DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Mbala Highland Gardens

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
—°1
Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)

Weather…

The Mbala Highland Gardens in Zambia's Northern Province benefit from a unique geographic setting at an elevation of approximately 1,670 meters above sea level. This cooler climate distinguishes the region from much of the country, enabling the cultivation of temperate crops such as wheat, strawberries, and high-quality Arabica coffee. Historically known as Abercorn, Mbala served as a strategic administrative outpost during the colonial era, which influenced the development of its early agricultural infrastructure. Fertile soils combined with above-average rainfall support intensive farming across the undulating hills and valleys. Local smallholders often utilize polyculture systems, intercropping fruit trees with traditional vegetables and legumes. The town's proximity to Lake Tanganyika and the Tanzanian border makes Mbala a critical node for cross-border agricultural trade. Lately, there has been a renewed focus on revitalizing specialty coffee production in these highlands for international export markets.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C192020191816161922242220
Rain mm2611882017812336525132269

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Mbala Highland Gardens are a center for horticultural cultivation in Zambia's cooler highland areas. The region is known for growing vegetables, flowers, and fruit, which boosts the local economy and exports.
🚪
Visiting
Some gardens may be open to visitors, but typically only an outside view is possible from nearby roads. The fields are usually visible to the public during the growing season.
👀
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the road between Mbala and Kasama, offering an overview of the terraced gardens. The hills above the plantations also provide a wide panoramic view.
🧺
Local products
Visitors can buy fresh cut flowers, lettuce, and tomatoes grown seasonally on site. Cape gooseberries and various cabbage varieties are also typical highland products.
📆
Active season
Peak activity occurs in the cooler months from May to September, when most vegetables are harvested. During warmer months, flowers are prepared for export to markets in Lusaka.
➕
Nearby
A visit to nearby Lake Tanganyika with its beaches and the fishing village of Mpulungu is a great combination. The Kalambo Falls, one of Africa's highest waterfalls, is also worth a detour.

Geography

Coordinates
-8.85000, 31.36670

Facts

  • Mbala is situated at one of the highest altitudes in Zambia.
  • The temperate climate supports crops that cannot grow in the lowlands.
  • The town was a strategic location at the end of World War I in Africa.
  • Average annual rainfall in Mbala often exceeds 1,200 millimeters.
  • The nearby Moto Moto Museum showcases the region's rich history.
  • Arabica coffee from Mbala is increasingly recognized for its quality.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MbalaMbala<1 km · EExplore →
Chikabola BattlefieldChikabola Battlefield15 km · WExplore →
Mbala HighlandsMbala Highlands19 km · SExplore →
Kawimbe MissionKawimbe Mission26 km · NExplore →
Kalambo FallsKalambo Falls27 km · SEExplore →
Mpulungu HarbourMpulungu Harbour29 km · SExplore →
Tensift ValleyTensift Valley30 km · NWExplore →
TensiftTensift42 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mbala Highland Gardens (1)

Mbala, Zambia📍 landmark

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Mbala's climate?
It is cooler and pleasant due to the altitude.
What is grown in the highland gardens?
Various types of fruit and cool-loving vegetables.
Are the gardens touristically developed?
Rather simple and authentic, no mass tourism.
What is the highlight in Mbala?
The proximity to Lake Tanganyika and nature.
How long is it best to stay?
Two to three days are enough for exploration.
Mbala Highland Gardens: where is it located?
Mbala Highland Gardens is located in Zambia.
Mbala Highland Gardens: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Mbala Highland Gardens: why is it worth visiting?
The Mbala Highland Gardens in Zambia's Northern Province benefit from a unique geographic setting at an elevation of approximately 1,670 meters above sea level.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Zambia →

Nearby cities

Kitwe — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Kitwe
Kitwe is one of the most developed commercial and industrial areas in the nation, alongside Ndola.
Ndola — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Ndola
Ndola is the third largest city in Zambia and the industrial and commercial center of the Copperbelt.
Chingola — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Chingola
Chingola is a city in Zambia's Copperbelt Province, known for having one of the largest open-cast mines in the world.
Luanshya — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Luanshya
Luanshya is a town in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, established in the early 20th century.
Mufulira — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Mufulira
Mufulira is a mining town in the Copperbelt Province, highly dependent on the Mufulira Mine.
Chililabombwe — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Chililabombwe
Chililabombwe is a copper mining town in the Copperbelt Province, located very close to the DRC border.
Kalulushi — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Kalulushi
Kalulushi is a town founded in 1953 as a residential area for mine workers in the Copperbelt.
🗺️
Chambishi
An industrial town in the Copperbelt province known for its large copper mining operations.
🗺️
Lufwanyama
A district town in the Copperbelt, recognized for its natural resources and mining potential.

History & landmarks

Mukuba Mall — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Mukuba Mall
One of the largest and most modern shopping centers in Ndola and the entire Copperbelt Province.
🗺️
Nkana Stadium
A traditional football stadium in Kitwe that is the home of Nkana FC.
🗺️
Arthur Davies Stadium
Another significant sports stadium in Kitwe, named after a promoter of Zambian sports.
🗺️
Nchanga Stadium
A versatile stadium in Chingola, primarily used by the Nchanga Rangers as their home ground.

More places

Mbala Highlands — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Mbala Highlands
Highland area near the border with Tanzania.
Tanganyika Plateau — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Tanganyika Plateau
An extensive plateau above Lake Tanganyika.
Chola Hills — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Chola Hills
A mountain range in the northeast.
Nsumbu Lake Habitat — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Nsumbu Lake Habitat
Shore landscapes at Lake Tanganyika.
Mporokoso Plateau — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Mporokoso Plateau
An elevated terrain region in the Northern province of Zambia.
🗺️
Isangano National Park
Protected area with significant wetlands.
Mopani Copper Mines — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Mopani Copper Mines
One of the largest copper mines in Africa, located in Mufulira.
Bwana Mkubwa Mine — Mbala Highland Gardens (Zambia)
Bwana Mkubwa Mine
One of Zambia's oldest copper mines, used today mainly for ore processing.