Rising above the expanse of Lake Malawi, Manchewe Falls stakes its claim as the highest waterfall in Malawi, calling hikers to engage with a raw and wild landscape just outside Livingstonia. The trail to Manchewe falls winds through dense forest patches where branches reach out like curious guides, shading the path and cooling the air. The river below dares you onward, its currents pushing forward, urging progress as you climb roughly 6 kilometers with an elevation gain of about 450 meters. Expect a mix of well-trodden dirt tracks and occasional rocky ledges, requiring steady footing but no technical climbing skills.

Each step draws you deeper into a vibrant ecosystem—bird calls punctuate the rhythm of your stride, and leaves shuffle softly underfoot. Arriving at Manchewe Falls, the full force of the waterfall asserts itself, water tumbling down in a raw vertical embrace nearly 60 meters high. From this vantage point, the lake stretches wide, its surface mirroring the sky’s changing moods. The surrounding forest holds its breath here, every leaf alive and attentive.

For those planning their adventure, timing is vital. Morning hikes provide cooler temperatures and clearer air, ideal for photography or quiet reflection near the falls. Bringing plenty of water is non-negotiable—the climb commands hydration as a companion. Footwear with strong grip serves well to navigate damp rocks and uneven ground, and layers help adjust to temperature shifts between shaded forest and exposed outlooks.

While this hike doesn’t require expert skills, the physical demand is real. Prepare for a moderate challenge and pace yourself against the trail’s steady incline. Along the way, you might spot vervet monkeys scanning the path, or wild coffee shrubs quietly thriving at the forest’s edge. The falls themselves are not just a spectacle but a reminder of nature’s relentless presence—fiercely alive and ever in motion.

Following the trail back, soak in the grins of successful hikers and the lingering scent of wet earth, carrying the memory of a Malawi adventure that blends practicality with the pulse of discovery. From the nearby town of Livingstonia, arrange local guides who know hidden curves and secret viewpoints, ensuring you don’t just see Manchewe Falls but truly encounter its landscape in full dimension.