isolated mass of syenite (igneous rock composed chiefly of feldspar) rising from the Shire Highlands, southern Malaŵi. Occupying an area of about 50 square miles (130 square km), it reaches an elevation of 6,846 feet (2,087 m) in Zomba Peak. Sheer scarps to the east and south drop 2,500 feet (750 m) to the surrounding plains, and the western wall (4,000 feet 【1,200 m】) bounds part of the Shire rift valley. The massif is divided by the deep valley of the Domasi River into two sections—the Zomba Plateau (south) and Malosa Mountain (north). The tabular surface at 6,000 ft is under softwood afforestation as well as development as a mountain resort.