Lake Malawi.

Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa in Tanzania and Lago Niassa in Mozambique, is an African Great Lake and the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system, located between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. It is nicknamed the calendar lake when measured in miles. 365 miles long and 52 miles wide, Lake Malawi is the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, the second deepest in Africa, and holds 7% of the world’s fresh surface water. 

There are more species of fish in Lake Malawi than all of the fish in Europe and North America combined, with new discoveries seeming to be made practically every other week! In recognition of its exceptional biodiversity, Malawi was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status in the 1980’s.

Lake Malawi is known for its clear, mineral-rich water and its meromictic nature, meaning water layers do not intermix, which creates distinct environmental zones. The lake is a major source of livelihood for agriculture, humans and commerce along the lake shore towns of Karonga, Nkhata bay, Nkhotakota, Salima, Mangochi, etc. A key source of income for fishermen and the tourism industry.

Activities to do

Snorkelling and diving some pretty fantastic diving and snorkelling, with calm, warm, tideless waters with an abundant fish population. There are few plants under the waters because of its high alkalinity, so the water is fantastically clear, with up to 30 metres visibility at the calmest time of year (August to November). This means that even the most basic snorkelling gear gets you excellent results, with brilliantly coloured cichlids coming right up close to you, and clusters of massive underwater boulders to explore. You can snorkel pretty much all around the lake, and many lodges and hotels have equipment that you can borrow free of charge.

Kayaking There’s excellent freshwater kayaking to be had on Lake Malawi, where paddle expeditions offer a passport to secluded beaches, deserted islands and exotic wildlife. Lake Malawi’s waters are calm, deep, and clear enough that you can spot clouds of colourful fish below without having to so much as put a toe in the water; and you’ll also be able to spot birds such as fish eagles soaring in the skies above.

Feed the fish eagles In the southern lakeshore bay of Cape Maclear, you can hire a local boatman to take you out on a cruise to visit Otter’s Rock, and/or to an island to feed the fish eagles. They will source some small fish from a local fisherman and you’ll set off for the nearby, uninhabited island of Thumbi.

swimming it is generally safe to swim in Lake Malawi, but some precautions should be taken. While the lake is known for its beautiful waters and abundant fish, there are some risks associated with swimming.

Nationals Parks

Two main national parks are situated near Lake Malawi: Liwonde National Park is located south of the lake, while Lake Malawi National Park is nestled along the southern end of the lake

Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a veritable aquarium of tropical fish. In recent years, a number of high quality lodges have been built in this area. Located at the southern end of the great expanse of Lake Malawi, with its deep, clear waters and mountain backdrop, the national park is home to many hundreds of fish species, nearly all endemic. Its is the world’s first fresh water national park.

Liwonde National Park has been the site of some significant wildlife translocations and reintroductions, transforming it into a sanctuary for Malawi’s wildlife. With wildlife populations on the rise, as well as the number of people who visit the park to witness its revival, Liwonde National Park has is now a thriving haven to benefit both the wildlife and the people who live here

Islands on Lake Malawi

Likoma and Chizumulu islands are a fusion of history, modernity and a true blend of Malawian cultures. The Islands’ rich history dates back to the late 1890s when early missionaries established a post on Likoma. To date, a Gothic Cathedral looms above the island with a statue of St Peter holding the keys to the Gates of Heaven. Built in  1905, the Cathedral is one of largest in Central Africa. Likoma is easily accessed by air through an all weather international airport. Water vessels, with the MV Ilala as the most popular, also service the islands. 

The Marelli Islands group consists of three islands: Maleri, the largest, is 168 ha, Nankoma, 65 ha and Nakantenga, 18 ha. They are located opposite Senga Bay, 3 km from the shore in the remarkably clear waters of Lake Malawi The three islands are home to a vast array of fresh water fish, including some of the most rare and colourful in the world. The islands support diverse flora and fauna and are a bird watchers paradise.

Mumbo Island is a pristine and deserted tropical island and is the undisputed jewel of the Lake Malawi National Park. Mumbo Island has never been inhabited and is still in it’s natural state with a thick covering of miombo woodland and ancient fig and baobab trees. The tiny island camp, with capacity for only fourteen guests, features six tastefully furnished reed chalets with shaded decks, hammocks, hot bucket showers and ‘eco-loos’. There is a dining area with bar and lounge, and a watersport deck on the beach, leaving the rest of the island untouched. The camp is built of timber, thatch, reeds and canvas, and is perched on high rocks overlooking the water, blending with the African bush to create a ‘Robinson Crusoe’ atmosphere of rustic charm.

Domwe Island is the largest wild and unpopulated island in Lake Malawi. The Domwe Island Adventure Camp is the only development on the island. The camp lies behind a small beach on the island’s west side and offers sunset views over the lake with Thumbi Island, Mumbo Island and the mountainous rim of the African Rift Valley in the distance. The camp has capacity for only ten guests.

Ferries

The MV Ilala is a 400 tonne passenger vessel which has traditionally sailed the full length of the lake. It was built in 1949, and has a total capacity of 450 passenger and offers cabin class, first class, second class and economy class facilities as well as bars and restaurants. The Ilala’s weekly travels along Lake Malawi, have, for years, provided passengers with spectacular views of constantly changing scenery

The mv Chilembwe, is used as a relief boat whenever the Ilala needs to be taken off the water for maintenance. It was commissioned in 2014 and built by Damen of The Netherlands, at Monkey Bay shipyard. It is 32 metres long and 7 metres wide, with two fixed-pitch propellers and two Caterpillar C32 TTA (WOSR) engines. It carries 120 passengers and 20 tons of cargo, including food and medicines, at a maximum speed of 22 knots.

The MV Chambo which  primarily serves the eastern, Mozambican shore of Lake Malawi, but also includes legs between Likoma Island and Nkhata Bay every Wednesday and Thursday. This is a lightweight boat capable of carrying up to 80 passengers and up to 10 tonnes of cargo – including vehicles which can board using the mount at the front of the vehicle.

Accommodation

Along Lake Malawi accommodation ranges from beach side resorts to private island getaways – enough to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. Whether you’re looking for a luxury honeymoon on your own island or an activity-based holiday on the lake shores, Lake Malawi accommodation is sure to inspire you and will make planning your holiday so much simpler.

Kachere Kastle, situated on the unspoiled sandy shores of Northern Lake Malawi is a calm haven; a place to escape to and relax.  Kachere Kastle is on the M5 Lakeshore Road, 70km South of Nkhata Bay and 70km North of Dwangwa.

Kande Beach is one of the best places to chill out and relax along the shores of lake Malawi with clear blue water that is safe from parasites and pollution white golden sand that is clean and soft to touch and safe swimming with shallow depth and free of rocks or obstacles we have shaded seating areas near the beach, beach umbrellas and hammocks

Sunbird Chintheche is situated on the Northern shores of Lake Malawi, beautiful beaches run along the shoreline. The lodge itself is laid back and relaxed and is an affordable family-friendly location. If you want to unwind and enjoy the views over the lake be sure to sit in one of the comfy sun loungers with a drink in hand and unwind. For those busy bees, there are a number of activities to enjoy too.

Makuzi Beach Lodge is located along the northern shores of Lake Malawi. Delightfully sited in its own private bay, the lodge is ideal for that perfect “Retreat to Paradise”. Makuzi Beach has three stylish en suite thatched executive chalets and eight standard en suite chalets all nestled in manicured gardens overlooking the lake’s warm, clear waters.

Butterfly space is beautifully set on the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, surrounded by the stunning mountain backdrop of Nkhata Bay. We offer a range of accommodations to suit all preferences, from spacious, private en-suite rooms to budget-friendly chalets, dormitories, and lakeside camping shaded by nature. Guests can enjoy use of snorkels and paddleboards

Njaya Lodge Nestled into the side of a hill, and overlooking magnificent Lake Malawi, we’ve built a collection of chalets and houses spread over lush gardens and terraces that lead down to beautiful Chikale beach, the only beach in Nkhata Bay.

Fish Eagle Bay Lodge is a lodge on Lake Malawi, near Nkhotakota. It offers en-suite accommodation in whitewashed, thatched chalets with lake views. The lodge includes a restaurant and bar, and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and connection with nature. 

Sunbird Nkopola Lodge is the premier beachside resort in the south of the lake, 24 km north of Mangochi. Set amidst tropical vegetation, Baobab trees in its own beach-lined bay, the hotel has some of the most spectacular sunrises and views in Africa.

Kapiri Mtende Resort is hidden gem is found along Karonga lakeshore in Malawi’s northern region, about 42 kilometers from the Tanzanian border. 

The Makokola Retreat is located on the palm fringed southern shore of Lake Malawi, a setting that is beautiful almost beyond belief. Its waters are the habitat of more species of fish than that of any other body of fresh water on the earth. A tropical haven with a relaxed pace, Malawi is famous for its artistic traditions, including dances, wood sculpture, painting, embroidery and music amongst others.

Lakeside Hotel is an elegant getaway for the discerning traveler to enjoy world-class service amidst tranquil surroundings. Situated on Senga bay, in the lakeside town of Salima along the shores of Lake Malawi, it is home to idyllic beaches, calm lake waters and exciting water sports making it the ideal aquatic playground for families while the corporate world makes important decisions in the comfort of various conference venues within the resort. Not forgetting the blend of chefs coming together to treat guests to a variety of global cuisines at the beachfront restaurant.

Ports: Air & Water

Lake Malawi has several ports, with Monkey Bay being a major water port serving as the dock for the Ilala ferry. The Likoma airport is busiest airport close to the lake and third busiest airport in Malawi mainly serving private charter flights.

Water Ports:

Chipoka port is the closest waterfront to the capital city of Lilongwe. It is also the only point in the country where rail and lake waterfront meet. Chipoka is close by and intrinsically connected to Salima, an urban administrative hub, via rail, as well as Senga Bay, a touristic hub with great potential for developments and expansion. 

• Monkey Bay:A primary port in southern Malawi, known for the Ilala ferry’s weekly route. 
• Nkhata Bay:A small but important fishing harbor, also becoming a tourist center, on the northern shore of Lake Malawi. 
• Chilumba:Located in the southern part of Karonga District, on the western shore of the lake.

Airports

Likoma Island Airport On the eastern side of Lake Malawi the Airport, offers domestic flights only, with two domestic flights to and from this location.

• Monkey Bay Airport is an airport serving the Lake Malawi port town of Monkey Bay, in the Southern Region of Malawi.
• Club Makokola International Airport private international airstrip whereby private planes and chartered flights can clear customs and immigration on site.regular direct flights from Lilongwe International Airport or Blantyre International Airport to the lake shore.
• Karonga Airport  is an airport serving Karonga, a town in the Northern Region

National boundary & Dispute.

Parts of the Tanzania-Malawi and Malawi-Mozambique border and the tripoint is located in the lake. While Tanzania claims its boundary with Malawi lies in the middle of the lake, Malawi insists the whole of the lake’s portion not in Mozambique is part of its territory. The conflict resulted from the 1890 Heligoland Treaty between the British and Germans, with the British placing the waters of the entire lake in Nyasaland. The Malawi-Mozambique border, defined in 1954 by the Portuguese and British, is a line passing through the middle of the lake. This boundary is undisputed.

In conclusion Lake Malawi has experienced a ton of historical legacies, ranging from being the host of a naval battle between the British and the Germans, to being the evolutionary site of an eclectic range of over 450 species of freshwater tropic fish. Its sheer size alone is enough to suggest that it still holds its fair share of untold mysteries that have yet to be discovered.

Lake Malawi fast facts

• Lake Malawi National Park has been designated as a UNESCO world Heritage site in 1984.
• The total volume of this lake is 8,400 cubic kilometers which makes it the world’s fifth largest lake.
• David Livingstone visited the lake in 1859 and he gave another name to it, Lake Nyasa.
• On August 16, 1914, it was the scene of a naval battle of World War I.