Malawi – Breathing heavily on Bunda Mountain

January 14

Hello everyone!

Much of Malawi is higher than some of the tallest points of the UK. The capital Lilongwe, where I live, is situated about 1100 metres above sea level – higher than any point in England or Wales. In spite of this, it can seem a bit flat…unless you venture outside city limits…

 

Bunda Mountain

The view from Bunda Mountain

  

Strange rock formations dot the horizon when driving through much of Malawi. One of the closer dome-shaped land masses is called Bunda, about a 30 minute drive south of the centre of Lilongwe.

The hill rises quite steeply to about 1,400 metres, making it stick out like a sore thumb. This makes it easy to see, and not too difficult to get to. Assuming you find the unmarked turning, of course…

Locals enjoying us getting ready for our climb

The ascent is only about 2 kilometres. It is, however, quite steep. The threat of rain covering the smooth rocks we were walking on was sufficient to make us climb 200 metres relatively quickly. 

Getting secure footing can be quite tricky
as the rocks are so smooth

Taking in the view with our 'guide', a teenager from the village below

  

The rocks themselves were fascinating. Many streaks of earthy colours shimmy down the granite rock of the mountain, almost mimicking the flow of water which was threatening to soak us from the moody clouds above.

The streaks add colour to the mountainside

Looking back down the mountain

  

Bunda is breathtaking in many ways. Literally, particularly if you try to run up parts of the occasionally precipitous hill face. Metaphorically, for the views.

It has quite a steep gradient in parts, almost 30'

Stunning views of Malawi's Central Region

  

With a full panorama it was noticeable that some areas are shorn of their natural environment: forest. A dam has been built and many areas have been razed for flatter farmland. It makes the eastern direction, which is seemingly filled with many varieties of tree, look special. I hope that area is protected.

Many trees...

Not so many trees...

  

We weren’t alone at the top. It appeared that people were living up here. Bunda is a spiritual site upon which people pray, often for rain. Traditional rain ceremonies occur here, though not when we scaled the mountain. Being exposed as most peaks are, I can’t imagine having to survive the wind and rain that must batter the top of the mountain in small stone ‘huts’, let alone walk up and down the mountain for supplies.

Internet picture of the abodes at the top

Though city life rarely gets overwhelming in a place like Lilongwe, it is always nice to breathe in the fresher air of the countryside. Bunda is a lovely, if lactic-inducing, hike which is easily completed in an afternoon.

Love you all

Matt