Zomba
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Zomba is a small town in Malawi about 1 hr from Blantyre. It is the former capital of Malawi until Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the first President, moved the capital to Lilongwe. Most travelers visiting Zomba are coming for the plateau. The town itself has little for tourists but the people are welcoming, and there is a large market in the center, where you can buy almost anything. [edit] Get inDaily busses from Blantyre (1 hour) and Lilongwe (5-7 hours). [edit] Get aroundThere are several car hire companies in town that offer a reasonable range of saloons and 4x4s of varying quality and price. Be warned that the police set up frequent road blocks, and it is not uncommon to be stopped several times a day and be asked to present your driving licence and allow them to perform a cursory examination of the car looking for faults. There are frequent minibusses around town, and a taxi rank on the main Blantyre road. [edit][add listing] SeeThe Plateau - See separate entry for 'Zomba Plateau'. The top is a 5-7 hour hike from the base at the Kandodo junction. There is a fine hotel, the Sunbird Hotel, at the top. [edit][add listing] DoThere is a small golf course and driving range on your left as you head out of town on the Lilongwe road. There is a swimming pool that is sometimes open to the public at the school. [edit][add listing] BuyThere are several banks (including Standard Bank), and easy access to ATMs and bureau de change. Paintings by local artsts and carved wooden curios are for sale in a small compound just off the main road about 30m up the hill from Standard Bank. There are several spuermarkets including a Shoprite, and a Peoples Supermarket that sell most things you will need - although is is all more expensive than in other cities like Blantyre due to transport costs. There is also a good choice of hardware stores, clothes shops and pharmacies all along the main street. Fresh fruit, vegetables and meat can be bought cheaply at the large market that is behind the bus station. Zain mobile has a shop down from the bus station and MTL has an office just down the hill from Standard Bank. The postoffice is situated opposite Standard Bank. [edit][add listing] Eat
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If you are looking for a more expensive upmarket stay - checkout the Sunbird hotel a 20 minute drive out of town at the top of the plateau. Magnificent views down over Zomba town.
[edit] Get out
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