You know that moment when you stop, look around, and think, “How on earth did I end up here?” That was us, halfway up a mountain, clinging to a rock, wondering if a diet of peanut butter could save us!
What started as a simple dream, of getting more people to visit Malawi and see the incredible work that Open Arms does, escalated into a full-blown charity challenge. It obviously needed to be a real challenge to inspire and connect people and so the ‘unreachable peak’ of Sapitwa seemed the perfect choice – or so we thought!
Adventure awaits
After an incredible day with Open Arms visiting families and seeing the community work they do, we arrived in Mulanje in the dark. Waking up the next day to the mountain’s beauty and enormity was unreal and completely mesmerizing. The morning was chilly but sunny, perfect hiking weather.
There was a buzz of nervous excitement at breakfast as everyone tried to figure out what exactly counted as ‘fuel’. Sausage sandwiches, banana and peanut butter combos, along with a caffeine-fuelled scramble for warm drinks set the tone. This was not your average Sunday stroll, but the group were in high spirits.
After a million toilet trips and water bottle refills, a brief and a stretch, we were off. Just as we started, we met a school group who looked at us with a mix of horror and pity when we told them we were heading for the highest peak. “Don’t do it. It’s awful.” they reported. Innocently, we smiled politely and ignored them.
Into the wild
The trail started gently, winding through lush greenery and sandy paths. The views opened up quickly, revealing the vast beauty of Mulanje. Our guides were fountains of knowledge, sharing stories about the mountain and local communities.
As we climbed, we passed many women and children descending with enormous stacks of firewood balanced on their heads, often barefoot and always with a smile. Their strength and resilience were incredible. We stepped aside in awe, feeling rather silly with our small back packs and energy bars.
After about four hours, we reached the plateau for a well-earned lunch (yes, more peanut butter and bananas) and a wild wee stop that required some creative use of the shrubbery.
Then came the second leg to Chisepo Hut. This was sold as ‘an undulating stretch’ that turned out to be more up and down and up again and again. But the views were absolutely stunning and worth every step. Peaks surrounded us, streams sparkled and the blue sky stretched endlessly above.
Cosy chaos
We arrived at Chisepo hut as the sun dipped below the horizon and were met with a scene of organised chaos, bags everywhere, groups coming and going, and an initial concern of space. With temperatures dropping fast, we channelled our inner Tetris skills and somehow squeezed 27 people into a hut built for 15. Cosy is one way to put it and we were suddenly no longer worried about being cold!
Dinner was a delicious chilli with rice and veg, followed by a group cuddle disguised as sleeping arrangements. Midnight toilet trips were... a bonding experience, let’s say.
Summit day
We were up at 4:30am, chasing hot water like it was gold dust. Breakfast featured the now iconic and familiar ritual of peanut butter and bananas, and then we were off. Today was the day!!
Confidence was high but we were straight into a steep climb that quickly turned into full on monkey crawling for hours. We scrambled over rocks, hauled ourselves up ledges, and clung to anything that would hold. Hands, feet, knees, whatever it took to not fall off that rock. The path was barely a path at all, just a suggestion of direction but the guides were incredible.
Every now and again a little voice optimistically asked, “Is that one the peak?” desperation rising each time, but the answer was always a soul crushing “No.” And no matter how far we’d walked climbed and stumbled for we were told “two more hours”. At this point, the climb felt endless. But the terrain changed from rock faces to boulders, ropes, caves, and even a magical woodland, like something from a film. It was the most amazing natural obstacle course, designed just for us!
We were tested in every way. As well as the huge physical challenge, we each faced our own personal challenges along the way, heights, endurance, stamina, strength, balance, energy highs and lows, were all pushed way beyond any level of comfort.
But the views continued to be breath taking. We were above the clouds, looking down on other peaks like they were stones in the snow. It felt like we were climbing a mountain on top of a mountain and walking to the edge of the world.
Eventually, miraculously, suddenly, we saw it – the unreachable peak!
We pushed on relentlessly and after what seemed like an eternity we skirted around the edge of a rock and we were at the summit! Cue hugs, photos, tears, smiles and, of course, peanut butter sandwiches.
It was an unbelievable feeling and beneath the brilliant blue sky we all felt on top of the world – well Malawi!
There was a quiet moment of awe and reflection, followed by a very quick realisation that we were all freezing, and we needed to get down pronto!
A steep decent
The way down was steep and slow but back at the hut, we were greeted with chicken, chips, sweet tea, and yes, more peanut butter for a late lunch. After a quick rest and a change, we set off again on a five hour hike to the second hut. This was done mostly in the dark by head torch.
The trail was a mix of sandy paths and rocky climbs, but with the stars and sunset as a jaw dropping backdrop, it was peaceful, surreal, and again totally magical. We walked in single file on narrow paths, slipping occasionally, but determined to reach our final stop.
And then, we saw it … lights, fire, hot drinks and beer!!! This hut we had to ourselves, so within no time there was music playing, a hot meal ready and traditional dancing from the porters. There was space to stretch out, warm up, and reflect on just how far we had come.
Down to earth
The next morning, we set off on our final leg. Legs were tired, the decent was steep again, but spirits were high. The path led us through forested trails, across streams and rivers and down toward Likhubula Falls a real hidden gem.
The water was ice cold but irresistible and some brave souls took a dip, while others soaked their feet and enjoyed the final views of the mountain. It was the perfect way to end an incredible journey, refreshing, grounding, and a still a little surreal. We sat by the water, sharing snacks, which were becoming more and more random as the peanut butter was finished.
The final couple of hours took us back down to where we had started only three days before and all of a sudden it was done. Challenge complete! Everyone was stunned to finally be back at the original lodge, we had all been somehow changed by this immense experience and returning to the real world felt strange.
Final thoughts
Climbing Sapitwa was a journey of connection, resilience, and so much more. This group was nothing short of extraordinary from the very start of their fundraising efforts, through to seeing the work that they are supporting, to completing this epic challenge.
We supported and encouraged each other through every step and tackled everything as a team. We raised over £32,000 for children in Malawi, built lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories, we laughed, we cried, we sang, we crawled, we jumped, we shared snacks and life chats, and we saw Malawi and each other in a whole new light!
If you’ve ever thought about visiting Malawi, do it!!! We have a number of trip options so contact us to find out more. And if you’re looking for a challenge that will test your legs, lungs, and love of peanut butter, Sapitwa is calling you! We are now taking expressions of interest for our next trip which will run in June 2027 and would love for you to join us.
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