Zomba, Malawi

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official_name = Zomba
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image_caption = Chancellor College, University of Malawi


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subdivision_name = flag|Malawi
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subdivision_name1 = Southern Region
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subdivision_name2 = Zomba District
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population_total = 101, 140
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latd= 15|latm= 23|lats= |latNS=S
longd= 35|longm= 20|longs= |longEW=E
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Zomba is a city in southern Malawi, in the Shire Highlands. It is the administrative capital of Zomba District.

It was the capital of first British Central Africa and then Nyasaland before the establishment of the Republic of Malawi in 1964. The city is best known for its British colonial architecture and its location at the base of the dramatic Zomba Plateau. Zomba is also the home of Chancellor College of the University of Malawi.

History

British colonial influence

The town's British colonial past is reflected in the architecture of its older buildings and homes. Zomba was once a hub for expatriates in Malawi. Its diverse cultural mix included British tobacco farmers and Dutch, German and American emissaries. The Zomba Gymkhana Club was once the focus for social activity in the expatriate community. However, in recent years, the Club's appearance and reputation have been in decline. The British also established Sir Harry Johnston Primary School.

Education

University of Malawi

Chancellor College, the largest of the constituent colleges of the University of Malawi, is located in Zomba. The college has five faculties: Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Science and Faculty of Education.

ir Harry Johnston International Primary School

[http://www.shjzomba.com Sir Harry Johnston International School] has served the international and local community since the early 1950s. The school consists of a five classroom block with a hall, and separate networked IT suite and library. Within the spacious and beautifully landscaped grounds there is a swimming pool, a seventy metre soccer/games field, basketball court, nursery class play area, a volleyball court, netball field and smaller sized training pitches. The school is centrally located on Kalimbuka Road and offers an internationally adapted UK curriculum. The school has students from a diverse range of nationalities with around half of the students Malawian. The school is non-profit making and is managed by an elected board of governors from the parent community.

Geography

Zomba Plateau

The Zomba Plateau is arguably Zomba's most famous feature. In some parts, it rises to 1800m in height and is covered with vast tracts of African Juniper and Widdringtonia, and other mixed vegetation. The top of the Plateau is criss-crossed by streams and is dotted with waterfalls and still lakes. The hike to the top of the Plateau is a popular tourist activity.

From the top of the Plateau, it is possible to see Lake Chilwa to the north, Mount Mulanje to the South East and the Shire River to the West.

Fauna

White-Winged Appalis - several pairs have been sighted in the evergreen forest along the Mulunguzi River, it is estimated that only 100 pairs remain in the wild.

Eastern Egg Eater ("Dasypeltis medici medici") - several specimens recorded, including one of 112cm.

Transportation

The easiest way to get to Zomba is by kombi bus service from Lilongwe or Blantyre via the M1, Malawi's main north-south highway.

Demographics

References

External links

* [http://www.africaguide.com/country/malawi/zomba1.htm The Zomba Plateau]