About Zomba

Zomba town offers different supermarkets like Chipiku, Ekhaya and Ahad Supermarket. In the center of town is Zomba Market, where people offer fresh fruit and vegetables, souvenirs and clothes, worth a visit! Clothes can also be found at DAP (second hand clothing store) for good price. In town there is a minibus depot from where minibusses leave to different destinations. In town you can also find the gyms Viva and Gymkhana. 

Around Ligo's Lodge there are also several markets like Komboni market (5 min walk) and Mpondabwino market (local, busier but fun), 15 min walk passing the Likangala river (amazing sight at sunset with the womens washing clothes) where you can get most groceries aswell. 

Zomba Central Hospital is the biggest central referring hospital in the area after Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Blantyre. A busy hospital providing care to patients from the region and referrals from Liwonde, Mangochi and all around including surgeries, maternity, paediatrics and ICU. A perfect place to do an internship or learn as a student as there is much exposure, but access to supervisors and training aswell. 

Botanical Garden an oasis of serenity just up the hill, small entrance fee 

African Heritage close to Chipiku, serving coffee and lunch, providing Chichewa class and historical walking tour through the city past old British colonial houses, important buildings like the parliament, high court, presidential palace and the university Chancellor college. 

Zomba Plateau take a motorbike to the Mulunguzi dam. From there start the hike, cool off in the William falls water, visit the magnificient viewpoints Emperors view and Queens view named after Emperor Haile Selassie, the leader of the Rastafari's, who visitied Malawi in 1965 and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother,  who visited in 1957. End with a nice beer and view at Sunbird Kuchawe hotel, if you have time have a dip in their amazing pool. It is also possible to book accommodation on top of the plateau, ask Richard for more information. 

Rastafari movement Zomba has an almost Jamaican vibe with it's green, lush hills and forrest. Each year in August the rasta's gather and camp at Emperor's view to celebrate the leader of their religion and thus Zomba is an important city in the rastafari movement in Malawi. 

Swimming pools there are plenty of lodges with pools and bars open to outside guests and day visitors, like Tuta Lodge, Sunbird Kuchawe, Wadonda suites and Akuka Gest lodge. 

Zomba farmers market once a month at Gymkhana club ground. Here you can stroll and find delicious homemade drinks, jams and jewelry. Also once a month is the Blantyre Farmers market in Blantyre. 

Zomba forrest lodge a beautiful family owned guesthouse on the slopes of Zomba Plateau (good car and ahead reservations needed), perfect for hikes and amazing city and forrest views. Friendly owners, lot's of dogs and the most delicious and perfectly put together food and wine. Sit down, relax and unplug here. 

Signature Paulina, the owner, is amazing and sweet and serves the best curry. Try out the aerobics and curry on tuesday, text her in advance (number on Google Maps). 

Cassa Rossa Italian-owned authentic  pizza's, pasta's and icecream. Also available for accommodation and camping. 

Byounique food and often organizes pubquiz

Blend Lodge Dutch-owned hostel & restaurant, organizes and hosts cultural and music events 

Kefi hotel Greek owned hotel and restaurant. The restaurant serves greek food and delicious, authentic coffee and cappucino's. It's a bit more expensive, but a nice serene space perfect for lunch and remote working. Kefi only serves breakfast and lunch (up to 2pm) to outside guests, dinner only for guests that are staying there. 

Villa Kupa, Pendo's at T&D, Domino's more local lodges and restaurants, nice views, reasonable food. 

Mixed bar a bar for the friday and saturday evenings, organizes events with DJ's and performers aswell. Next to it are a couple of other bars aswell. 

Vogue local club, mostly students 

Liwonde National Park just 1 hour drive from Zomba, amazing park with lots of elephants and hippo's due to the Shire river. Stay at Mvuu Camp (luxury), Liwonde Safari Camp (inside the park, great for camping and waking up to animal sounds) or Kutchire (more budget price and dorms, but beautiful and inside the park aswell with a nice swimming pool). 

Malosa Visit the Dutch medical students doing an internship at St. Luke's Hospital or visit the Malosa tree. 

Blantyre good for big shopping and city life. Stay at Kabula Lodge with breakfast included and amazing view. 

Mulanje just 2 hour drive from Zomba, Mulanje offers spectacular scenery, hikes and views. To reach the highest peak, Sapitwa peak you need 2-3 nights, guide and porters can be hired (ask Richard for the contacts). You can sleep at different huts with hutkeepers providing you with hot water, fire, cooking and sleeping equipment (matress available, bring warm clothes, sleeping bag, food and drinks for 3 days). Tip for the hutkeepers, guides and porters is expected. Visit www.mcm.org.lmw for more information and different hike options. 

Thyolo & Teaplantations Visit Thyolo and the teaplantations, stay at Thyolo house, great food! 

Majete Majete Wildlife reserve is a must! The elephants especially are exhilirating. Camp in the park for the ultimate wildpark experience and enjoy your coffee in the morning with the animal sounds in the background. 

Monkey Bay & Cape Maclear catch the easygoing, chill, surfvibe, lake hangout energy at Monkey Bay and Cape Maclear. Go on on sunset boat rides or snorkling around the islands. 

Central and Northern Region Ask Richard about the recommendations for places to visit. Definitely worth a trip! Inquire about car rental.