Zomba

Located in Southern Malawi, roughly 284km south of its protégé, Lilongwe, lives Zomba, the retired capital of Malawi.

Zomba rests its weary body in the shade of a massive table-top mountain of the same name. This massif peaks at 2080 metres in some areas. The plateau is slightly sunken in the middle and rimmed by peaks and elevations.

Forests, streams, small waterfalls, and rapids carve in and out of this area as if they were chasing one another in a game of tag. This is the unrestrained beauty of the Zomba Plateau; a compulsory destination for anyone visiting Malawi, or, at least, it ought to be.

Zomba served as the capital of Malawi from 1891 to 1975 and its colonial heritage is pervasive. There are well maintained botanical gardens, and the university and parliament buildings offer a charming mix of the old and modern. There is a decent colonial hotel in town which served as the former residence of Harry Johnston - the first commissioner of the British Central African protectorate.

There are shops along the Namiwawa road and Zomba's market is considered the friendliest in Malawi, which is saying something. The town also has a bank, post office, supermarkets and a few petrol stations.

Most visitors to the area chose to stay on the plateau. Atop which, balancing a little boastfully on the edge of things, is the lovely Le Méridien Ku Chawe. This forest lodge is remarkably located, and the terrace offers views almost equal to the various viewing points on the plateau. This place makes for, perhaps, the most impressive 'good morning Malawi'.

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