10 Things to Do in Zomba Prison Museum, Zomba, Malawi



The Zomba Prison Museum in Zomba, Malawi is a unique destination for travelers looking to explore the history of the country’s colonial past. The museum is housed in the former prison, which was built in the late 19th century and has been in operation since then. It is now a museum that showcases the history of the prison and its inmates, as well as the colonial history of Malawi. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Zomba Prison Museum in Zomba, Malawi.

1. Tour the Prison: The Zomba Prison Museum offers guided tours of the prison, which are a great way to learn about the history of the prison and its inmates. The tour will take you through the cells, the exercise yards, and the gallows. You will also get to see the prison’s execution chamber, which is a stark reminder of the harsh punishments meted out to prisoners during the colonial era.

2. Visit the Museum: In addition to the prison tour, the museum also houses a variety of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the history of the prison and its inmates. You can also view the prison’s former gallows, which were used to hang prisoners during the colonial era.

3. Attend a Lecture: The museum also hosts lectures and talks on the history of the prison and its inmates. These talks are usually given by former inmates and prison staff, and they offer an interesting insight into the prison’s past.

4. Explore the Grounds: The grounds of the prison are open to visitors and offer a great opportunity to explore the prison’s history. You can walk around the prison grounds and explore the old buildings, the walls, and the exercise yards.

5. Listen to the Stories: The museum also offers audio tours, which are narrated by former inmates and prison staff. These audio tours provide an interesting insight into the prison’s history and the stories of its inmates.

6. Watch a Movie: The museum also hosts movie screenings of films related to the prison and its inmates. These screenings are usually accompanied by talks and discussions about the films and the prison’s history.

7. Visit the Library: The library at the museum houses a variety of books related to the prison and its inmates. You can also find books about the colonial history of Malawi, as well as books written by former inmates.

8. Shop at the Gift Shop: The museum also has a gift shop, where you can purchase souvenirs and other items related to the prison and its inmates.

9. Attend a Concert: The museum also hosts occasional concerts and other events related to the prison and its inmates. These events are usually accompanied by talks and discussions about the prison’s history and the stories of its inmates.

10. Take a Guided Tour: The museum also offers guided tours of the prison and its grounds. These tours are a great way to learn about the history of the prison and its inmates, as well as the colonial history of Malawi.

Visiting the Zomba Prison Museum in Zomba, Malawi is a great way to explore the country’s colonial past and learn about the history of the prison and its inmates. Whether you’re interested in taking a tour of the prison, attending a lecture, or exploring the grounds, the museum has something for everyone.