Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is a large freshwater lake in the East African Rift, shared by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania and forming much of Malawi’s eastern border. The lake is roughly 560 kilometres long, covers around 29,600 square kilometres and reaches great depths in places.

Shallow bays, rocky shorelines and clear waters make the lake widely visited for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, notably to view the numerous endemic cichlid species. Sandy beaches and fishing communities are common along the shoreline; boat trips, island visits and diving around the Likoma and Chizumulu islands are frequent activities. The southern end contains protected areas including Lake Malawi National Park, which preserves shoreline, islands and fish habitats.

The lake has been an important transport and trade route for centuries; it was visited by European explorers in the 19th century and later became the focus of colonial-era administration in the region. Over time parts of the lake and some islands have been designated as protected areas to conserve biodiversity and cultural sites.

Geographically the lake runs north-south along Malawi’s eastern flank, with much of its shoreline within Malawi but long stretches also falling in Mozambique and small areas in Tanzania. Major Malawian towns on the lake include Mangochi, Monkey Bay and Chilumba, while the lake’s islands sit up to tens of kilometres offshore.

• Size and depth: The lake is approximately 560 kilometres long with a surface area near 29,600 square kilometres and a maximum depth exceeding 700 metres, making it one of Africa’s largest and deepest freshwater lakes.
• Fish diversity and diving: Home to hundreds of endemic cichlid fish species, the lake is a major destination for freshwater snorkeling and scuba diving because of the diversity and visibility of fish around rocky shores and islands.
• Lake ferry service: A passenger ferry (the MV Ilala) operates seasonal services along parts of the lake, providing transport between southern and northern towns and some island stops.

What to See#

• Lake Malawi National Park: A protected area at the southern end of the lake that covers shoreline and islands and is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Likoma and Chizumulu Islands: Two inhabited islands in the lake with Anglican cathedrals and small ferry links to the mainland; popular bases for diving and local cultural visits.

• Visit during the dry season (roughly May-October) when roads and boat services are most reliable and underwater visibility for snorkeling/diving is generally better.
• Use scheduled passenger services such as the MV Ilala ferry or local boat operators to reach islands and remote bays (Likoma, Chizumulu, Cape Maclear) and book space in advance when possible - ferries and boats can fill, especially at peak times.
• Don't skip Likoma Island and Cape Maclear for diving and cichlid snorkeling - both are established dive/snorkel bases with operators and markedly different shoreline experiences compared with the busier mainland lakeshore towns.