How Malawis Mulanje Mountain Is Rumoured To Have Inspired J.R.R. Tolkien

Standing at 9,849 feet (3,002m) tall, Malawi’s misty Mulanje Mountain, or Mulanje Massif, has been associated with countless myths that, apart from its beauty, makes it a popular tourist attraction. One such legend is that the British author J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired by the mysteries and wonders of the mountain. Here we take a look at the best things to discover on Mulanje, the mountain that has inspired legends.

Sapitwa peak

Popular folktales about people, including tourists, who have gotten lost on Mulanje mountain have been told for centuries. Most centre around the peak of the mountain known as ‘Sapitwa’, which is Chichewa for “no go zone”. Native Malawians believe that the place is inhabited by the spirits of their ancestors, who when angered can make a person disappear. Ironically, despite its frightening reputation, it remains the most popular climb on the plateau as the views from the peak are truly breathtaking.

Magical mountain waters

Dziwe la Nkhalamba dam on Mulanje Mountain

Recently there have been arguments between the locals in Mulanje district and the Blantyre Water Board (BWB). The locals sabotaged the board’s project plan to draw water from the mountain because they believe that the water source is a dwelling place for the spirits of their ancestors. Known as ‘Dziwe la Nkhalamba’ or “Pool of the elderly”, local chiefs and traditional leaders believed BWB would have angered the spirits if allowed to tap water from the pool.

The Lonely Mountain

J.R.R. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, but moved to England as a young child. It is widely believed the small forest town of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape of South Africa was the main source of inspiration for the landscape described in The Hobbit. While writing the novel, Tolkien was rumoured to have visited Malawi and climbed the famous Mulanje Mountain in 1930s. Mirkwood Forest may have been inspired by Hogsback and, if that’s the case, the Lonely Mountain was likely inspired by Mount Mulanje. Although the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, Adam Tolkien told The Washington Post that his grandfather rarely left British Isles, other writers still believe the myth.

Both mountains stand at similar heights of 9,850–11,500 feet (3,000–3,500m). The Lonely Mountain is described as being star-shaped with deep ridges. In a similar way, Mulanje Mountain rises sharply from the ground and has a number of peaks and deep ravines. Although it may be a tenuous link, the legend continues to inspire visitors to hike the mountain in Malawi to see for themselves if there really is any connection.

Today, with its variety of plants and animals, Mulanje Mountain is officially a forest reserve, which in 2014 was nominated for World Heritage Status. It is under the protection of Mountain Mountain Conservation Trust (MMCT).

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.