Mafinga Central, Mountain peak at the border of Zambia and Malawi
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
