Select a trail and try to stick close to the path (which can be covered with foliage during the rainy season). Some sections can be steep; wear appropriate footware. For some trails a local guide is advised.
Nkhoma is a one hour drive from Lilongwe. Head south down the M1 for 40 minutes until you get to the town of Khampata and you’ll see a turn-off to the left (east) with lots of notices at the intersection, including one to Nkhoma. Continue along this road for 20 minutes (14 kilometres) until you pass the Mission Hospital. Turn left on the first main road past the hospital, and then left again so that you are behind the hospital. Park near the CCAP Nkhoma Synod (church) to start the walk.
Nkhoma Mountain has two visible peaks: Nkhoma and Mbalambala. This formation earned it the local name Phiri La Mitu Iwiri meaning “the two-headed mountain”. Nkhoma Peak, considered the true summit, rises to 1743 m (5718 ft) above sea level, and this is the side where hiking and camping usually happens, when approaching the mountain from the south. If you are going hiking for the day, then best place to park is the Mission Hospital or the CCAP Church, and remember to tell guards to watch over your vehicle. Guards may or may not expect a tip (MWK1000 is adequate). If going camping for one or more nights, then park vehicle at the Synod Guest House, where you also have to check in with Mountain Hut Manager1 and get a pass to show guards at the Hut. The hiking trail is six kilometres (6 km) to the top (a total of 12 km roundtrip), with over 600 m elevation gain, and can start from the Mission Hospital, Church or Guest House. It starts with dirt road for about 20 minutes and then a trailhead goes up on the right (landmarks: a tree and cement pillar with some paint on it).The mountain Hut is 4 km up.
