Luwawa Forest Lodge, located on the Viphya Plateau, offer guests a unique downhill hike from Luwawa Forest Lodge, high up on the Viphya Plateau, to Kachere Kastle located on the shores of Lake Malawi. The 74km trail spans four days, allowing the opportunity to wild camp for three nights amid stunning natural beauty with close proximity to safe, natural water supplies.
The Trail descends the African Rift escarpment, roughly following the ridge line over Kawandama Mountain (2,000m). Offering amazing panoramic views from the start, the route continues downwards along small poachers’ paths, off the beaten track, passing through pristine indigenous forest, meadows of wild flowers and remote habitations. The Luwawa knowledgeable guide assist guests in spotted the abundance of flora and fauna on display.
The reward of reaching the sandy shores of Lake Malawi will be well deserved.
The most suitable time of year for the walk is from May through to late November. This is because the rains have usually stopped, visibility is clearer and river water levels lower.
Groups are usually between 4 and 12 persons and all persons participating should be fit, healthy and capable of walking for five to six hours a day (18km approx). For safety purposes cell-phone communications are possible over most of this wilderness route and incase of emergency, vehicular access is possible to some parts of the first, second and forth day’s route.
The all-inclusive cost of the four-day/three-night trail is 625 US$ per person. This includes group guides, porters, a cook, food and all camping equipment as well as arrival night’s accommodation at Luwawa Lodge and the final night’s accommodation at Kachere Kastle both on a half board basis. Transport of a vehicle, and luggage, to the lake shore can be arranged at an additional cost (50US$ per vehicle).
For further information and to see the full itinerary, take a look at this document.
