World Country Guide

Lake Malawi & Lakeshore Regions

This vast lake stretches from the northern tip of the country to Mangochi in the south. The surface area of the lake covers nearly 24,000 sq km (15,000 sq miles), and lies in the deep, trough-like rift valley which runs the length of the country. The shores of the lake are generally sandy and the resort areas are largely bilharzia-free. There are no tides or currents. Most of the hotels provide pleasure craft enabling visitors to enjoy water-skiing, sailing, fishing, snorkelling and windsurfing. Lake Malawi is known to contain more species of fish than any other lake in the world: over 500 and up to a possible 1000 at the latest estimate. Some of the rarest tropical fish in the world are unique to the lake, which is also the home of fish eagles, black eagles, several varieties of kingfisher, tern and many other birds. One of the best ways of seeing lake Malawi is to cruise in the 630-ton Ilala II, the lake’s mini-liner, which cruises the lake between Monkey Bay and Karonga in the north of the country. The 1052km- (654 mile-) voyage gives the passenger the opportunity to visit lake ports and to view the spectacular mountain scenery. Luxury yacht chartering is also available.
Nkhotakota, on the central lake shore, is one of Africa’s oldest market towns and was once a centre of the slave trade. There are mid-range lodges here from which one can visit the nearby wildlife reserve. The beautiful Chintheche Strip has excellent small lodge accommodation.
Further north is Nkhata Bay, a busy port and market and a favourite stopping place for visitors. There is plenty of budget accommodation around the bay.
Senga Bay, near the market town of Salima, is the main lakeshore resort of the central region. Lizard Island, home to many varieties of lizard and eagle, is one of the many off-shore islands.
Cape Maclear, near Monkey Bay, has a beautiful sandy beach and is in the Lake Malawi National Park, the world’s first freshwater reserve. It is here that the fish-rich lake is seen at its best. There is top-class accommodation at the island camps, and at a new lodge offering sailing in luxury yachts and kayaking and diving are offered from the islands. There are plenty of mid-range and budget lodges and there are plans for a hotel.
Located on the east side of the lake, near the Mozambique shore, Likoma Island is worth a visit - there is excellent swimming off the beaches and a very interesting Anglican Cathedral, built by missionaries over 100 years ago. Accommodation is limited but includes a luxury lodge.