Malawi Triathlon – Bike, Hike, Kayak

LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT GROUP CHALLENGE?  GRAB A TEAM OF FRIENDS OR COLLEAGUES AND GET READY TO UNDERTAKE THIS FUN AND UNUSUAL TRIATHLON CHALLENGE IN BEAUTIFUL MALAWI.

** new for 2017 is the chance for solo travellers to join the challenge on certain dates!

Bike, hike and kayak your way through this remarkable and stunning region of Africa and experience everything it has to offer, from its beautiful scenery to fascinating culture. The triathlon challenge coincides with the highly respected Malawian music festival, ‘Lake of Stars’, which can be added to your itinerary.

This private group adventure is lead by experienced and trained guides. After arriving in Blantyre and spending a night getting to know your team your adventure starts bright and early with a stunning bike ride though 60km of lush tea estates. Cycling on a mostly dirt track with some small climbs and a few rough portions, beer and pizza are the rewards for finishing this long day.

The cycle is followed by 2 days trekking through Central Africa’s highest mountains. You’ll hike to the Mulanie Plateau, hiking 6-7 hours per day with visits to waterfalls and local community projects. Overnight at a mountain lodge you’ll enjoy home cooked campfire meals each night.

The final part of the triathlon is a 10km kayak adventure to a remote and deserted island in the middle of Lake Malawi. After arriving on the shores of your very own deserted island you can spend the day relaxing on the beach and enjoying the glorious scenary.

Private groups of 10-20 participants are invited to use this challenge to raise funds for charity of your own choosing or  a community project supported by the tour operator. There is one date in September where groups of 5 can take part by either joining up with other smaller groups or as a private group paying a small supplement towards the transport costs. Dedicating the adventure in this way raises it from a fantastic adventure holiday to an incredible and impactful experience.

Highlights:

• 60km Bike ride through the Tea Estates of Thyolo
• 2 day Hike on Mount Mulanje, Central Africa’s highest mountain
• 10km Kayak to an offshore Island in Southern Malawi
• Watching brilliant sunsets over the Malawian plateau
• Cycling through rolling tea fields
• Cooking around a campfire each night
• Visiting inspiring community projects supported by the organizers
• Relaxing in a hammock on Mumbo Island
• Reaching the Mulanaie Mountain plateau
• Dining on the shores of the Lake of Stars
• Sipping a gin and tonic during a relaxing sunset kayak around Mumbo Island
• Visiting the Lake of Stars music festival (optional add-on)

Enquire today to sign up for you or your team.

ITINERARY

Day 1:

Arrive Blantyre, Malawi and be met by your local driver/guide and transferred 30 minutes to your lodge. Settle in and have dinner with your group – and we’d advise an early night!

Day 2:

Wake early to begin the 60km bike ride before the heat reaches its peak. Cycle through the lush countryside of the tea estates with the magnificent Mount Mulanje drawing you on in the distance. The ride is mostly dirt track with a few sections of rough track and a number of small climbs. Arrive at the bottom of Mulanje and have a well-earned beer and pizza at a local restaurant before transfering to the lodge. Optional walk to a nearby waterfall.

Day 3:

Begin your hike up to the Mulanje Plateau joined by a local guide and porters for your 2 day Mulanje climb. You should be prepared for walks of up to 6-7 hrs on each day. The terrain is a mix between gentle forested slopes to steeper trails and peak climbs. Once you have reached the main plateau you will stay in a small mountain lodge with dinner around the campfire.

Day 4:

An optional peak climb before descending via lunch at the waterfalls.

Day 5:

Transfer to Zomba and visit the YODEP community project. Witness the inspirational work of local volunteers to help their communties through HIV support groups, village banking, and a community library.

Day 6:

Transfer to Cape Maclear and begin your 10km kayak to the shores of your own desterted island in 2-person kayaks. The trip will take 1-2hours and covers a stunning stretch of open water passing Thumbi Island.  Once you have arrived you can enjoy a sunset cruise around the island, gin and tonic in hand, and watch the African sea eagles catch their dinner.

Day 7:

Spend the day relaxing on your private beach, lounging in your hammock, snorking, swimming, kayaking (if you want more!), before a walk to Pod Rock for sundowner drinks.

Day 8:

Take the boat back to the mainland and transfer to Lilongwe for your flight home.

Day 9:

Arrive home with new inspiration, fond memories, and perhaps a few aches!

Activities:

• Cycling
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Scuba Diving
• Village Visit

*All dates are in-country and exclude UK Travel

2016

• Saturday 24th September – Saturday 1st October * This Challenge coincides with the Malawian music festival, Lake of Stars, which can be added-on to the itinerary post challenge*

• Friday 7 October – Sunday 16 October 2016
• Friday 21 October – Sunday 30 October 2016

2017

• Saturday 8 April – Saturday 15 April 2017
• Saturday 19 August – Saturday 26 August 2017
• Saturday 21 October –  Saturday 28 October 2017

All dates are in-country and exclude UK Travel

Estimated Cost: $2,000 per person

Group size:

This is an adventure for private groups looking to challenge themselves. You can take on this challenge to raise funds for charity – your own, or one of the community projects the company supports. You’ll need to get together a minimum of 10 people (max 20). However smaller groups wanting to take on the challenge, can field a team of 5 to take part in the September challenge alongside 3 other groups – adding that extra spark of competition to keep the legs going! Or for an additional charge to contribute towards the transport costs it is possible to join as a private group of 5 or more from £1,350 p.p.

** new for 2017 is the chance for solo travellers to join the challenge on certain dates! Ask for details.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

OPERATOR

We love this operator’s commitment to socially responsible and experiential travel. The family-run outfit work hard to ensure the benefits of tourism in Malawi reach local communities whether through the use of local small suppliers and accommodation providers, building links with local community projects or through their responsible employment and training of local staff and guides.

Their trips focus on enabling guests to engage with life, culture and people in Malawi whilst also enjoying spectacular scenery, taking part in adventure activities and staying in beautiful lodges.