Activities

Northern Malawi truly represents the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ + we are eager to share it! Bordered to the east by Lake Malawi & the west by the Nyika Plateau, the mountains surrounding Mushroom Farm offer some of the most untouched + beautiful scenery in Malawi.

By participating in the offered activities you are supporting responsible tourism + sustainable employment. Local guides, who are born and raised in the surrounding villages, lead our daily hikes + longer treks. 100% of the fees associated with your adventure go directly to your guide.

When you arrive at the farm, you will find a sign up sheet on our activities board - for day hikes and other activities please sign up the day/night before, so we have time to arrange. For longer treks we will need at least 3 days notice to arrange your trip.

chombe plateau day hike

Spectacular Chombe Plateau offers stunning 360-degree views of Lake Malawi, Nyika National Park, and the surrounding mountain ranges of Tanzania. The plateau also holds a spiritual and sacred meaning to the local community, which will be explained on your hike by your guide.

You'll begin your hike from Mushroom Farm, taking the dirt road through Chombe village. When reaching the base of the plateau you'll begin your climb up the hidden trails. The top of the plateau is the perfect spot to refresh and rejuvenate while appreciating this very special place.

Length: 5-6 hours
Price: 4,000mk for one person, 6,000 for two people, 8,000 for three people or 10,000 for four people
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

manchewe waterfalls day hike

Only 2km from Mushroom Farm lies Malawi's tallest waterfall with a height of 300ft. Manchewe Falls is brimming with natural beauty, flora and fauna, with views that shouldn't be missed! The falls have also played a historic roll in the area's history, which will be explained to you on your hike.

The hike to the falls will begin at Mushroom Farm, taking you through the local community of Manchewe. When you reach the entrance of the falls - around 30 minutes or so later - your first stop will be Lovers Rock. It is here that you will take in the stunning surrounding views of Manchewe Waterfall. From there your guide will lead you down to the cave where you will see the waterfall from behind. For the adventurous traveler that wants to continue, your guide will lead you down steep hidden pathways to the bottom of the falls, where you will enjoy a perspective of the majestic waterfall that few visitors get to see. After taking in the view, you will begin the ascent back to the top, where you will have the opportunity to get in the pools for a refreshing swim.

Length: 2-6 hours [top view point, caves, bottom]
Price: 4,000mk for one person, 6,000 for two people, 8,000 for three people or 10,000 for four people
+ 500mk entrance fee per person paid at the entrance of the falls.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult - needs good shoes!

historic livingstonia day hike

Perched above Lake Malawi and the Great Rift Valley Escarpment lies the historic town of Livingstonia. Originally known as Kondowe, Scottish Missionaries settled here in the late 19th century. In a few years, they built the Presbyterian Church, a hospital, and a school for the surrounding community. With panoramic views and a historic look into this past settlement, the hike to Livingstonia has a lot to offer.

With your guide, you will begin your hike at Mushroom Farm following the main Livingstonia road, passing through Manchewe Village. An hour or so later you will arrive in Livingstonia, where your guide will take you around to see the Presbyterian Church, Memorial Hospital, Stone House Museum, University of Livingstonia, and more.

Length: 3-5 hours
Price: 4,000mk for one person, 6,000 for two people, 8,000 for three people or 10,000 for four people
+ 1,000mk entrance fee to Stone House
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

3-day trek to nyika plateau

For travelers looking for a longer adventure, Mushroom Farm works with local rangers/guides to organize a 3-day trek to Nyika Plateau.

Starting at Mushroom Farm the majority of your first day will be hiking through remote villages, in one of Malawi's most productive coffee areas. Fields of coffee and local farmers will greet you with every step on your journey towards the forest boundary of Nyika National Park. Your first night of camping will be along side a small coffee cooperative's processing center. On the second day, you'll enter the park's forest. Here you will be met with a steep slope up to Nyika Plateau. Once you've reached the plateau, you'll camp the night among stars. The final [third] day will be walking through the rolling hills and beautiful plains of the plateau. It's on this day you'll hike through streams and walk amongst the flora and fauna that's made Nyika Plateau a marvel of Malawi.

Length: 3 days / 2 nights [plus a night at Chelinda - booked separately]
Price for Guide/Ranger: 75,000mk
Price of Porter(s): 45,000mk
Organization fee (paid to Mushroom Farm): 15,000mk
Park Fees: 10 USD per day
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

common questions:

Q: Do we need to carry our own water?
A: Along the hike, the guide will show you natural springs and clean water sources from which to drink. If you'd prefer you are welcome to bring a lifestraw or other form of water filter.

Q: What about going to the bathroom along the way?
A: Local latrines or pit toilets are found at every camping spot. If you have the urge to go between the morning and evening, your guide will best explain your options.

Q: Do we have to pay park fees for every day?
A: You'll be entering the park on the second day of hiking, so you won't be paying the park fee for the first day. Most guests pay a total of 30 USD in park fees [for day 2 and 3 of hiking, and for the day after camping at Chelinda Camp].

Q: Do we carry our own food and cooking supplies?
A: You are required to bring your own food and cooking supplies, including for your stay at Chelinda Camp. Your guide or porter will make help make your fire and cook, if you desire.

Q: We want to hike as a group. Is the guide fee per person or split between the group?
A: The fees of the guide are usually split between the group. However, if the group is on the larger end, the guide may request more money or hire another ranger to help [doubling the fee].

Q: Do I need to arrange my stay at Chelinda Camp?
A: Yes, you will need to call in advance and arrange your stay at Chelinda Camp yourself. Most travelers prefer to camp at Chelinda as it is the most affordable option [20USD per night pp]. However, there are also self-catering cottages you can reserve as well.

Q: What are my transport options out of Chelinda Camp?
A: Unfortunately there are not a lot of cheap options for transport out of Nyika, as the road is pretty rough. Arranging a private hire is usually your best bet. Phone numbers of Mzuzu taxi drivers that we've worked with in the past are listed below [price is negotiable].
From Mzuzu...
Phillip: +265 993 530 701 / +265 888 369 938
Frank: +265 999 579 120 / +265 887 305 985
From Livingstonia
James: +265 884 275 753

Q: Can we hike back to Mushroom Farm from Chelinda Camp instead of getting transport out?
A: Absolutely. Guides can be flexible to your interests. If you don't want to to hire transport out of the park, you can also foot back to Mushroom Farm. Fees for guides and porters [above] will be doubled to include the return journey.

Q: Can I hike in the reverse direction, from Chelinda Camp to Mushroom Farm?
A: Yes, if you wish to hike down the plateau instead, you are most welcome. We are also willing to help you arrange a guide if you'd rather hike in this direction.

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