Mount Mulanje Forest Reserve

An extraordinary biodiversity, the richest in Malawi

At 3,002 metres, Mount Mulanje is the highest massif in Malawi and one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in Central Africa. It is a sought-after destination for hiking enthusiasts, many of whom begin their day hikes and multi-day trekking expeditions.

The slopes of Mount Mulanje are often shrouded in mist, concealing its dramatic granite peaks. It is no coincidence that, in the Chichewa language, the mountain is also known as the Island in the Sky. Malawians regard it as a place of mystery, inhabited by spirits and surrounded by legends and folklore. Some even suggest that J. R. R. Tolkien drew inspiration from the mystery surrounding Mount Mulanje while writing The Lord of the Rings.

What is certain is that Mount Mulanje’s greatest wonder lies in its remarkable biodiversity, home to many unique and extraordinary species. More than 500 endemic plant species have been recorded here, including the famous Mulanje cedar, Malawi’s national tree, now threatened by increasing wildfires and the overexploitation of its timber. The mountain is also home to more than 60 mammal species, including baboons, antelopes and leopards, as well as numerous rodents, reptiles such as geckos and chameleons, and more than 230 butterfly species. Mount Mulanje is also recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA), with around 300 bird species recorded within the reserve.

To protect this exceptional natural heritage, the Mount Mulanje Forest Reserve was established in 1927. The reserve is surrounded by the lush green tea plantations for which the region is famous, among the earliest commercial tea plantations established in Africa during the late nineteenth century. Since 2025, Mount Mulanje has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.