The southern third of the country is its most populated, developed and varied region. It is also the part which shows the greatest European influence. With Blantyre-Limbe forming the commercial "capital" of Malawi, it is the region best known and most visited by those coming from overseas.
South Malawi is a region of physical contrasts. Much of the area is dominated by the River Shire (pronounced shiray) which snakes its way southwards from the Lake still running through the rift which is occupied by the Lake. The river falls some 1300ft (400m) from its exit from the Lake to the point in the south where it crosses into Mozambique. This fall brings it to just 125ft (40m) above sea level. On its journey southwards, the Shire crashes over falls and rapids (which hindered David Livingstone’s upstream journey in the past) but has its more leisurely stretches though broad plains.
There are two substantial lakes in the region: Malombe and Chilwa. The River Shire flows through Lake Malombe which is just 6ft (2m) below Lake Malawi. The lake has attracted a number of fishing villages to its shores. Chilwa, east of Zomba, is part marsh and part lake. It is accessible from Zomba and is an interesting place to visit.
South Malawi is certainly not all plains and valleys. This is the region of central Africa’s highest peak, Mount Mulanje, which rises to nearly 10000ft (3000m). Impressiv
ely, Mulanje is only seventy miles from Malawi’s lowest point, just over 100ft (30m). Not too far from Mulanje is the region’s other great massif, the Zomba Plateau. This table-like mountain is over 6000ft (1800m) above sea level with sheer scarp-like edges.
To the west of the Middle Shire Valley is the continuation of the Dedza Highlands and to the east is a high ridge, the Shire Highlands, a plateau area standing at 3300ft (1000m). Blantyre stands on this plateau but is surrounded by isolated peaks which stretch to over 5000ft (1500m).
The Lower Shire Valley is a broad flat plain of which there are excellent views as one descends the Thyolo escarpment from the plateau on the southern route out of Blantyre. Much is cultivated, including sugar estates, and the scenery greatly contrasts with that in any other part of Malawi. A national park and two game reserves are to be found here. At the southern end of the valley is Elephant Marsh, once the home of thousands of elephants but now famous for its birdlife. This natural marsh changes in size as rainfalls fluctuate. One day it may be drained to provide agricultural land.
Without the cooling effect of high altitude, the Lower Shire Valley is where Malawi reveals its tropical location by high temperatures, especially in November-December.
