Lake Malawi – the depth is in the details

Lake Malawi: what you need to know

Lake Malawi, a vast landlocked body of water within the South Eastern country of Malawi, is arguably one of the most famous lakes in Africa. Named initially Lake Nyasa by David Livingstone in 1859, after ‘Nyasaland’ (the British Protectorate name for Malawi before the country gained independence in 1964). It is also known by a few nicknames: ‘The Lake of Stars’ being the most famous one (also coined by Livingstone). Without a tide, the waves on the lake only come from the wind, so when there is no wind, the waters are still and form a perfect mirror reflection of the stars – and with all the fishermen out at night in their dugout canoes, their lanterns twinkle across the lake like the night’s sky!

Another nickname is ‘The Calendar Lake’, which is approximately 365 miles long, 52 miles wide at its widest point, and 12 main rivers flow into it. The lake covers a third of the country from top to bottom, forming a natural boundary between Tanzania and Mozambique. The lake is a valley formed by the opening of the East African Rift, where the tectonic plate was split into two and estimated to be 1-2 million years old! It is the second deepest lake in Africa, the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, and home to the most species of fish – Lake Malawi has a greater diversity of fish species than Europe and North America combined!

One interesting historical fact about Lake Malawi is that it saw some action during World War I! When the war was declared, Captain Rhoades, captain of the SS Gwendolen on Lake Nyasa, was ordered to ‘sink, burn and destroy’ the Hermann Von Wissmann, the only German Empire boat on the lake. A single cannon shot from the SS Gwendolen sunk it, and this battle has thereafter been known as the British Empire’s first naval victory of World War I!

Wildlife of Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi and its surroundings are a haven for nature and wildlife. The southern part of the lake is protected within the Lake Malawi National Park, which was listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 1984. This park was formed to protect our precious lakeside wildlife species, particularly the colourful and infamous little cichlid fish within the lake itself.

There are estimated to be over 1000 species of these endemic fish, and you can find them in aquariums worldwide. In addition to that, you have the tasty chambo and kampango fish, which feed the lakeside communities and make excellent fish curries! The lake is dotted with fishing villages between long stretches of uninhabited sand that live off the lake. A delicacy to these locals is the kapenta fish (similar to an anchovy), they are often dried out and then added to relish and ‘nsima’ (maize) – a tasty local dish and a must-try if you ever get the chance.  

Not only is the lake home to a range of colourful underwater creatures, but around the islands, you can spot water monitor lizards, otters, freshwater crocodiles and sometimes hippos. There is also a prolific array of bird species, from the magnificent and iconic African fish eagles to the bright and bold kingfishers – get the camera ready and patiently watch as these magnificent birds catch their daily meal.

Where to stay

With white sandy beaches and crystal clear, blue waters, the lake is a big draw for tourists who visit Malawi, and it boasts an array of beautiful lodges – from high-end resorts to rustic island retreats. Lake Malawi is perfect for the adventurous traveller, as it has many exciting activities. Some of these include kayaking around the islands, boat safaris, stand-up paddle-boarding, freshwater scuba diving, snorkelling and wake-boarding, to name a few! Discover the quiet and sandy beaches of Likoma Island and Chintheche in the north, Senga Bay in the centre, and Cape Maclear and Mangochi in the south.

View the Lake Malawi lodges.

How to get to the lake

A combination of road travel or flights can get you to almost anywhere on the lake. 5 scheduled one-hour flights a week from Lilongwe will whisk you to the gorgeous Likoma Island, or flights to Mzuzu and a short road transfer to Chintheche will satisfy your northern appetite. Whereas Senga Bay is just a short 1h20m drive from Lilongwe and is a favourite among the Lilongwe residents for restful weekend getaways, who can pop over after work on a Friday. For those looking for a little more action and vibe, the southern lakeshore can be accessed easily from Lilongwe and Blantyre and takes about 3.5 hrs.

Cape Maclear

Cape Maclear Bay sits within Lake Malawi National Park, and Chembe village, just set back from the lodges and resorts that hug the shoreline, is surrounded by a natural paradise of thick bush and rolling hills. Keep your eyes peeled for the mischievous baboons and little bushbucks that can be seen on your scenic drive-in.

Cape Maclear is a hub of activity on the lake, offering meaningful cultural experiences as well as all the joys and activities of beach life. Immerse yourself in the vibrant backpacker area or tuck yourself away in a quieter retreat for some ultimate restfulness. Enjoy traditional dhow safaris, snorkelling with the cichlids, or sunrise hikes in the national park, which will reward you with unparalleled views over this magnificent twinkling lake.

Lake Malawi offers the perfect escape, and anyone who visits its shores is forever captured by its beauty and grace.

If you would like to visit Lake Malawi, contact us today.