Rushing streams criss-cross the Zomba Plateau, forming waterfalls, lakes and trout dams, and providing sustenance to the vast plantations of pine and cedar that are in many ways Zomba’s defining feature (Zomba was originally established in 1913 as Malawi’s first forest reserve). Elsewhere the plateau is dotted with pockets of indigenous montane forest.
Also criss-crossing the top of the Zomba Plateau is a network of tracks, allowing for easy exploration on foot and by 4x4, as well as access to the best viewpoints, such as the Queen’s View and William’s Falls.
In and around the Zomba Plateau, Malawi
The Zomba Plateau is a wonderful location for a variety of outdoor activities, with several walking trails to explore, as well as opportunities for mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and rock-climbing, making it popular with day trippers from Blantyre. Though there is little in the way of big game – Zomba is not a safari destination – those with an interest in butterflies and birdlife will find it particularly rewarding, with giant butterflies and several birds of prey (including augur buzzards and long-crested eagles) to be found.
On a clear day the views from the top of Zomba are fantastic and stretch as far as Liwonde National Park, the Shire River Valley and the impressive Mount Mulanje.
Zomba can be used as a base for exploring the surrounding region. From Zomba Plateau, it is a short drive to Liwonde National Park (1½ hours), the southern shores of Lake Malawi (1½ hours), and Zomba town (30 mins).
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