Landscape between the Plain and the Watershed

The Mzimba Plain occupies the central part of the district and is drained by the South Rukuru and its tributaries. The Viphya Mountains extend across the southern and eastern parts of the district. The plain, river system and highlands therefore give Mzimba several distinct landscape features. If you are looking for accommodation in Mzimba, you can first consider whether river landscapes, mountains or forest locations best match your interests. This lets you choose destinations based on specific landscape themes.

The border between Malawi and Zambia runs along the district’s western edge. There, a low watershed separates the South Rukuru catchment from the Zambian Luangwa catchment. This geographical context adds another feature to the picture of the plain and mountains: Mzimba’s position between two catchments.

Forest Locations and Janda Hill

Mzuzu Nature Sanctuary offers a natural evergreen forest on the outskirts of Mzuzu. Mzuzu City is located within Mzimba District. Chikangawa Forest and Luwawa Forest are also among the forests in Mzimba. The Sanctuary’s evergreen forest on the outskirts and two other forest locations in the district thus offer different ways to experience nature.

Janda Hill is also one of the activities offered at Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve and is described as Malawi’s second-highest point. This ranking may change if elevation measurements or rankings are revised. This adds a named high point to the landscape and forest themes.

Additional Themes in the Wider Northern Region Destination

The wider Northern Region destination offers other nature-related themes. Nyika National Park is said to be home to 85 mammal species and more than 420 bird species; these figures may change as new surveys or classifications are made. Activities in Nyika National Park include trout fishing in three dams and most rivers within the park, as well as trekking along the trail from Chelinda to Livingstonia Mission. Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve offers wildlife viewing by vehicle and on foot. In the Northern Region, wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking complement Mzimba’s landscape and forest themes.

The history and culture of the wider Northern Region also offer their own points of interest. The history of Livingstonia Mission dates back to 1894. The museum in the Stone House tells the story of the arrival of Europeans in Malawi and the first missionaries. The Stone House was the former home of Dr Robert Laws and is a national monument. On Likoma Island, St Peters Cathedral is the principal church of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Malawi. Visitors can therefore choose from different areas of interest, including nature, mission history and church architecture.

Discover more destinations: Mzuzu, Nkhata Bay.

Return to the wider travel overview: Northern Region.