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
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]
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
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

multi-day trek to nyika plateau

For travelers looking for a longer adventure, Mushroom Farm works with local rangers/guides to organize a multi-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: 2 days - 4 days [night at Chelinda - booked separately]
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

For more information about the Nyika Trek please download the PDF below.

nyika_trek_updated_april_2025.pdf
File Size:	3774 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

multi-day trek to usisya bay

Another option for a multi-day trek is hiking with one of our local guiders from Mlowe to Usisya Bay, along the northern lakeshore of Malawi. From Mushroom Farm you'll take motorbike to Mlowe, and begin your journey there on foot. This trek can be done quickly, or over the course of a week depending how quickly you'd like to hike. Your first nights will be spent camping in rural communities only reachable by foot or boat. You will hike alongside unforgettable beaches, stunning bays and cliffsides, and crystal-clear water. This trek is mostly flat with the exception of a few scattered hills. The trail has some tall forest portions which provide great cover from the sun, but otherwise is exposed and can be hot, especially during the October-December Months. Your final nights of the trek can be spent at Zulukhuni River Lodge and Usisya Bay Eco-Camp, two of our favorite places in Malawi.

Length: 3 days - 4 days [accommodation at Zulunkhuni River Lodge and Usisya Bay Eco-Camp booked separately]
Difficulty: Moderate

For more information about the Livingstonia to Mlowe Trek please download the PDF below.

usisya_hike_updated_april_2025.pdf
File Size:	3558 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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