Mafinga Central

Mafinga Central is the highest point of the Mafinga Hills at the border between Zambia and Malawi, rising to approximately 2,339 meters (7,674 feet) above sea level. It forms part of a larger mountain range that straddles both countries and displays different terrain types from grassland to rocky slopes depending on elevation and seasonal conditions.

The peak remained largely unknown to the wider world until 2014 when an international team from the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Malawi conducted the first detailed survey of its elevation. This expedition brought scientific documentation to a mountain that had been part of local knowledge but was not recorded in international geographic records.

The mountain has long served as a landmark for people in the region who traditionally graze livestock and farm the surrounding lands. The landscape around the summit reflects this centuries-old relationship between communities and the terrain.

Reaching the base requires a four-wheel drive vehicle as roads can be difficult to navigate, especially during rainy seasons. The hike to the summit is physically demanding with exposure to changing weather conditions, so proper preparation and appropriate gear are important.

The summit marks the source of the Luangwa River, one of Zambia's major water courses that flows for hundreds of kilometers through the eastern region. This river sustains diverse wildlife and vegetation across multiple ecosystems along its path.

Elevation above the sea: 2,339 m

GPS coordinates: -9.95269,33.35236

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53