Trip Preparation
Trips to Mulanje and other areas are organised by the Club for members and guests on many weekends throughout the year. MCM committee members and key keepers generally lead these, but all experienced members are encouraged to be leaders. Planned trips are advertised on the MCM web site, and for members in the club’s Newsletter and through email reminders.If you choose to join a trip, then you need to contact the leader at least a week in advance Depending on the number of participants, meals and transport could be shared. These organised outings are a great way for new members to build their confidence on new routes, to visit different huts and to make new friends.
If you decide that you would like to lead your own trip up Mulanje, then there are a number of aspects that you will need to attend to. The following hints will help you organise your trip.
Bookings – First, you must always book the hut that you wish to visit. This can be done by contacting infoMulanje on telephone 01 466 466, emailing infomulanje@mountmulanje.org.mw or going directly through the appropriate Department of Forestry office. Guides and porters can also be arranged at the same time.
Stores Key, Checklist & Sign-Out Sheet – The most vital thing to get before you leave for your trip is the MCM stores key! The checklist/sign-out sheet your key keeper will give you has been designed to remind you what to organise before, during and after your trip. The bottom half of this sheet should be completed together with the key keeper and remains with the deposit with him/her. The top half is yours to take with on your trip, to serve as a basic club trip recommendation checklist, not an exhaustive requirement of all the personal comforts you may need.
Hut Form – The key keeper should also supply you with a Stores Inventory and Payment form, the top half of which (Forestry and Club fees) should be completed before departure. Your party’s number or nights-up may change and these adjustments can be made once you return the key and finalise the fees payment. The bottom half of this form is a stores’ inventory table, which you should complete before leaving the hut.
Packing – The advantage of being a club member is that there is no need to carry cooking and other basic equipment. All huts have a locked store where all essential items are kept in good order for members to use. It is the responsibility of the trip leader to release items and ensure that everything is returned in a clean state. This system has operated effectively for many years due to the good faith and thoughtful consideration of all the members. Stores are maintained with the assistance of the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust. This does still require the diligence of members to complete the stores’ report section of the form so that MMCT receives our constant feedback. To ensure that the club stores are comprehensively stocked, please check with MMCT before you start your trip whether you can assist by taking up any items.
Food – Some members choose to leave surplus food in the stores so that a stock is available for emergency purposes. You should certainly not rely on food being available and if you leave behind any non-perishable food then please ensure it is sealed tightly as rats are a problem. The watchman would appreciate any remaining food that you are prepared to leave.