Things To Do
in Mzuzu
Mzuzu is Malawi's northern-region capital, perched on a cool highland plateau that gives the city a distinct, refreshing climate. It blends a relaxed, friendly vibe with practical urban life as a hub for commerce, education, and transport. The surrounding hills, green spaces, and proximity to Lake Malawi add accessible nature to the urban experience.
Visitors are drawn by the welcoming locals, easy access to northern Malawi, and a calmer pace compared to the larger cities further south.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through Mzuzu Central Market, where the scent of fresh nkhuyu fish mingles with vibrant displays of maize and fresh produce. Engage with friendly vendors selling Tumbuka crafts, brightly dyed fabrics, and fragrant spices as the sun rises over the red earth. Notice local women in chitenje skirts skillfully negotiating prices, setting an authentic tone for your Malawian adventure.
Visit the Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative for a tour of their roasting facility and sample a variety of locally grown arabica beans. Wander over to the Mzuzu Museum to learn about the Northern Region’s history, from colonial encounters to Tumbuka traditions. Pause at a roadside café for ginger tea and mandasi doughnuts while admiring the city’s rolling hills.
Dine at a family-run eatery specializing in nsima with groundnut sauce and freshly grilled chambo. As dusk falls, head to the Mzuzu Club for live Afro-jazz rhythms and dance performances by local youth groups. Conclude the night with a quiet walk through the lamplit streets, breathing in the cool highland air.
Depart early for Viphya Forest Reserve and embark on a guided hike through towering pine groves and indigenous miombo woodlands. Listen for blue monkeys and southern ground hornbills calling from the canopy as shafts of light break through mist. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and pause at hidden springs to refill your water bottle.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at a scenic overlook where you can see farmlands below stretching to Lake Malawi’s distant shoreline. Continue your trek along winding trails past endemic orchids and ferns carpeting the forest floor. Capture panoramic photos of undulating ridges draped in emerald green.
Settle into a rustic forest cabin or campsite beneath a blanket of stars, free from light pollution. Share stories around a crackling fire with your guide, tasting roasted maize and sipping ginger beer. Drift off to the gentle rustle of leaves and distant calls of nocturnal birds.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local transport (one-way) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-70 |
| 🗺️Tourist activity | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly, welcoming people and a relaxed pace
- Gateway to northern Malawi with access to Lake Malawi
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Healthcare and some services are more limited outside major towns
- "Moni" - Hello
- "Muli bwanji?" - How are you?
- "Zikomo" - Thank you
- "Pepani" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Chonde" - Please
- "Ndikudziwa mlonda wanu" - I would like help
Places to Visit in Mzuzu
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic urban landmark with market activity nearby and city views for street photography.
Lush forests, rolling hills, and misty mornings ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Panoramic scenery of the lake from elevated viewpoints along access roads.
Food in Mzuzu
Mzuzu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Maize porridge served with a fish relish and sautéed leafy greens.
Must-Try!
Nsima paired with stewed beans and vegetables for a filling meal.
Nsima served with a hearty vegetable relish featuring tomatoes, greens, and local spices.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh produce, grains, fish, and ready-to-eat street snacks.
Roasted maize, fried fish, sweet potatoes, and other quick bites along main streets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and handshake; use formal greetings with elders and in business settings.
Dress modestly in public; avoid loud public displays of affection; ask for permission before photographing people.
Safety
Tipping in Mzuzu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; 5–10% in restaurants if service charge is not included.
Cash in Malawian Kwacha is preferred; some hotels and larger shops may accept USD or cards in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Nov–Mar: hot days with late-afternoon showers; carry sun protection and a compact rain jacket.
May–Aug: cooler, dry days with clear skies; ideal for outdoor exploring, but evenings can be chilly.
Mzuzu at Night
Hiking in Mzuzu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest and hill trails with scenic viewpoints and wildlife opportunities near Mzuzu.
Highland grassland hikes and wildlife viewing; requires a longer drive but offers expansive landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Mzuzu by plane.
Domestic flights connect to Lilongwe and Blantyre; located on the outskirts of the city.
Lilongwe's international airport offering regional and international flights; major hub for travel to Malawi.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Northern Malawi communities include Tumbuka speakers with smaller populations of Ngoni and Chewa; English and Chichewa are commonly used in daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local leagues and community games played across town grounds.
Common in schools and clubs; community events featuring netball matches are frequent.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mzuzu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rely on nsima with vegetables, beans, and greens; request dishes without fish where possible.