Lake Malawi

DESCRIPTION

Lake Malawi occupies a fifth of the Malawi’s total area. It is the third largest lake in Africa. The Lake drains an area larger than Malawi itself yet surprisingly, only one river, the Shire, flows from it. Eventually, the water spills into the Indian Ocean via the River Zambezi.

The surface of the Lake is 1550ft (470m) above sea level. In the north it is quite extraordinarily deep: 2300ft (700m), plunging well below sea level. This reflects the enormity of the natural faulting of the Great Rift Valley which is the origin of the Lake itself.

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 and the traditional industry and practices are an attraction to visitors.

ACCOMMODATION

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Chintheche Inn

Chintheche Inn is set on the western shores of central Lake Malawi. The beaches are palm-fringed, dotted by ancient fishing villages and patches of lowland tropical forest.

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Danforth Yachting Lodge

Danforth Yachting, situated at Cape Maclear bordering Lake Malawi National Park, offers superb accommodation. Surrounded by islands, this is one of the most beautiful locations on the lake...

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Kaya Mawa Lodge

Kaya Mawa Lodge is situated on the south-western tip of Likoma Island at the head of a crescent-shaped bay, surrounded by mango trees and ancient baobabs...

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Mumbo Island Camp

Mumbo Island Camp is named after the tropical island on which it is built. The crystal-clear, warm waters of Lake Malawi National Park boast some 2000 species...

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Pumulani Beach Lodge

Pumulani is situated on the west side of the Nankumba Peninsula in the south of Lake Malawi. David Livingstone named Lake Malawi ‘Lake of Stars’ for good reason. According to experts this lake is home to more native fish species than any other lake in the world...

ITINERARY IDEA

Day 1 - 3: Lake Malawi

Meal Basis: Full Board plus Activities

Sprawling across 700 square kilometres of the Great African Rift Valley, Majete Wildlife Reserve’s undulating terrain incorporates grassy plains, riverside groves and forests of marula, acacia and leadwood interspersed with palms and the occasional baobab tree. The park provides a sanctuary for a diverse mix of wildlife, including black rhino, antelope and warthog, while the Shire River is populated by large numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Lodging options include chalets and a wonderfully scenic campsite set above the Matitu Falls.

Day 4 - 6: Lake Malawi

Meal Basis: Full Board plus Activities

Although Liwonde is one of Malawi’s smaller parks is arguably the most popular of all the game parks. Malawi’s principle river, the Shire, forms its western boundary and is the reserve’s life blood. With plentiful water hippos, crocodiles and elephants are in good supply and black rhino has been re-introduced into the area. The birding is excellent and a favourite sighting among twitchers is the Pel’s fishing owl.

Day 7 - 10: Lake Malawi

Meal Basis: Full Board plus Activities

Lake Malawi is an integral part of this beautiful country, the Lake is 3/4 the length of Malawi and plays a major role in feeding much of the population. Numerous fishing villages are scattered along its length but there are still miles and miles of uninhabited golden beaches which form the country’s major tourist attraction. Lake Malawi has more species of fish than any other freshwater lake in the world, with over 600 species of fish in the Lake Malawi National Park alone. 

The 590 km long and 85 km wide Lake is the third largest lake in Africa, occupying one fifth of Malawi’s total area. At 700m it is incredibly deep its lowest point is more than 200m below sea level.

An ideal destination for everyone with a wide range of activities including snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, water skiing and sun set dhow cruises.

This itinerary is a guideline, Africa & Beyond tailor every trip to your individual specifications including all accommodation, flights, transfers & activities, please contact us to discuss your ideas.

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