Zomba: History and Lake Chilwa in a regional context

Zomba offers a glimpse into history; the wider destination of the Southern Region adds extensive wetlands, cultural landscapes and other nature-related themes. Lake Chilwa lies in Malawi’s Southern Region and extends across the districts of Machinga, Phalombe and Zomba.

Lake Chilwa: Wetland and habitat

Lake Chilwa is Malawi’s second-largest lake and one of the most significant wetland ecosystems in southern Africa. It covers an area of about 2,300 km². This includes 2,077 km² of natural habitats: open water, swamps, Typha marshes and floodplains. About 233 km² consists of land used for agriculture, including wetland rice, irrigated rice and Dimba gardens. The lake’s profile therefore encompasses both extensive natural habitats and land used for agriculture.

On 1 November 1997, Lake Chilwa was designated Ramsar Site No. 869. The lake is also significant as a habitat: it provides critical habitat for the globally threatened African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris) and habitat for populations of the vulnerable Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) and Great Snipe (Gallinago media). Species classifications and populations may change over time.

The wetland is also home to people. An estimated 77,000 people live there and depend on fishing, rice cultivation and bird hunting for their livelihoods. Local communities have developed traditional systems for sustainably managing wetland resources. Examples of these systems include bird-hunting clubs and the Lake Chilwa Hunters Association. The natural environment, livelihoods and community management are interconnected here.

History and culture in the Southern Region

Until 1975, Zomba was the capital of the British colonial administration and independent Malawi. The capital was moved to Lilongwe in 1975. Another cultural perspective on the Southern Region is offered by the Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape in southern Malawi. It was created and is maintained through the cultural practices and beliefs of the Yao, Mang’anja and Lhomwe. The landscape and cultural traditions together offer a perspective on the wider destination.

Themes related to the Zomba Plateau also bring together landscapes and activities: the plateau offers scenic views, and activities available there include hiking, trekking and mountain biking. This combination may appeal to travellers who want to include nature experiences and physical activity in their plans for the Southern Region.

Other nature-related themes have their own distinctive features: 273 bird species have been recorded in Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve, and Elephant Marsh is known for its birdlife. Majete Wildlife Reserve is regarded as a Big Five reserve. The waters and fish of Lake Malawi are protected. Together, these places show different aspects of the landscapes and wildlife of the wider Southern Region destination.

Choose the right base

If you are looking for a hotel in Zomba, you can start by considering whether Zomba’s history or a broader interest in the landscapes and cultural themes of the Southern Region will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Zomba, Blantyre, Mangochi.

View the wider travel guide: Southern Region.