Mzuzu- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Mzuzu, the capital of Malawi's Northern Region, is the country's third-largest city by population, with 221,272 residents and a metropolitan area home to around 1.7 million people. Located in the Mzimba District, the city sits in a gap within the Viphya Mountains, an area known for tea, rubber, and coffee cultivation. The Viphya Plantation, south of the city, is Africa's largest man-made forest, while nearby forest reserves, including Lunyangwa and Kaning'ina, add to the region's natural appeal. Mzuzu's development began in 1947 around the Tung Oil Estate and it became a city in 1985. The city's cultural diversity is reflected in its languages, including Tumbuka, Chewa, and Swahili, while local cuisine features staples like sima, rice, and batala fish from Lake Malawi. Mzuzu is also home to a museum showcasing artifacts from northern Malawi's cultures.