The Zomba Plateau

The Zomba Plateau, rising steeply above the charming old colonial capital of Zomba in southern Malawi, is a cool, green highland escape of great beauty. This forested tableland of pine and cedar woods, babbling streams, waterfalls and trout dams sits high above the hot plains, offering a refreshing change of climate and a network of walking and driving trails. Its glory is its dramatic escarpment viewpoints, with names like the Emperor's View and Queen's View, where the plateau falls away in sheer cliffs to reveal breathtaking panoramas over the plains, Lake Chilwa and, on a clear day, distant Mount Mulanje.

What you actually see

• The escarpment viewpoints - the Emperor's and Queen's Views.
• The forest trails - the walks through pine woods and streams.
• The waterfalls and dams - the cascades and trout dams.
• Old Zomba town - the charming former colonial capital below.

When to go

May to October, the cooler, drier season, for the clearest views and best walking conditions; the plateau is a refreshing cool retreat from the heat of the plains year-round, and its viewpoints are most spectacular on clear days. A lodge on the plateau allows a relaxed overnight amid the forest and views.

Honest expectations

It is a gentle, scenic highland retreat of forests, waterfalls and viewpoints rather than a dramatic wilderness or wildlife destination, so its appeal is cool air, easy walking and beautiful panoramas rather than adventure or big sights; some forest areas have suffered logging. As a lovely, refreshing escape with breathtaking escarpment views over southern Malawi, easily combined with nearby Mulanje and the lake, though, the Zomba Plateau is a delightful highland highlight.

Nearby

Mount Mulanje, the tea estates and Lake Malawi are within reach.