The Mulanje Massif, also known as Mount Mulanje, is a large monadnock in southern Malawi only 65 km east of Blantyre, rising sharply from the surrounding plains of Phalombe, and the tea-growing Mulanje district.
It measures approximately 22×26 kilometres (13×16 miles) and has the highest peak in Malawi, at a maximum elevation of 3,002m – the Sapitwa.
Much of the Massif consists of rolling grassland at elevations of 1800–2200m, intersected by deep forested ravines. It has many individual peaks reaching heights of over 2500m, including Chambe Peak, the West Face of which is the longest rock climb in Africa.
History says that the Massif was formed by the intrusion of magma into the Earth’s crust about 130 million years ago. The surrounding rock eroded away over time, leaving behind the erosion-resistant igneous rock of the Mulanje Massif.
Archeological investigation reveals evidence of human visits to the Massif from the stone age onwards. The elevation of the mountain is high enough for it to disturb upper level air flow and induce rain clouds to form around it, making it an important source of rain water at the head of almost every river that runs through this part of Malawi.
At the foot of Mount Mulanje, and an estimated 12kms from two of the most popular attractions in Mulanje; the Likhubula Falls and the Dziwe la Nkhalamba natural pool – is a lovely place called Kara O’ Mula.
The last time I visited Kara’O’Mula must have been nearly 10 years ago. My father is much a travel enthusiast, much like myself – and he always took my family and I to different places when we were younger. I remember being very fascinated by the name of the place. My father explained to me that Kara O’ Mula originated from the names of the homes of the two owners of the place, Karonga and Mulanje, to make Karo A’ Mula, but “Kara O’ Mula” just rolls off the tongue much easier. I do not know about the factuality of these stipulations, but who doesn’t love a good daddy story.
Kara O’ Mula, now to be known as “Sunbird Kara O’ Mula”, is currently undergoing an extensive product upgrade to enhance its ambience and guest experience.
It would not be fair to you, to not bring to you my 10 things to love about Kara’O’Mula, and top of the list is the:
1. The Drive up to Mulanje
I decided to take my family with me this time around, when I found out that the place had been taken over by Sunbird!
I am not much for divulging personal information, but I really do not do much without the people I love. If I go anywhere, I am with either of these two, and we are always determined to have a good time.
This was the first time I made effort to spend time with the both of them together, and we really enjoyed the drive up to Mulanje as we listened to Jimmy D. Psalmist on a Sabbath.
We started off from Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in the morning, and enjoyed a smooth drive through the tea estates. We all had forgotten how to get to Mulanje; and google maps, as always, came to the rescue.
I noted that there were two ways to get to Mulanje – one via the scenic rolling green tea fields and natural woods through the Thyolo road; and the second via the 19km shorter Robert Mugabe Highway. We opted for the Robert Mugabe Highway as it was the more direct route; and I asked both Dave and Charmie to trust me. Google maps really had my back, till we got to Mulanje. When it came to the time to locate the turn to Kara O’ Mula, we were on our own.
Charmie spotted the sign just in time for us to make a quick turn, and we started our short drive up the mountain.
Sunbird Kara O’ Mula is an eco-tourism lodge located at the foot of Mulanje Mountain in the southern region offering a relaxing and adventurous experience to business and leisure travellers.
It was built from a 1905 renovated colonial building that was the residence of the district commissioner. The property boasts of 27 accommodation rooms, a conference facility, swimming pool, children’s playground, restaurant and bar.
2. The River Park
I found a hidden gem I did not know of just about 300ms behind the lodge, and was really amused at the fact that most people do not seem to know about it.
I am a sucker for nature. I was truly exhausted on this trip, and did not feel like doing any extra activities. I was however told about the river park, and I remember thinking to myself “why the hell not?”
The Lodge recommended a tour guide for us, and we started walking up to the park. There is a sign just before you enter the park, and I would recommend that you read it before you enter the park – y’know just to be safe.
I was really impressed with the view all around me. It reminded me of the William’s Falls on Zomba Mountain. My brain is yet to decide which of the two is bigger, but both are most definitely scenic!
3. The Accommodation.
The lodge has 27 accommodation rooms ranging from single bed, double bed, to family rooms. 7 of these are corridor rooms within the colonial building. The rest are the more spacious chalets spread out in various locations within a few meters of each other with vantage views of the great Mulanje Mountain, the surrounding tea estates, the Thyolo Highlands and mountains across the border with Mozambique.
4. The Tree House Rooms
I like standard rooms, but I am even more intrigued when a tourist attraction site goes the extra mile to give you something different, and that is what these guys did.
Kara O’ Mula is blessed with plenty trees (It is on a mountain, right?) and the manager worked on some tree house rooms which were built around some beautiful trees. You basically have trees growing inside your room – and if that is not an adventure, I do not know what is.
5. The Hospitality
The staff were extremely hospitable,assisting us to whatever we needed around the place, till we left. You should totally hang with the barmen at the poolside area. Such friendly guys!
The manager was my favorite, as he was very hands on and pretty available for the day to day running of the lodge.
6. Swimming Pool
If you know me, you know I will not travel to a place with water and not attempt to swim. The swimming pool is located to the far left of the lodge, just before the River Park. It is spacious enough, and quite secluded in case you are looking to have some private time.
7. The Restaurant
The restaurant boasts of a variety a la carte menu prepared by chefs who understand the art of cuisine. Choices range from English, Portuguese, Malawian and selected Italian foods for visitors. Food can either be enjoyed in the indoor restaurant or coupled with magnificent views of Mulanje in the outdoor terrace area.
Of course I had to try out the food. I cannot yet remember what we ordered, but I do know it was delicious. We asked the staff to have it delivered to the poolside.
8. The Bar
Draaaanks! We are fans of a good time, and will always try out what the barman has to recommend. Kara O’ Mula has two bars, one to the far right of the place, and the other on the far left, at the poolside.
Dave and Charmie were busy by the poolside bar asking the staff there what they coud do with Jack Daniels. I am not much of an alcoholic, but was pretty impressed with the mixes they could pull off.
The bar on the right side has large windows that offer a view of the surroundings while enjoying drinks under the protection of age-old mibawa trees.
9. Conference Facilities
Kara O’ Mula is not all leisure. It also offers business facilities.
The conference room comfortably sits 50 people and overlooks the swimming pool area. It has quiet surroundings, and purpose built facilities for all kinds of meetings, events and conferences. The quiet surroundings and naturally serene environment makes a great location for team building and strategic meetings with little disturbances.
10. The Mountain Excurcions
One thing I wish I had enough time to experience was more mountain activities and excurcions. There are trailwalks that you can take to fully experience the beauty that the Mulanje Massif has to offer.
EXTRA SERVICES OFFERED:
| 24-hour Concierge service 24-hour room service Laundry/Dry cleaning Free open car parking Designated non-smoking rooms Business centre | Baby sitter (prior arrangement) Swimming Pool In-room mini bar Gift shop Room safes Wi-Fi |
CONTACT DETAILS
The General Manager,
Sunbird Kara O’ Mula,
P.O. Box,
Mulanje
Tel +265 (0)
Fax +265 (0)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sunbirdmalawi.com
I had fun exploring Mount Mulanje after a good 10 years. I am smitten by Kara O’ Mula, and I hope to go back soon. Have fun travelling!
All my love,
Ntha
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