The plateau rises in steep escarpments above both lake valleys, and includes extensive areas above 2000 meters elevation.

[2] Mbizi (2490 m) is the highest peak, northeast of Sumbwawanga the edge of the escarpment overlooking Lake Rukwa.

The Mbizi Forest Reserve (17,373 ha) and the Lyambo Hill Forest Reserve (212.39 km²)[3] protect an enclave of montane rainforest on the slopes of Mount Mbizi, and montane grasslands at the summit.

[4] The Mbizi forest supports a population of Ugandan red colobus monkeys (Procolobus tephrosceles).

The Tunduma-Sumbawanga Road extends southeast from Sumbawanga to Tunduma on the Zambian border, where it meets the A104 highway and the TAZARA Railway.