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Imagine Africa  >  Destinations  >  Malawi  >  Lake Malawi
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Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, covers one fifth of the country and was declared a World Heritage Site on account of its incredible diversity of fish. As a holiday destination it is beautiful and unique - crystal clear waters offer fantastic diving and snorkelling, while the lovely sandy beaches are the perfect place to laze away the day in a comfortable hammock.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Africa’s third largest lake, Lake Malawi (previously Lake Nyasa) is also referred to as the calendar lake as it measures 365 miles long and 52 miles wide (days of the year by weeks of the year) and takes up approximately a fifth of the country's surface area. The National Park at Cape Maclear is the world’s first freshwater park and offers great wildlife viewing.

Lake Malawi is one of the cleanest fresh water lakes in the world and is safe for watersports and swimming. While sports fishing is limited on the lake, there are in excess of 500 endemic cyclid fish which can be easily viewed around almost any rocks along the lakeshore.

The part of Lake Malawi’s shore that lies in North Malawi is its most varied – everything from high cliffs dropping sheer into the lake, to secluded coves accessible only by boat. The Chintheche area has some of the best beaches on the lake, with long stretches of white sand. This is also an area of cultural interest with the Bandawe Mission site nearby.

Nkata Bay is better described as a large village than a town. It is at the most northerly point on the Lake reached by David Livingstone. Its small sheltered harbour is a focus for the Lake’s fishing industry and a major stopping point for the lake ferry, the Ilala.

Off the eastern shore of the Lake is Likoma Island: a little piece of Malawian territory in Mozambican waters. Likoma’s claim to fame is its cathedral (the size of Winchester’s) on which work began in 1903. The island also boasts some stunning beaches. Access to Likoma is by boat or aircraft.

The southern portion of the lake is the most commercially developed. The bays and beaches tend to be the most sheltered and calmest. Access to this part is by road (which take s approximately four hours from Lilongwe), or by plane, using the airstrip at Club Makokola.

Better than any beach spot… Lake Malawi is fantastic for diving and snorkelling because of its crystal clear waters!


Bjorn Behlert
  • Holiday ideas (6)
  • Properties (4)
  • Experiences (1)
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Likoma Island, Lake Malawi

Kaya Mawa is a gorgeous eco-friendly beach lodge on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. Stylish and romantic, and offering stunning snorkelling and diving in gin-clear waters, Kaya Mawa offers a relaxing and pampering post-safari end to a honeymoon.

Kaya Mawa

Lake Malawi, Malawi

Pumulani is an exclusive family-friendly beach lodge on southern Lake Malawi. With its friendly staff, great food and stunning lakeside setting, Pumulani is a great place to unwind after your safari and snorkel in the implausibly clear water.

Pumulani

Lake Malawi, Malawi

Located on Nankoma Island on Lake Malawi, the stunning and natural location of Blue Island Zebra Lodge offers an off-the-beaten-track experience in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The perfect location to encounter local wildlife and relax.

Blue Zebra Island Lodge

Lake Malawi, Malawi

Mumbo Island Lodge is a magically secluded island eco-camp in Lake Malawi National Park. Offering great value and a wonderful natural setting, Mumbo Island Lodge is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the world’s finest freshwater snorkelling and diving.

Mumbo Island Lodge

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South Luangwa, Nankoma Island, Lake Malawi

Ideal for those looking to get off-the-beaten track or for repeat safari-goers, this itinerary combines the beautiful, peaceful and game rich South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, with a stay on the tranquil waters of Lake Malawi.

9 nights from $4346 per person Diving, Imagine Favourites, Off the beaten track

Zambia and Malawi Holiday

South Luangwa National Park and Lake Malawi

An incredible family holiday combining an exclusive safari in Zambia's renowned South Luangwa staying in a private safari house with an exciting beach stay on the shores of beautiful Lake Malawi with a myriad of watersports on offer.

12 nights from $6095 per person Family, Safari, Wildlife

Family Safari and Lake

South Luangwa and Likoma Island, Lake Malawi

An exciting southern African adventure with an outstanding safari in Zambia's renowned South Luangwa and a luxury beach break on beautiful Lake Malawi. Perfect for those after an off-the-beaten-track trip with wonderful experiences and activities aplenty.

10 nights from $6228 per person Safari, Honeymoon, Imagine Favourites

Zambia and Malawi Adventure

South Luangwa, Zambia & Lake Malawi, Malawi

This one week adventure is the perfect getaway for a family holiday! Start your trip on safari in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia and end on the beautiful Likoma Island surrounded by the clear blue waters of Lake Malawi.

7 nights from $4638 per person Family, Beach, Safari

Bush and Island Family Escape

Blantyre, Southern Malawi, Lake Malawi

Nestled discretely on the banks of a lagoon, Mvuu wilderness Lodge is the perfect place to observe large numbers of hippos floating in the river! Follow this with a stay at the wonderful hideaway- Mumbo Island, and awaken your sense of adventure.

11 nights from $4902 per person Safari, Beach, Diving

Malawi Wilderness and Lake Experience

Blantyre, Shire Highlands, Zomba Plateau, Blantyre, Southern Malawi, Lake Malawi

This is the ultimate itinerary for a trip to Malawi, taking in all the must-see places and including the perfect combination of culture, safari and ‘beach’.

19 nights from $5962 per person Highlights, Beach, Imagine Favourites

Pure Malawi

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Masai Mara, Kenya

Experience the magic of floating over the plains of the Masai Mara in a Hot Air Balloon. Balloon safaris are a fantastic way to experience the vast beauty of the Mara and provide exceptional photo opportunities with spectacular lighting and scenery.

Hot Air Ballooning in Masai Mara

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