Zomba

Zomba is a town in southern Malawi, in the Shire Highlands, with a population of 90,325 (2001 census). It was the administrative capital of Nyasaland before the establishment of the Republic of Malawi in 1964. The city is known for its British colonial architecture, its location at the base of the dramatic Zomba Plateau, and its diverse ethnic mix, and is the home of Chancellor College of the University of Malawi. Zomba once was a hub for expatriates in Malawi with British tobacco farmers, Dutch, German and American emissaries living here.Zomba Gymkhana club is an interesting building in a colonial design once forming the focus of life for expatriates, but the club is in decline. The building of the road bypassing Zomba from Blantyre to the South through Balaka to the North has meant that Zomba is not so much a vital link as it was in the pst. There is a significant Christian movement in Malawi, and particularily in the three largest cities: Lilongwe, Zomba and Blantyre. Zomba is a beautiful town characterized by the heavy British colonial influence in the town. The British have established an international school in the town: Sir Harry Johnston Primary School. The town is reasonably close to Blantyre which offers a greater range of shops and entertainment, but is also close to Liwonde game park which is famous for sightings of various kinds of deer, and to the North to Lake Malawi where places such as Cape Maclear (offering wonderful snorkelling)are a good break from the South. Temperatures by the Lake are generally higher and drier. Zomba is an interesting mix of unbridled African nationalism and remnants of European colonialism. The town's Chancellor College and several other landmarks pay particular homage to Dr. Kamuzu Banda, former President for Life of Malawi. Zomba's claim to fame, Zomba Plateau, is a wonder of nature. Visitors can hike the cliffs of the plateau and peer down man-made "death pits" which were once used to punish criminals.One of the most important Malawian poets Steve Chimombo writes about these places. There is also an amazing lumber mill next to which giant Everests of sawdust provide an inescapable playground. The road to Zomba Plateau is a harrowing experience. The road is perched very narrowily on the side of the mountain, but the ride up is fun. At the top there is a feel of being in a European country with beautiful fir planations. From here it is possible to see the Lakes to the North, particular Lake Chilwa, and Mount Mulanje to the South East (thought to be the source of inspiration for the Hobbit books). You can even see mountains in Mozambique.To the west you can see the impressive Shire river which drains Lake Malawi. A short drive through town will reveal some modern architecture, an incredible market full of exciting and interesting things, various churches, bars, people moving from place to place with produce, bicycles, small children, people selling various kinds of cooked food stored in giant containers on their heads. The population of Zomba is richer than the surrounding countryside but there is still poverty. Characteristically though Malawians are very nice, polite, kind people who are fond of their links with Britain.

I know N-O-T-H-I-N-G about that!