On the Muchinga Escarpment and hills the rivers and streams do not have a well-developed meander belt and, as a result, the herbaceous riverside vegetation is less well defined than in the valley. However, the numerous dambos and drainage channels associated with these watercourses do have a characteristic grass and herb component.
Dambo soils are poorly drained and compacted. They are typically leached illuvial soils, black, dark grey or dark brown in colour, and acid (pH 5-6).
Early in the rainy season, the dambos of the upper escarpment are characterised by the grasses Loudetia simplex, Setaria sphacelata, Setaria pumila, etc. Later on, in April/May, Hyparrhenia species are ascendant: H. diplandra, H. nyassae, H. rufa, H. schimperi, H. collina, H. variabilis and H. welwitschii may all be found at this time. Other late season dominants are Andropogon chinensis, Diheteropogon filifolius, Monocymbium ceresiiforme and Pennisetum unisetum. Typical herbs associated with the dambos of the upper escarpment include Gnidia chrysantha, Moraea bella, Satyrium carsonii, Cynorkis hanningtonii, Eulophia cucullata, Euphorbia cyparissioides, Gladiolus spp. and Thunbergia spp. Common sedges are Cyperus margaritaceus, Cyperus cyperoides and Scleria spp.
The dominant grasses and herbs found on the dambos and streams of the lower escarpment and hills are similar to those found in the upper escarpment. However, a number of water-associated grasses and herbs from the valley may also occur. Grasses include Brachiaria brizantha, Digitaria milanjiana, Echinochloa colona, E. pyramidalis, Setaria pumila, Setaria sphacelata, Sporobolus pyramidalis, Themeda triandra and Urochloa mossambicensis. Subshrubs and herbs include Urena lobata, Senna occidentalis, Aeschynomene mimosifolia, Ageratum conyzoides, Acmella caulirhiza, Tragia lasiophylla, Alternanthera sessilis, Ludwigia stolonifera and Polygonum setulosum.