MALAWIS’ COMPLETE FUN PACKED ITENERERY MUST ALWAYS HAVE “ZOMBA PLATEAU” ON IT
published in the Kenyan online Magazine-AFRIKAN MBIU
published in the Kenyan online Magazine-AFRIKAN MBIU
Malawi was named one of the top 10 places to go in 2014 by Lonely Planet, Takulandilani! it’s a common phrase that you will hear in all corners of Malawi which means ‘welcome’.Internantional visitors will always ask the natives about Lake Malawi be it online, telephone and face to face.It seems Malawi as a country has marketed the lake than other places of interest or is it because the Lakeshore has a lot of conference centres thereby flirting with the eye of the international guest is inevitable. Lake Malawi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is popularly known lake of stars and prides itself with huge number of fish species in world. Golden beaches of Lake Malawi makes it one of the best places to never miss on your list of itenerery and destination to visit in your lifetime .
While lake Malawi remains a UNESCO World heritage site.However,Zomba plateau will remain the one of the top places where the ‘high life ‘will be experienced.Some call this plateau a place an inch away from heaven. Zomba Plateau is two and Half hours away from Blantyre the commercial city, The Plateau measures 130km2 touching an altitude of 2,087m and plateau reaching up to 1200m. A number of rivers and streams meander across it that’s what defines it as a premier destination so far with Sunbird Ku Chawe as an upmarket accommodation outlet belonging to Sunbird Tourism hotel chain in Malawi.
The indigenous green forest and the Pine tree planted by the Forestry department makes it one of a rare tourist attraction in Malawi and Africa as a whole.A colourful of birds make home in this plateau and those that take bird watching seriously get to rediscover this art with bliss.A variety of animal species and butterflies also make part of this eco-tourism mecca. Seasonal wild fresh fruits are everywhere in the forest.While going up ,nowadays motorists should be mindful of the hairpin corners that I personally counted to be up to 40 and more and steep slopes that characterize a better part of the 10km distance from the foot of the mountain to the top where accommodation is readily available for those that opt for self catering and an eye on their budget.
Mulunguzi dam which was constructed by the Ministry of Water development and Irrigation alleviated the short supply of water in the district. This big body of chilled water keeps trout fish that is also available at a near by Trout Farm where people can lodge and pick it as a choice at dinner or lunch on its menu.
Part of the Mulunguzi dam in the rainy season
If you have love for trail walking then you have several options to your advantage to choose from: To Trout Farm via Mulunguzi Dam and Mandala Falls. A pleasant walk through indigenous evergreen forest beside the stream, Part of this walk forms the Mulunguzi Nature Trail, Chagwa Dam via Mulunguzi Dam; For 90 minutes, Songani lookout via Queen’s view and Emperors View, a lazywalk through Forestry plantation for 120 minutes. The potato trail is a most popular and enjoyable trail to take .It was named after the regular use of famers who take their potatoes to Zomba Town market place
.a map of the trail walk on the plateau are self explanatory
Horse riding sport is on offer ,the Stables as they call it at approximately USD30 per hour per person .It does not matter whether you are a bigginer,amateur or experienced horse rider or the three types of visitors will be accommodated with a personalised service.Their owners ,the Parsons Family and Maggie in particular are always happy and ready to go and lead you on this ride as the impart the skill and underpinning knowledge that make your ride unforgettable and worth your dollars.
Chingwe’s Hole – It’s a bottomless pit on the plateau is rumored to have been used by local chiefs in the old days to get rid of their enemies or those that suffered from small pox.The legend has it that to get down to the bottom a rope was used hence the name “chingwe” which means rope. You can only experience the story and not hear or read about it.Just google trip advisor and you will not wait to visit and witness why they need a rope to enter into this hole,the reviews are breathtaking and beckoning in its own kind.
When you think you are done with all that fun visit KuChawe curio market and you will be astonished with the immense talent that Malawi has when it comes to carvings. Popular curios are Noahs arch, monkeys,the big five and the family frame that explains how the social cohesion mean in Malawi,the larger than life giraffe will make you pull off one into your travelling van.
Moving back to Zomba town you will get all the history you need to know.Drive slowly indeed because the residents are warmhearted and will always wave at you all you need is wave back.Zomba market, University office, African Riffles world war pillar are what makes Zomba a historical destination you should know about. Thank you for staying with us (Yendani bwino) Bon voyage, when are you coming to Malawi ?
