning views over the valley from their verandahs.
Below the lodge is the
Old Mill Tea House
(meals from MK1000; 9am-6pm)
. You
can sit on the cafe's verandah and soak up the view between sampling delicious
homemade soups and cakes, as well as substantial meals such as Thai curries and lasagne.
