SEE & DO - LAKE MALAWI
Did you know?
Lake Malawi is the second deepest lake in Africa? It has more fish species than any other lake on Earth. Lake Malawi is known as the Calendar lake because it is 365 miles long.
Lake Malawi is Malawi’s gem a beautiful fresh water lake measuring approximately 360 miles x 52 miles; third largest fresh water lake in Africa and the eighth in the world. Being landlocked has made Malawi, as a whole, hidden from the rest of the world. Even though Malawi encourages tourism, the lack of it has meant this area of Malawi is practically untouched, beautiful, natural, peaceful, with the most golden beaches in the country and of course the friendliest people in Africa.
Lake Malawi has a wide variety of bird and fish sanctuaries which can be visited by arrangement with your resort, alternatively local fisherman also offer trips. An unforgettable experience is feeding the eagles, ask your tour guide if you can feed the eagles, to which they would normally give you a fish and a word. Once an eagle has been seen perching simply call out the word and throw the fish as high as you can towards the water, the eagle normally gets it before it touches the water. Majority of bird and fish sanctuaries are a brilliant place to snorkel or have a bbq. If you decide to get into the water, you’ll probably find yourself surrounded by hundreds of different coloured fish which swim into your hands if you stay still. Lake Malawi National Park can also be visited offering sites of Malawi’s big game, baboons and a variety of birds. A must try while visiting the Lake is the famous Chambo fish, you could easily buy fresh fish from local fishermen early in the morning and either bbq them yourself or ask the resort to do it for you. Wawa Malawi would recommend the fish is marinated in salt pepper and soaked in lemon, grilled over charcoal and served with fresh potato chips.
Resorts, campsites and lodges are widely available and costs vary dramatically. Some areas specifically cater to tourists therefore the costs are exceptionally expensive. If you’d like Wawa Malawi to help you find the perfect place for the perfect budget, please let us know by emailing wawamalawi@africamail.com
Lake Malawi has a wide range of fish species. 40% of all fresh water tropical fish in European aquariums originate from Lake Malawi. Snorkeling and scuba diving are becoming popular pastimes. There are various scuba diving schools offering training courses at beginner and advanced level, please check with your operator alternatively with the resort prior to booking.
There are two steamers on the lake. The 615-ton passenger lake steamer, the ILALA and. The MTENDERE, make weekly return journeys from Monkey Bay (in the Southern Region) to Karonga (in the Northern Region), calling at lakeside ports.
First class cabin facilities for 10 people are available, but these must be booked well in advance through Malawi Railway Limited. Simple journeys to islands such as Birds Island (a bird and fish sanctuary) can be made via local boats alternatively through majority of resorts.
It is advised that you avoid swimming in unoccupied areas such as areas with grass, hillsides (rocks), as these maybe habitats for crocodiles and hippos. Even though attacks are very rare, it is important to understand that Malawians don’t rule all waters, therefore boundaries should be adhered to, to minimize territorial attacks from animals.
If you’re planning a trip to Lake Malawi why not ask Wawa Malawi to help you find the accommodation to suit your budget and entertainment needs. Please send all enquiries to wawamalawi@africamail.com
