Malawi Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
779 m (2,556 ft) |
| Highest point |
Sapitwa Peak: 3,002 m (9,849 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Shire River Valley: 37 m (121 ft) |
| Elevation range |
2,965 m (9,728 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Mzuzu: 1,265 m (4,150 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Salima: 483 m (1,585 ft) |
The elevation map of Malawi is highly varied, with a mix of rugged mountain ranges, rolling hills, and vast plateaus.
The northern part of Malawi is dominated by the magnificent Nyika Plateau, which has an average height of around 1,800 to 2,000 meters.
The Central Region consists of the Dedza Plateau and the highlands around Lilongwe, while the Great Rift Valley runs along the country's southern and eastern edge, dropping to the low Shire Valley.
The Southern Region is known for its low-lying plains and valleys, with Mount Mulanje standing tall in the south-east of the country, rising to 3,002 meters.
Highest Point in Malawi
Sapitwa Peak, standing at 3,002 meters, is the highest point in Malawi and is located within the Mulanje Massif.
Lowest Point in Malawi
The Shire River Valley, which is located in the Southern region of Malawi, is the lowest elevation point in the country at 37 meters.
Countries with Similar Topography to Malawi
Malawi's terrain is similar to that of neighboring Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique, which are all also located within the East African Rift.
Highest-Elevation Cities in Malawi
Of the 10 cities listed below, Mzuzu is the highest at 1,265 m (4,150 ft) above sea level, and Salima is the lowest at 483 m (1,585 ft).
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Mzuzu |
1,265 m |
4,150 ft |
| Kasungu |
1,223 m |
4,012 ft |
| Mchinji |
1,213 m |
3,980 ft |
| Blantyre |
1,198 m |
3,930 ft |
| Lilongwe |
1,043 m |
3,422 ft |
| Zomba |
1,028 m |
3,373 ft |
| Mulanje |
600 m |
1,969 ft |
| Balaka |
527 m |
1,729 ft |
| Karonga |
505 m |
1,657 ft |
| Salima |
483 m |
1,585 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Malawi?
The highest point in Malawi is Sapitwa Peak, at 3,002 m (9,849 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in Malawi?
The lowest point in Malawi is Shire River Valley, at 37 m (121 ft).
What is the average elevation of Malawi?
The average elevation of Malawi is 779 m (2,556 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in Malawi?
Of the cities listed for Malawi, Mzuzu is the highest, at 1,265 m (4,150 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in Malawi?
Of the cities listed for Malawi, Salima is the lowest, at 483 m (1,585 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in Malawi?
Elevation in Malawi ranges from 37 m (121 ft) at Shire River Valley to 3,002 m (9,849 ft) at Sapitwa Peak, a difference of 2,965 m (9,728 ft).