Lazing on a palm-fringed sandy seaside, with sapphire water stretching out in entrance of you so far as the attention can see, you can be forgiven for pondering you have been on a tropical island someplace out within the ocean, somewhat than on the shores of Lake Malawi, lots of of miles from the closest coast.
The waters of Lake Malawi stretch throughout roughly one-fifth of Malawi making it one of many nation’s defining options. Mendacity within the western Rift Valley this is without doubt one of the African Nice Lakes. That is Africa’s third largest (and the world’s ninth largest) lake. It’s so huge in dimension that it borders three nations; Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. This unbelievable physique of water accommodates 7% of the world’s obtainable floor freshwater and stretches over 365 miles lengthy from north to south, is about 52 miles large at its widest level and covers a complete floor space of 11,400 sq. miles.
Lake Malawi is an space of outstanding pure magnificence, with the rugged landscapes surrounding it contrasting with the remarkably clear waters of the lake – the undisputed drawcard of one of many friendliest nations in Africa.
What’s in a reputation…
The Portuguese dealer Candido José da Costa Cardoso was the primary European to go to the lake in 1846. In 1859, David Livingstone was the primary European to map Lake Malawi, he named it Lake Nyasa, most likely unintentionally as Nyasa means lake within the native Yao language, so he’d successfully christened it ‘Lake Lake’. Livingstone additionally referred to the lake as Lake Nyinyesi Lake of Stars, in addition to Lake of Storms – Lake of Stars, was impressed by the fishermen’s lanterns bobbing on its waters, a nighttime exercise that continues as we speak, later, after experiencing an unpredictable and very violent gale he additionally referred to it because the Lake of Storms. In Tanzania the lake remains to be often known as Lake Nyasa and in Mozambique as Lago Niassa. At independence, in 1964, each the lake and the nation took on the identify Malawi.
The identify Malawi is believed to derive from the phrase Maravi. The folks of the Maravi Empire have been iron staff. Maravi is believed to imply “Flames” and will have come from the sight of many kilns lighting up the evening sky. Stated to be from Chichewa malawi (“flames”), after the looks of the dawn over Lake Malawi; additionally probably from Maravi, the identify of an early Malawi tribe, or from an previous identify for a lake
Anybody who has watched the solar dipping down into Lake Malawi on the finish of the day or the moon rise slowly over its waters, stood on its shores and peered within the distant mist or watched as early morning fishermen glide again to shore from their in a single day journeys, or just listened to the mild lapping of its waves on the shore, might be drawn to return, again and again, to the lake with many names.
Africa’s grand aquarium
Globally famend for its biodiversity and residential to round 1,000 species of fish, greater than another lake on the earth, Lake Malawi is a haven for underwater fans and presents a number of the most original and various freshwater diving experiences on the earth. Cichlids are the star of Lake Malawi, with round 850 totally different species of those vibrant and curious fish discovered within the lake’s clear waters, a lot of that are endemic to the lake and may solely be discovered right here.
Malawi is thought for having a number of the finest freshwater diving on the earth. The diving in Lake Malawi is appropriate for each skilled and newbie divers, with quite a lot of dive websites obtainable, a number of the hottest locations being Nkhata Bay and Cape Maclear. The visibility within the lake is often good, and the water temperature is heat, making it a cushty atmosphere for diving, or snorkelling in the event you desire.
Some fashionable dive websites in Lake Malawi embody:
Mumbo Island: This small island is thought for its glorious dive websites. The island is surrounded by shallow coral gardens and is house to quite a lot of vibrant fish.
Cathedral: This dive web site is situated within the southern a part of the lake and is thought for its giant underwater formations that resemble a cathedral. The location is house to a various array of fish and is fashionable for evening diving.
Thumbi West Island: This island is situated within the northern a part of the lake and is thought for its clear waters and considerable marine life. The island is surrounded by shallow coral gardens and is a superb place for each snorkelling and diving.
What to do
It’s not stunning that lots of the actions across the lake are usually water-based. Certainly, the lake presents fantastic diving and snorkelling alternatives, and the nice and cozy, clear waters make swimming a pleasure. Different choices embody crusing, kayaking, fishing, boat journeys, paddle boarding and waterskiing, spending time on the seaside, or just stress-free upon the deck of a catamaran because it sails the emerald waters. For individuals who desire to remain on dry land, strolling and climbing within the mountains, exploring tea estates, bicycling via villages or visiting a area people mission, can all be organized.
- Go to Lake Malawi Nationwide Park
Established in 1980 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage web site, Lake Malawi Nationwide Park is the world’s first freshwater nationwide park. Protecting about 23,300 acres, the park encompasses the southern finish of the lake round Cape Maclear. It’s recognized for its distinctive freshwater fish variety and as a sanctuary for various wildlife.
- Eat some fish
Individuals have been fishing in Lake Malawi for 1000’s of years and the lake offers native folks with a good portion of their weight loss plan. Attempt the fish. Low-cost barbecue fish eating places may be discovered throughout the lake or you may attempt the Sunbird Livingstonia Seaside restaurant and grill the place native fish is a speciality.
- Go crusing
Lake Malawi is a wonderful palace to go crusing. As a result of it’s a lake, there aren’t any harmful currents or swells to fret about. The water is calm, the wind is mild, and the climate is nice yr round. Many lodges supply crusing excursions or yacht leases. For probably the most choices, head to Cape Maclear. Try Danforth Retreat and Yachting or Chembe Eagles Nest for crusing excursions.
- Have some drinks at a seaside bar
Relax and watch the sundown over a few chilly cocktails or beers. It’s also possible to check out some native Malawi distilled spirits. Cool Runnings a lakeside guesthouse in Senga Bay is an efficient spot to attempt.
- Go fishing
For millennia, folks have fished Lake Malawi. The lake has some glorious fishing, most lodges will supply some fishing experiences or you may hire gear close to the lake and check out your luck. For the perfect likelihood of catching something, it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account hiring an area information to indicate you the perfect fishing spots. Ulisa Bay Lodge on Likoma Island supply fishing experiences with native fishermen.
- Watch the sundown
The sundown over Lake Malawi is without doubt one of the most spectacular you’ll ever see. Lake Malawi presents a singular sundown spot and Cape Maclear is without doubt one of the finest locations to admire it – the solar turns right into a crimson fireball whereas the sky adjustments from orange to pink because the solar sinks decrease within the sky and eventually dips into the lake.
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The place to remain
There are solely a handful of luxurious lodges on the lake’s secluded seashores and small islands. For relaxed lakeside dwelling, the place you may wander straight out of your room and onto the seaside, or laze in a hammock with a guide, swim in gin-clear water and dine on scrumptious native fish, probably the most accessible and fashionable elements of Lake Malawi are its southern and central areas.
That is the place you’ll discover some nice lakeside lodging, starting from family-friendly seaside resorts like The Makokola Retreat to romantic island lodges like Mumbo Island and Kaya Mawa. Even in these extra visited areas, the lake is splendidly untouched by mass tourism; no crowds, only a stress-free seaside vacation in a very particular place.
Lodging in Lake Malawi ranges from beachside resorts to non-public island getaways – one thing for all tastes, budgets and journeys.
Likoma Island, about midway up Lake Malawi, lies near the Mozambican shore. In contrast to Mumbo, Likoma is inhabited and has a small city well-known for its magnificent cathedral which is, amazingly, about the identical dimension as England‘s well-known Winchester Cathedral. Completely positioned on a rocky outcrop between two lovely seashores, Kaya Mawa has 12 stone-and-thatch chalets that lead straight to the clear waters of the lake. Pure Likoma is a magical island getaway with handcrafted furnishings created from timber salvaged from previous picket fishing boats, and native supplies, with some fashionable touches.
On the southern shore of Lake Malawi is Cape Maclear, probably the best-known vacation vacation spot on the lake. Forest-covered hills tumble all the way down to turquoise waters, village fishermen paddle previous in dugout canoes, and the golden sand is lined with backpackers and seaside bars giving Cape Maclear a vigorous environment. Many of the locations of curiosity round Cape Maclear, together with its offshore islands, kind a part of the Lake Malawi Nationwide Park. Thumbi View Lodge presents funds beach-front lodging in Cape Maclear. Mumbo Island, a 30-minute boat switch from Cape Maclear (or for the adventurous traveller, a 2-hour paddle by canoe) is a laidback little island the place sandy trails meander via dappled forests and secret seashores lie hidden between granite boulders. Close by Pumulani Lodge is located on the westside of the Nankumba Peninsula within the South finish of Lake Malawi has its rooms constructed on the aspect of a hill, providing you with spectacular views of the lake.
South of Cape Maclear, the palm-fringed Mangochi Lakeshore is well accessible from each Lilongwe and Blantyre. Mangochi has the best focus of inns and lodges on the lake but the seashores by no means really feel crowded and every lodge has a personal stretch of sand dotted with thatched sunshades and welcoming solar beds. The highest place to remain on Mangochi Lakeshore is The Makokola Retreat which has thatched rooms in a fantastic backyard setting, an unlimited swimming pool, a unbelievable spa and a 9 gap golf course adjoining to the retreat.
A bit little bit of historical past
In a tragic chapter of sub-Saharan historical past, for years 1000’s of captured slaves have been transported throughout the lake from the buying and selling centres of Karonga, Nkhotakota, and Salima. This was the shortest path to the island of Madagascar, then to Arabia and India.
Lake Malawi was additionally the scene of Britain’s first naval victory of the First World Battle, when the SS Gwendolen sank the German ship Hermann von Wissmann with a single cannon shot from 2,000 yards. On 16 August 1914 the British gunboat SS Gwendolen, commanded by a Captain Rhoades, heard that World Battle I had damaged out, and acquired orders to “sink, burn, or destroy” the German Empire’s solely gunboat on the lake, the Hermann von Wissmann, commanded by a Captain Berndt. The Gwendolen discovered the Hermann von Wissmann, in German East African territorial waters and disabled her with a single cannon shot – the primary naval battle of World Battle I
Lake of Stars Pageant
The Lake of Stars Pageant is an annual three-day worldwide competition held on the shores of Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa. The primary competition happened in 2004 and attracts over 4,000 attendees with musical acts drawn primarily from Africa and Europe in an extravaganza of worldwide, regional and native music, drama, dance, and poetry. (There might be no LOS competition in 2023 it’s been postponed to 2024).
When to go to
As a result of the temperatures are all the time nice, Lake Malawi is a wonderful place to go to year-round. Although in the event you had to decide on, the perfect time to go to might be within the dry season, Could – July. The temperatures might be cooler then. The moist season runs from October – March.
Journey inspiration
Malawi based mostly Crafted Africa have been planning and coordinating excursions to Malawi & Southern Africa for over 10 years and supply a unbelievable 11 day Lake of Stars Explorer itinerary that features The Makokola Retreat, Mumbo Island, Pumulani Lodge and Blue Zebra Lodge or an 8 day Lake Malawi Vacation exploring the beautiful Pure Likoma and the luxurious Kaya Mawa each on Likoma Island.
Lake Malawi is greater than only a lake, it’s a vibrant ecosystem, a hub of native tradition, and an important a part of the area’s wealthy heritage. Whether or not you’re a birder, an angler, a scuba diver, a hiker, a nature lover, or simply wish to chill out, Lake Malawi will enthral you with its mesmerizing magnificence. That is certainly one of Africa’s finest stored journey secrets and techniques.
