Five day Cedar Route

Approach

Starts at Likabula Forest Station. Not this is not a circular route and you will need to organise transport to return you to Likabula at the end.

Route Description

Day 1: Walk up the Chapaluka path to Chambe basin through Brachystegia trees along the Likhubula stream. Approx 2 hrs. This is a very steep ascent. From here traverse for 1 hr along relatively level terrain to the Chambe hut.

Day 2: Next day hike out of Chambe Basin across the narrow saddle separating Chambe basin from the massif. Approx 2 hrs. Continue through endemic Mulanje cedar forests to the base of Sapitwa. There is a hut here for those wishing to attempt an ascent of the peak. Allow a night here for an ascent. Ascending requires above average fitness and you must be comfrotable with friction walking on steep granite slopes. The route involves a scramble. Route is marked with red flashes on the rocks. Total time from hut to peak and back again approx 5 hrs.

From the hut continue to Tuchila hut approx 3 hrs away.

Day 3: Short hike (approx 3 hrs) to Chinzama Hut. This hut is a suitable base for ascending Chagaru peak. This route involves some hard scrambling which includes negotiating a narrow cave formed by fallen chockstones. Round trip time 3 hrs. Remain at Chinzama hut for night.

Day 4: Hike along the upper Ruo plateau and then along the Malosa river to Madzeka hut, situated on the southern end of the Madzeka basin. This is the most remote area of Mulanje massif with limited evidence of human interference. Hike time approx 5 hrs.

Day 5: Descend along the Ruo River. This is a very worthwhile hike with some wonderful views. End at the Lujeri Tea estate. Hike time approx 2 1/2 hrs.

Essential Gear

Normal hiking equipment - no mattresses or tents necessary.

Miscellaneous Info

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Images

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