Mzimba: Discover the Plains, Mountains and Forests

Mzimba combines a central plain with mountain landscapes and forests. The Mzimba Plain occupies the central part of the district and is drained by the South Rukuru and its tributaries. The Viphya Mountains stretch across the south and east. When looking for a holiday rental in Mzimba, these landscape themes can provide a starting point: consider whether you would like to focus your trip mainly on the plain, mountains or forests.

Plain, Rivers and Border

The district’s western boundary follows the border between Malawi and Zambia. There, a low watershed separates the South Rukuru catchment from the Zambian Luangwa catchment. This means that two catchments face one another on the western side. Together with the central Mzimba Plain, this boundary gives an idea of the district’s geographical layout: the plain and its river system shape the central part, while another natural dividing line lies along the western border.

Mountains, Forests and Nature on the Outskirts

The Viphya Mountains extend through the southern and eastern parts of the district. Mzimba’s forests also include Chikangawa Forest and Luwawa Forest. This gives you both a mountain range and two named forest areas to consider when exploring the landscape. As you sort out your travel interests, these different points of reference may help: would you rather focus on the mountain landscape or on one of the forests?

Mzuzu Nature Sanctuary offers a different setting: it features a natural evergreen forest on the outskirts of Mzuzu. Forests are therefore not only a landscape theme across the district, but are also found in an urban-edge setting. For nature lovers, this distinction is a useful addition to the names Chikangawa Forest and Luwawa Forest.

When choosing a holiday rental destination, you can weigh these themes alongside one another rather than treating a single landscape as representative of the entire district. The central plain, the Viphya Mountains in the south and east, the forests in Mzimba and the evergreen forest on the outskirts of Mzuzu are distinct geographical points of reference for planning the rest of your trip.

More to Explore in the Northern Region

The wider destination of the Northern Region offers other nature and cultural themes in addition to its landscapes. On Likoma Island stands St Peters Cathedral, the principal church of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Malawi. Its island location and church role give it a distinct place in the regional picture.

Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve is associated with wildlife viewing by 4x4 and on foot. Janda Hill is described as Malawi’s second-highest point and is one of the activities associated with the reserve. The Northern Region’s range of themes therefore extends from wildlife viewing to a notable high point.

Nyika National Park is home to 85 mammal species and more than 420 bird species. These numbers may change as new surveys are conducted and classifications are revised. The park’s activities also include trout fishing in three reservoirs and most of the rivers within the park, as well as trekking on the trail from Chelinda to Livingstonia Mission. These nature and activity themes highlight different aspects of the wider destination.

History and architecture also shape the Northern Region: the history of Livingstonia Mission dates back to 1894. The museum in Stone House tells the story of the European arrival in Malawi and the first missionaries. Stone House was formerly the home of Dr Robert Laws and is a national monument. These historical connections provide a distinct contrast to the region’s landscape and wildlife-viewing themes.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mzuzu, Nkhata Bay.

Back to the main travel overview: Northern Region.