[1] The ecoregion enjoyed lush forests, fertile soils, ample water, and mild climate, and is one of the most densely populated regions of Malawi.

The highlands' climate and geology are home to communities of plants and animals distinct from the woodland and savanna ecoregions of the surrounding lowlands.

The generally drier Zambezian and mopane woodlands lie to the southwest in the Zambezi lowlands, and to the east in the basin of Lake Chilwa.

Moisture-bearing winds from the southeast, known as Chiperone weather, provide occasional moisture during the dry season, producing mist and rain as they encounter the mountain slopes.

Newtonia buchananii, Albizia adianthifolia, Funtumia africana, and Gambeya gorungosana are the dominant trees in the low-canopy forest, and host many lichens, mosses and epiphytes.