Dedza, Malawi

Capital City

At 1,590 meters, this is the highest town in Malawi - which means chilly mornings and evenings for much of the year. The town's bypass road and central bus station are the focal points, surrounded by shops, businesses, and a large hospital. While the Dedza Pottery attracts visitors, the town's main industries are more prosaic, with a tile factory and sawmill dominating the economy.

The offices of the local district government and several NGOs are based here, so bureaucracy is a persistent headache for residents. And with limited accommodation options, finding a place to stay can be a challenge. Overall, Dedza is a functional if unremarkable provincial town, best suited for those who can tolerate cool temperatures and don't mind navigating red tape.