Dedza is a district in the Central Region of Malawi which covers an area of 3,624 km². It lies south of the Malawi capital, Lilongwe, and is tucked between Mozambique and Lake Malawi.

 

While the western part of the District is at a height of 1700m (5000ft) and the climate is pleasantly temperate and fresh; the eastern part (Dedza East) is at the level of Lake Malawi (250m, 800ft) and hotter.

 

The initial results of the 2008 census put the population of the district at 623,789, an increase of 28% over the 1998 figure. Dedza District has 8 parliamentary constituencies and 32 wards that elect members to the Dedza District Assembly—the local government authority.

 

There are 8 Traditional Authority Areas headed by chiefs and Dedza Township has its own Assembly. The M1 road linking Lilongwe with Blantyre runs through the centre of the District. The M5 Salima to Balaka road running parallel to the Lake and the S126 Masasa to Golomoti road is the main road linking Dedza East to Salima and Balaka.

 

Within Dedza East is the Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art at the Mua Mission which is a must for art and culture enthusiasts. Above all, the friendliness of the people always ensures a warm welcome.