Breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding Malawi’s charming former capital city

With its cool climate and stunning scenery, Zomba offers a peaceful escape for relaxation, admiring the landscape, or exciting outdoor adventures.

Once Malawi’s capital, Zomba Town lies at the base of the striking Zomba Plateau - a massive, rocky highland rising to over 2,000 metres at its highest points. Perched in the Shire Highlands, the town enjoys a pleasantly cool climate and is surrounded by rich, diverse vegetation. Towering cedar, pine, and cypress forests blanket the plateau, offering shady trails ideal for walking and escaping the heat of the lowlands.

The Zomba Plateau is a true natural playground. Crisscrossed with streams, waterfalls, and quiet lakes, it’s perfect for those looking to explore on foot, horseback, or by mountain bike. For less active visitors, many of the plateau’s dramatic viewpoints - including Emperor’s View and Queen’s View - can be reached by 4x4 along well-maintained mountain tracks. These vantage points offer sweeping panoramas over the surrounding countryside and, on clear days, all the way to Lake Chilwa.

Zomba’s charm also extends to its pleasant streets and the welcoming atmosphere of its local markets and cafes. The main tarred road leading up to the plateau makes it one of Malawi’s most accessible highland destinations.

Whether you’re in search of scenic adventure or simply a quiet escape, Zomba offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cool mountain air, and relaxed charm - all set against a backdrop that feels worlds away from the bustle of everyday life.