Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa and the ninth largest in the world forming most of the eastern border of Malawi with Mozambique. It is 560 Kilometres long and up to 80 wide. The lake has over 500 indigenous species of fish not found anywhere else mostly of the brightly coloured cichlid family many which are uniquely adapted to take advantage of their food sources and their environment. The Lake Malawi National Park which is a world heritage site was set up mainly to protect these unique species.
Palm fringed beaches and soaring mountains surround the warm crystal clear lake and in the lushest region which is the north there is rich tropical rainforest.
There are many picturesque fishing villages, unchanged for thousands of years surrounding the lake, where the opportunity exists to interact with the local people and to learn about their lifestyle.
The area is very good for bird watching, there are many varieties of kingfisher as well as fish eagles and other raptors.
Other popular activities in this fascinating region include scuba diving, snorkelling boating, sailing, canoeing, fishing and walking or maybe just sitting idly on sandy beach watching the daily rhythm of life on the lake.
A few days chilling out at Lake Malawi will complement perfectly a safari holiday in Zambia's nearby South Luangwa National Park or Liwonde National Park the best in Malawi.
The best time to visit Lake Malawi is in the dry winter season from may to October.