Malawi’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth in 2026 after Highlands’s tourism recorded a strong 2025, following Mount Mulanje’s Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Last Year.
As a premier biodiversity hotspot and cultural landscape in the heart of Malawi’s highlands, Mount Mulanje is home to superb scenery, dramatic escarpments, red soils, abundant wildlife and an iconic freshwater lake which covers most of the country.
Its new status is accelerating investment in sustainable tourism, including the development of new trekking trails, community - based initiatives, and conservation efforts, reinforcing the highlands’ appeal as a top African destination.
Mount Mulanje or Massif Mulanje, a massive syenite and granite inselberg in southern Malawi, is the highest peak in south - central Africa, rising abruptly 3.000 metres above the plains, is known as the “Island in the Sky”, it features over 20 peaks including the 3.002 Sapitwa peak, forested ravines, waterfalls, and unique cedar forests.
Covering a 650 square kilometres area, the massif features steep rocky sides, high - altitude plateaus , and rolling grasslands, and its acts as a massive watershed with numerous streams, among them the Lichenya River, and this massif is a major draw for hiking, rock climbing, and adventure tourism.
Rising sharply from the surrounding plains of Phalombe and the Mulanje district, it forms part of a proposed ecoregion, to be called the South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA).
Revered as a sacred site by local communities such as Yao, Lhomwe, and Mang’anja, it is believed to be inhabited by spirits, and in addition the area also boasts a rich history of tea farming at the mountain’s base.
Taking advantage of this tourism growth and the designation of Mount Mulanje as a UNESCO World Heritage site, local operators have expanded trails and adventure products, strengthened community partnerships, improving access and visitor experiences across key mountain areas.
At Mulanje Mount, Africa Wild Truck introduced solar power, trained in - house guides and created sustainability teams, with 2026 plans for new itineraries and a logisitic and reservations office.
Trek Mulanje broadened guided hikes with village links and airport transfers and will launch a Mulanje – Zomba Highlands Adventure, alongside eco - camping and education support.
In the Viphya Highlands, Luwawa Forest Lodge upgraded the 74 kilometres Luwawa - Kachere Trail to a four - day trek Luwawa Experience, advanced reforestation, school programmes, as well as will add birding, cultural visits, and mountain biking itineraries, positioning the Malawi highlands and the Mulanje Mount for responsible, multi – day trekking demand with the aim to position this territory as a leading destiantion in the African continent.
Link
https://atta.travel/resource/malawi-highlands-set-for-growth-after-mulanje-gains-unesco-status.html
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