Lake Malawi is the most popular tourist attraction in Malawi, with its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, resorts, water sports, and a huge variety of fish life.
Also known as the ‘Calendar Lake’ as it is 365 miles long (and 52 miles wide); Lake Malawi stretches from the northern tip of the country to Mangochi in the South! Occupying 1/5 of Malawi’s total area; it is the third-largest lake in Africa.
This lake has shorelines in western Mozambique, eastern Malawi, and southern Tanzania. The largest portion of Lake Malawi or Nyaza; is in Malawi. However; about a quarter of the area belongs to Mozambique. This area includes the waters surrounding the only two Malawian inhabited islets of Likoma and Chizumulu.
For much of the year, Lake Malawi is placid; but when strong winds blow, it can become an angry monster. Because of its potentially rich harvest of fish, the Lake plays an important part in the country’s economy. Fishing villages are scattered along the length of the lakeshore; practicing traditional fishing methods.
There are long stretches of totally uninhabited golden sand lakeshore, and plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy activities; on and in the waters.
Lake Malawi Activities
Sea kayaking (a guide will be available to assist beginners and to accompany guests if they wish)
Snorkeling
Boating or sailing – sunset cruises or island tours (on request)
Kite surfing at Kaya Mawa
Mountain biking
Fishing
Swimming
Some parts have water skiing/wake boarding and parasailing
Nature trails
Birding
Stargazing
And scuba diving (at an extra cost incl. equipment hire):
Lake Malawi is a magnet for divers and snorkelers with its clear warm waters and variety of fish. Some of the rarest tropical fish are unique to this vast lake.
This in itself is a good enough reason to dive here, but in addition to this; the lake has a diverse range of Cichlid tropical fish. These colorful fish; coupled with the massive granite boulders; that make up much of the underwater terrain make for a truly remarkable and unusual diving experience. Within the Lake, several accessible dive sites demonstrate this; however; there may be some distance between them so; additional transfers may be charged.
Lake Malawi Dive Sites
Bakers Oven is a huge “swim-through” with multiple entry and exit points; with the deepest point being 15m. This dive gives the impression of a cavern dive, but; with very few of the risks normally associated with cavern diving; due to the multiple exit points and the ambient light. This dive really showcases one of the more exciting aspects of diving in the lake; namely diving through recesses between the massive granite boulders that constitute the underwater section of the islands.
The Aquarium: As its name suggests this is the place to see the fish! Scientists researching the remarkable Cichlids of Lake Malawi; have routinely used the Aquarium as a dumping site for live fish; captured for research from this and other parts of Lake Malawi. This has resulted in an amazing density and variety of fish at this site. It is a shallow, safe dive suitable for even the most inexperienced divers.
The Wreck is a 15m steel hull sunk specifically for diving. It rests in 30m of water. Penetration is possible and is safe due to the simple layout of the superstructure. There are resident catfish and the ever-present Cichlids.
The Canyon: This site runs from 18m to 48m in depth, offering large drop-offs, pinnacles, boulders, and swim-throughs. You find yourself in an underwater canyon with huge granite boulders and slabs towering over you. A truly spectacular dive.
Zimbabwe Rock: This pinnacle is found 9kms from Cape Maclear in the deep waters of the lake. It thrusts almost vertically up from the lake bed offering huge drop-offs and an endless supply of maze-like swim-throughs. This is for the experienced diver and advanced certification is required.
Likoma Island
Likoma Island is about halfway up the lake, and 12 km from the Mozambique side. There are beautiful sights to see all around the island. As well as great interaction with the local community. The must-see sight of the island is St Peter’s Cathedral in Mbamba town. It is over 100 years old and bigger than Winchester! Even if you’re not the cathedral type, it never fails to leave people awestruck. Hopefully Vincent the verger will be there to give you the grand tour – always entertaining!
On the north point of the island is a forest reserve, near to some beautiful beaches. Or you can head across the island to Mbamba town and see the small cobbled market. Where locals get their daily supplies. If you fancy a spot of local cuisine head for the Hunger Clinic at the bottom of the town road.
If you find yourself here on a weekend, you might be lucky enough to catch the local dancing groups. As they compete with visiting dancers from Chizimulu Island. This is a very serious affair for the dancers and they show off their moves. Very proudly to all who come to watch and don’t mind if you join in either! The ‘dancing season’ start in September and culminates on new year’s day.
The most important thing to understand about Likoma is that this is probably the friendliest place in Africa. They say Malawi is the warm heart of Africa – well Likoma is the center of the ‘heart’. Feel free to wander off from your accommodation. Wherever you want, whenever you want. No maps or guides are necessary, just ask a Likoman the way home and they will probably escort you themselves.
There is something for everyone at Lake Malawi!
