Zomba Plateau
Hiking in Heaven

© View toward Zomba Plateau
Offering relaxed hikes through lush forested areas, incredible panoramic views and great bird-watching opportunities, the Zomba Plateau is a fantastic destination for outdoor and nature enthusiasts.

Climate

Located in the Shire Highlands in southern Malawi, just 2 hours from Blantyre, the Zomba Plateau rises to a height of 1 800metres (6 000 feet). The plateau is covered in a dense forest of Cedar, Pine and Cypress trees and is dotted with waterfalls and streams that criss-cross over the top of it providing ample water for the lush vegetation.A hike to the top of the plateau is a popular tourist activity for visitors to the city of Zomba, located at the base of the plateau. Hikers and visitors to the plateau can hire a local guide boy for the day.These guides are highly knowledgeable of the area and will happily point of the stream and waterfalls and take you to some of the best viewpoints. Alternatively there are driveable paths up and round the top of the plateau for those wanting to visit without having to do the physical climb.

Spectacular Views

The views from the top of the plateau are absolutely magnificent. From the top of the plateau one can enjoy spectacular views of Lake Chilwa in the north and Mount Mulanje in the southeast. The Shire River can also be seen to the west.

Staying Over

Visitors wanting to spend some time on the plateau can choose to stay in the luxury hotal at the edge of the mountain where fly-fishing, camping and horse riding is available.The lush forests of the plateau are filled with fruits and, with some guidance, visitors can enjoy some of the bounty - be careful what you consume though as some of the fruit may be poisonous.

Wildlife and Vegetation

There are a number of species of African wildlife found on the plateau including Leopard; although sightings of these stealthy animals are rare. Baboons are commonly sighted and the birdlife includes Augar Buzzards and Long-crested Eagles.
by Katie Edge

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