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Experiences

What to do in Lake Malawi

Stretching an impressive 365 miles along Malawi's eastern border, this ancient body of freshwater lives up to its nickname as the 'Lake of Stars'. Golden beaches and crystal-clear waters create a playground for both adventure seekers and those in search of barefoot luxury. Dive into an underwater wonderland of technicolour cichlid fish, kayak past traditional fishing villages, or sail between pristine islands on a classic wooden dhow. The lake plunges to extraordinary depths of 700 meters in the north, creating perfect conditions for PADI diving courses, while gentle beach breaks offer ideal spots for paddle boarding and snorkelling. Whether you're watching fishing boats return at sunset or exploring remote beaches, this inland sea delivers an unexpected slice of tropical paradise in the heart of Africa.

Explore Lake Malawi by kayak

May is a prime month to visit Lake Malawi, a freshwater paradise between Malawi and Mozambique. The famed regions of Cape Maclear, Likoma Island and the slightly more intimate Mumbo Island are internationally renowned for their beauty and wonder. The glowing green waters, powdery beaches and exceptional tropical diving provide entertainment no matter what the fancy. Don't waste a moment and explore the tropical fish beneath the glassy surface, get active with the numerous watersports or just lay back and relax as the day unfolds.

Snorkel with endemic fish in Lake Malawi

Float above thousands of colourful fish in Africa’s great Lake Malawi. This huge body of freshwater hosts perhaps the largest number of fish species of any lake in Africa. Due to the Lake’s high alkalinity, it also has an amazingly high proportion of endemic brightly-coloured fish. This makes for an amazing snorkelling experience in the clear, turquoise water beside your lodge. There are also few plants and organic material in the lake, which makes for amazing visibility above the sandy and rocky bottom. Dive into the waters and get lost in this gin-clear paradise, as you search out new species of fish, or just sink to the floor and let your body float up to the surface as all your troubles melt away.

Kick your feet up on a catamaran on Lake Malawi

The waters of Lake Malawi are free of tides or currents and excellent for sailing. Winds are rarely very high but there's always a breeze for sail boats. If you're not confident of your own sailing skills, board a skippered catamaran or yacht to experience the freedom of sailing with the wind in your hair.

Explore the hiking trails around Lake Malawi

Stride out on to one of the nature trails that wind around huge granite boulders, confident in the knowledge that there are no venomous snakes or dangerous animals on the island. Walk through woodlands of baobab, fig, mahogany and miombo trees and enjoy the views out over the lake.
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Namibrand, Namibia