Dziwe la Nkhalamba, a 60-meter natural dam with crystal clear waters, is a popular historical landmark and attraction for adventures that lies on the slopes of Mulanje Mountain.
Renowned for its stunning scenery, the great natural pool is a completely amazing natural spectacle, telling the story of thousands of years of our country’s heritage and history.
Surrounded by lush greenery, this eco-tourism area is a natural landscape that serves multiple purposes including camping, picnic, water sports, to say the list.
Communications officer for Mt Mulanje conservation Trust, Kondwani Chamwala, said Dziwe la Nkhalamba has got a spiritual connection that leaves a lasting impression of all who witnessed it.
He told ProjectM that in line with what has been said by experts from various Universities in Malawi and beyond, it is believed to be a sacred place where old people clad in traditional attire were performing their rituals, seeking interventions and ultimate liberation from the cycle of rains, family problems and many more.
He adds: “With a wealth of knowledge about this area, is on record that the early inhabitants of this place were the Akafula, nicknamed Mwandionera pati as evidenced by the lengthy of the remains of people which are found close to the dam.
“However, our fore fathers, including historians have also been quoted as saying that whenever the elders were going to the place to perform their rituals, they used to find an old person relentlessly sitting on the stone, close to the dam and when he sees people, the person goes in the water and disappear.
This gave them the impression that the old man symbolised a human spirit or a god.”
He said besides offering facilitating tourism opportunities that compliments the heritage values, the natural landscape offers a unique opportunity to witness the powerful forces of nature at work, making it a convenient gate away for both locals and tourists.
“As we celebrate tourism month, it is a reminder to every Malawian that Dziwe la Nkhalamba which until today remains a significant centre for eco-tourism activities, is accessible unlike other places.
“Malawians should come in their large numbers and appreciate the beauty of this historic landscape because despite people visiting the area, most of them particularly Malawians, do not know the history attached to the name, “Dziwe la Nkhalamba,” Chamwala said.
He said as the place is celebrated for its beautifully preserved architecture to explore the scenic beauty of Mulanje Mountain.
This heritage site must be well preserved and developed to drive tourism and capture the essence of Malawi’s beauty.
“We need people with new ideas to come to terms with the forestry department and other stakeholders to construct eco-tourism projects such as a place for making Braai, change room among others to boost the industry.
This place which is accessible from major districts such as Chiradzulu, Blantyre, Thyolo and Phalombe is also a tourist attraction for various sporting activities such as boating and abseiling,” he said.
Dziwe La Nkhalamba found in Traditional Authority Nkanda in Mulanje, which is believed to possess incredible powers, is a must visit place that holds a blend of cultural heritage and national beauty, including a diverse array attraction of pure sound waves, including the singing of birds, making it a serene spot for meditation and spiritual reflection.
