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Lake Malawi

Dominating this slender country, the enormous Lake Malawi fills the famous Rift Valley.

Beside the lake, life is slow moving and traditional. Fishing sustains the countless communities that dot the beautiful shores, with some villages inaccessible by road and still sustained by the ageing MV Ilala as it potters its way around the lake.

Beaches line the lakeshore along its entire length, but it is the handful of offshore islands that are arguably most unspoilt and beautiful. The wealth of marine life – including hundreds of species of colourful cichlids – makes for fantastic snorkelling and diving. And for those who want to stay above water, activities range from paddleboarding and kitesurfing to sailing and kayaking.

Kayaking, Lake Malawi, Malawi — Lake Malawi, Malawi

Swimming, Lake Malawi, Malawi — Lake Malawi, Malawi

Why travel to Lake Malawi

Explore this vast lake that fills the Rift Valley
Snorkel in the warm, salt-free waters
Kayak, sail, dive and more
Stay at isolated island camps, only accessible by plane or boat

Experiences

Discover some of our suggested activities to include on your Malawi holiday

Island Camps

Stay at isolated island camps on Lake Malawi, only accessible by plane or boat.

Suggested camp

Lake Malawi Watersports

Spend time on the shores of Lake Malawi and try swimming, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking and even diving.

Suggested property

View from wooden boat, Lake Malawi, Malawi

Sunset Dhow Cruise

Take a sunset cruise on Lake Malawi aboard an old fishing dhow. Sip sundowner drinks and nibble on snacks as the sun sinks below the horizon.

Suggested Lodge

Cichlids

Snorkel and swim amongst the rocks that dot the lake’s shores, looking out for the colourful cichlids (fish) for which Lake Malawi is famed. Hundreds of different species are said to exist here.

Suggested Hotel

Discover more experiences

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Pumulani Lodge £££££

Malawi
Beach and Island Escapes

Pumulani is a beach lodge on the protected shores of Lake Malawi within Lake Malawi National Park. There are 10 villas spread out along a lush hillside overlooking the lake. Each villa boasts a large bedroom, spacious living area and a private deck with lake view. There is also a pool and private beach access. Activities include waterskiing, sailing, diving, wakeboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, and bird watching. Sunset cruises on a traditional wooden 40ft sailing boat are also available. Lake Malawi National Park is a World Heritage Site worth exploring, especially for its rare species of fish such as colourful cichlids.

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Mumbo Island £££££

Lake Malawi
Beach and Island Escapes

Mumbo Island is an exclusive camp situated on a pristine and otherwise-deserted tropical island floating on the clear waters of Lake Malawi. The camp comprises five large safari tents, each fully furnished with its own shaded view-deck and hammock, and blending seamlessly into the lush foliage. There is a dining area, bar and water sport gazebo. With waters that are so crystal clear, the diving and snorkelling are among the best in Lake Malawi. This is the perfect place to relax in tranquil surroundings and eat delicious cuisine and for the more energetic there is a variety of activities. Sea kayaking, snorkelling and scuba facilities are on offer. Birders will enjoy the abundant Fish Eagles and snorkellers can view enormous numbers of the Cichlid fish species.

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Kaya Mawa £££££

Malawi
Beach and Island Escapes

Kaya Mawa is a beach safari lodge on Likoma, an isolated island covered with mango trees and ancient baobabs and surrounded by sandy beaches and rocky coves. With breathtaking views of the mountains and wilderness of Mozambique, Likoma remains almost untouched since its discovery by Scottish missionaries at the end of the 19th century. Rated by Condé Nast Magazine as one of the planet’s ten most romantic destinations, Kaya Mawa has seven rooms and four-family houses. All have en suite bathrooms, private terraces, and either a private plunge pool or direct access to the water. Each house faces the lake and has a large mahogany four-poster bed, a shower, and a sunken stone bathtub. There is a beach bar and a restaurant, both with lake views.

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More luxury accommodation

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Lake Malawi

Why travel to Lake Malawi