Zomba Plateau

About this place

Zomba Plateau is a mountain of the Shire Highlands in southern Malawi, about 130 square km with a highest point of 2,087 metres. A paved road climbs it, making it the region's major tourist attraction, with cool air, pines and wide views, well suited to a full day out. It is made of igneous rock forced up 150 to 65 million years ago. The Zomba and Malosa forest reserves were set up in 1913. Most of it is now covered in Mexican pine planted for timber, with small patches of native forest. The deep Domasi Valley divides its two parts. Mulunguzi Dam opened in 2000 and supplies the city with water. You walk shady roads to calm Mulunguzi reservoir, with Williams Falls among the trees nearby. The rim looks over distant plains, and on clear days Blantyre and Mulanje show about 60 km away, with the Shire River to the west. Visitors come for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and fishing, and strawberries and berries are sold by the road. The plateau's mapped point is 7.3 km in a straight line north-west of Zomba city and 56.4 km north-east of Blantyre. Bring a layer, as the top is cooler than the city and rain may fall. Keep to the trails, do not walk alone in isolated forest, and keep valuables out of sight. Ask about the road after rain, and agree guide prices first.