Mzuzu

Malawi, Africa

Nestled in Malawi's northern region, Mzuzu is a vibrant city known for its cool climate, scenic views, and welcoming culture. It's a gateway to the stunning Vwaza Marsh Reserve and the striking Nyika Plateau, perfect for hiking and wildlife encounters. The city boasts bustling markets, rich coffee culture, and opportunities to engage with local artisans. Mzuzu offers an authentic slice of Malawian life, making it a must-visit for adventurous travelers seeking culture, nature, and community.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

Other

Airport

Mzuzu

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Mzuzu

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Viphya Plateau

Hike stunning landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Adults only

Visit Mzuzu Coffee

Taste locally grown coffee while supporting farmers.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour the Mzuzu Market

Experience local culture and shop for unique goods.

No booking required
4

Est. 5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Explore Nyika National Park

See diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike to the Mzuzu Waterfall

Enjoy a refreshing hike to a beautiful waterfall.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit St. Peter's Cathedral

Admire stunning architecture and serene ambiance.

No booking required
7

Est. 1.5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend a Traditional Dance Performance

Experience vibrant local culture through dance.

Booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the World Bank's Mzuzu Project

Learn about community development and sustainability efforts.

No booking required
9

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax at the Mzuzu City Park

Unwind in a peaceful green space in the city.

No booking required
10

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Mzuzu University

Explore the campus and learn about local education.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-14 (#189 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Kwacha

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Nyanja

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Nsima

VE

A staple maize porridge. (National dish)

Chambo

Grilled fish, often from Lake Malawi.

Kondowole

VE

A dish made from cassava flour.

Mbatata Cookies

VE

Sweet cookies made from sweet potatoes.

Nthochi (Banana Bread)

V

Moist banana bread, often enjoyed as a snack.

Phrases to learn

English

Nyanja

Hello

Moni

(Moh-nee)

Yes/No

Inde / Ayi

(In-deh / Ah-yee)

Thank you

Zikomo

(Zee-koh-moh)

Excuse me

Pepani

(Peh-pah-nee)

How much?

Zingati?

(Zeen-gah-tee)