10 Scenic and Soulful Things to Do Year-Round in Mzuzu Malawi

Key Takeaways:

• Mzuzu blends vibrant markets, lush highlands, and warm community culture into a year-round destination worth exploring.

• From tea estates and nature trails to cultural centers and scenic drives, Mzuzu offers adventure, relaxation, and authenticity in every season.

• Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or cultural traveler, Mzuzu surprises with depth, beauty, and soul.

Located in Malawi’s lush Northern Region, Mzuzu is a cool-climate city surrounded by rolling hills, tea plantations, and forest reserves. Though often overlooked by tourists heading to Lake Malawi or Nyika National Park, Mzuzu has quietly grown into a vibrant hub of commerce, creativity, and outdoor adventure. With its friendly residents, vibrant local markets, and breezy weather year-round, Mzuzu offers a refreshing blend of city energy and rural calm.

Mzuzu’s history as a forestry and agricultural center lives on in its thriving local economy and green surroundings. It’s a place where you can enjoy a fresh cup of locally grown coffee, explore nearby waterfalls, or dive into cultural celebrations in a single weekend. Visitors love Mzuzu for its safety, scenery, and welcoming vibe — a perfect base for exploring Northern Malawi at your own pace.

Table of Contents

• Explore the Viphya Forest Reserve

• Visit the Mzuzu Coffee Den

• Hike to Kaning’ina Forest Viewpoints

• Shop at Mzuzu Central Market

• Tour the Kawandama Hills Tea Estate

• Attend the Lake of Stars Warm-Up Event

• Visit the Mzuzu University Cultural Centre

• Take a Day Trip to Nkhata Bay

• Experience the Chikangawa Timber Market

• Enjoy Local Cuisine at the Mezzo Grill

1. Explore the Viphya Forest Reserve

The Viphya Forest Reserve, just south of Mzuzu, is one of the largest man-made forests in Africa and a must-visit for nature lovers. Covering over 2,000 square kilometers of pine plantations, streams, and indigenous forest patches, it’s a peaceful haven for hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, and picnics. The trails here wind through quiet landscapes dotted with hidden waterfalls and shaded groves perfect for a midday rest.

The forest is open year-round, and because of its elevation, it offers cooler weather even in the dry season. Local guides can take you off the beaten path to explore native plant life and share stories about the region’s history and biodiversity. Whether you’re looking for a meditative stroll or a vigorous hike, Viphya delivers peace and natural beauty.

2. Visit the Mzuzu Coffee Den

Mzuzu is known for its high-quality Arabica beans, and there’s no better place to experience that than the Mzuzu Coffee Den. This local favorite café doubles as a roastery and community hangout, where you can sip some of the freshest brews in Malawi while supporting local farmers. The cozy setting includes outdoor seating, bookshelves, and occasional live music nights.

The Coffee Den is open throughout the week and is a popular meeting spot for students, travelers, and digital nomads. You can also learn about the Mzuzu Coffee Planters Cooperative Union and buy beans to take home. It’s a perfect place to recharge, reflect, and taste the essence of the region.

3. Hike to Kaning’ina Forest Viewpoints

Just east of Mzuzu lies the Kaning’ina Forest, a quiet mountain escape with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints over the city and surrounding hills. This area is popular with early-morning joggers, weekend hikers, and anyone craving a dose of natural serenity. You’ll find well-worn paths, benches, and open ridges ideal for sunrise or sunset views.

The forest is accessible year-round and remains lush even during the dry months. Along the way, you’ll pass pine stands, grassy clearings, and occasional bird sightings — a reminder of the biodiversity nestled just beyond the city. For locals and visitors alike, Kaning’ina is where nature and tranquility come together effortlessly.

4. Shop at Mzuzu Central Market

Mzuzu’s Central Market is a lively and colorful space filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, clothes, and everything in between. It’s one of the best places to soak up everyday Malawian life, where locals shop, vendors call out prices, and aromas of street food fill the air. From fresh tomatoes and chambo fish to second-hand jeans and handmade baskets, this market has it all.

The market operates every day but is busiest on Saturdays, when farmers from nearby villages arrive with truckloads of goods. It’s a great place to try local snacks like mandasi (fried doughnuts) or buy a vibrant chitenje (traditional fabric) to remember your trip. You’ll find yourself immersed in energy, color, and conversation at every corner.

5. Tour the Kawandama Hills Tea Estate

A short drive from Mzuzu lies Kawandama Hills, a scenic tea estate nestled in the misty highlands. This boutique operation is known for producing white and herbal teas using sustainable and community-first practices. The landscape here is stunning, with undulating green hills, cool breezes, and a serenity that invites you to slow down.

You can book a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process from leaf to cup, followed by a tasting session overlooking the fields. The estate also offers walking trails and picnic spots that make for a perfect day trip. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, Kawandama Hills is a hidden gem.

6. Attend the Lake of Stars Warm-Up Event

While the iconic Lake of Stars Festival takes place on the shores of Lake Malawi, Mzuzu often hosts one of the official warm-up events — and it’s a celebration you don’t want to miss. Held in local venues or open-air spaces, these pre-festival concerts feature a mix of DJs, live bands, poets, and dancers from across Malawi and beyond. The atmosphere is electric, with food stalls, colorful lighting, and an audience that loves to dance.

Even if you can’t make it to the main festival, the Mzuzu warm-up is a fantastic cultural night out. These events are typically scheduled a few weeks in advance and occur annually, drawing big crowds of music lovers, students, and travelers. It’s a unique way to experience Mzuzu’s growing creative scene and connect with the rhythm of Malawian music culture.

7. Visit the Mzuzu University Cultural Centre

Mzuzu University isn’t just a hub for education — it also hosts one of the city’s most important cultural institutions. The Mzuzu University Cultural Centre features rotating art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, academic lectures, and film screenings throughout the year. It’s a space that celebrates the intersection of academia and local heritage, often spotlighting regional artists and historians.

Many events are open to the public, and you don’t need to be a student to attend. The center is a great place to learn about the customs of Northern Malawi’s diverse communities, especially the Tumbuka and Ngoni people. Whether you’re into music, visual art, or literature, there’s something engaging happening here almost every month.

8. Take a Day Trip to Nkhata Bay

Just an hour’s drive from Mzuzu, Nkhata Bay offers one of the most picturesque and laid-back spots on Lake Malawi. This lakeside town is a favorite for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and chilling out in waterfront lodges. The vibe is bohemian and traveler-friendly, with reggae beats drifting from cafés and local fishing boats dotting the horizon.

You can catch a minibus from Mzuzu or hire a private car for a day trip or overnight stay. With white sand beaches, forested hills, and a friendly expat-meets-local scene, Nkhata Bay makes for the perfect weekend escape. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the local beach parties or sunset drum circles.

9. Experience the Chikangawa Timber Market

Chikangawa Forest, located just outside Mzuzu, is home to Malawi’s largest pine plantation — and a fascinating timber market where you can see forestry and woodworking in action. Here, local artisans and entrepreneurs repurpose lumber into furniture, carvings, and home-building materials. The market buzzes with energy, sawdust in the air, and stacks of raw timber waiting to be shaped.

Visiting the market gives insight into the forestry economy that fuels much of Mzuzu’s industry. While you might not be buying a table to bring home, the experience offers a unique look into craftsmanship, sustainable resource use, and regional commerce. Don’t be surprised if you end up chatting with a carpenter about their latest custom project.

10. Enjoy Local Cuisine at the Mezzo Grill

To wrap up your Mzuzu adventure, head to Mezzo Grill — a favorite local restaurant known for combining traditional Malawian flavors with a contemporary twist. The menu features delicious dishes like grilled chambo, beef stew with nsima, and veggie curries made with fresh regional ingredients. The ambiance is cozy and stylish, perfect for both solo travelers and groups.

Open year-round, Mezzo Grill also hosts occasional live acoustic nights and wine tastings. It’s a great spot to unwind, meet locals, and savor the food that defines Northern Malawi. Whether you’re after comfort food or culinary discovery, this is one of the best dining experiences in town.

What to do if you have kids?

Mzuzu is surprisingly kid-friendly, with open green spaces, nature trails, and community spots perfect for family outings. Kaning’ina Forest and Viphya Reserve offer safe hiking paths where kids can explore and spot birds or butterflies. The Coffee Den and university spaces sometimes hold storytelling events or music workshops. Mzuzu Market is a colorful way to introduce children to local culture, while Nkhata Bay makes a great day trip with sandy beaches and calm waters for safe swimming.

Where can I find free events in Mzuzu Malawi taking place this weekend?

To discover free markets, live music shows, cultural talks, and family events in Mzuzu this weekend, head over to https://planmyweekend.ai. Our AI-powered platform helps you uncover fun, local happenings tailored to your interests — all without needing to dig through social media. Whether you’re a resident or a traveler, Plan My Weekend makes it easy to explore Mzuzu on a budget and make the most of your time in the city.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Mzuzu

Mzuzu may fly under the radar, but it offers an abundance of charm, culture, and natural beauty all year round. From sipping fresh coffee and hiking misty forests to dancing at music festivals or strolling local markets, there’s always something to experience here. It’s a city where tradition and progress meet, and where travelers are welcomed like neighbors. If you’re looking for authenticity, connection, and adventure in Northern Malawi, Mzuzu is ready to show you its best side — in every season.