MOUNT MULANJE CABLE CA

TOURISM

Information

Project description

The objective of the Integrated Cable Car Resort project is to develop a world-class tourism destination on Mulanje Mountain in order to enhance the tourism offering in South Malawi. Mulanje Mountain being an integral part of the landscape and existing tourism activities inspire to link the top and bottom of the mountain to expand the accessibility for tourists. The cable car resort project stands out as one of the few cable car projects in the region, comparable only to South Africa's Table Mountain and Hartebeespoort Cable Car.

The Integrated Cable Car Resort falls under the Mulanje-Blantyre-Chiradzulu-Thyolo-Phalombe node. The node covers the districts of Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Mulanje and Phalombe and is home to several tourism assets including the Tea estates of Thyolo, the historic and cultural heritage of Blantyre and Chiradzulu, and the Mulanje Massif commonly known as the ‘Island in the sky’.

Mount Mulanje, central Africa's highest peak (3,050 meters), boasts the continent's longest rock climb (1,700 meters). This majestic 650 square kilometer granite inselberg rises dramatically above the Phalombe Plains, southeast of Blantyre. The mountain features, a rolling grassland plateau, thickly wooded ravines, and 20 peaks exceeding 2,500 meters, including Sapitwa, central Africa's highest point (3,002 meters above sea level). The Mulanje Mountain area, soon to be designated a World Heritage Site, harbors over 500 unique species of fauna and flora found nowhere else, including Mulanje Chameleon (Nadzikambia mlanjensis), Mulanje River Frog (Amietia johnstoni), Mulanje Cedar tree (Widdringtonia whytei). This massif also holds significant cultural heritage and archaeological sites dating back to the 14th century, shrouded in myth.

During the mid-20th century, a two-cable cargo system was built on Mulanje Mountain's western slopes, near the forest station. Cedar trees harvested at the summit were transported to the base station via cable trolleys. Remnants of the old cableway, known as the Skyline, still exist.

The project is comprised of three parts, cable way development, basecamp ecolodge, and mountain inn.

Cable way development - it is proposed that the new cable car installation follows the same route. A Base Station will be constructed on the site of the old cable base, while the Top station will also use the old site. The cableway will be built with one span thereby, negating unsightly pylons on the face of the mountain. The Integrated Cable Car Resort (ICCR) will consist of a Health and Wellness Centre, restaurant, and activity desks at the base station. A 16-room eco-lodge will be provided close by, while a 30-room Mountain Inn is proposed at the top station. The access to this development will be on the eastern slopes of the mountain, past Likhubula Forest station.

Basecamp, Ecolodge and Information centre - The bottom of the mountain will have a cable car that will take visitors to a suitable spot on top of Mulanje Mountain, Information Centre hinting at the wonders of Mulanje Mountain’s geology. There will be a secure shaded parking for 20 cars and 4 coaches at the Likhubula Forest Station for day and overnight visitors. The Centre, containing 4 treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool, gym, administration offices and reception, as well as change rooms and toilets. Including a16 roomed Eco-lodge (32-bed facility) within walking distance of the base station and other amenities.

Mountain Inn with restaurant - On top of the mountain, a cafeteria/restaurant seating 60 people, an Interpretation Centre with display area, storage, workshop area, public toilets, administration, and reception. Curio and craft stalls could be part of or close to the museum. Activity desks and local guides will also be accommodated here. A 30 room Mountain Inn (approx.40-60 beds), with fireplaces in each room, offering guests a high-altitude holiday. Visitors will all gain access via cable car, while local transport can take guests to other destinations on top of the mountain. Entertainment and sports activities need to be provided. A phased development starting with 20 rooms is recommended.

Financial requirements

The estimated total project cost is EUR45.71 Million (US$49.98 Million)

Financial feasibility

To be determined

Proposed investment model

This project will be delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the successful bidder executing a long-term concession agreement with the Government for the development, operation, and maintenance of the project within the Mulanje Forest Reserve.

Contacts

The Secretary for Tourism

Private Bag 326

Lilongwe

Malawi

Noah Nansongole - Deputy Director of Tourism: