Lake Malawi

Explore one of the world’s top freshwater dive destinations and indulge on hidden and unspoilt tropical islands that dot the warm and clear waters of Lake Malawi. BAOBAB Travel offers diving, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking and beach relaxation across the Lake.

BAOBAB trips to Lake Malawi can be arranged on a tailor-made basis. Please examine the accommodation guide for our choice of lodges and liveaboard catamaran with guideline prices and itineraries and then contact us for a precise quote for your chosen holiday (or for further assistance to help you make up your mind!!).

All BAOBAB’s prices are excluding the international flight, which provides you with more flexibility, especially when you are based outside the UK. BAOBAB can arrange all aspects of your holiday once you are in South Africa, including car hire, whale watching, township tours, adrenalin sports and of course accommodation.

Accommodation & Activities in Lake Malawi

Activities

Malawi is one of the smaller African Nations, landlocked in the heart of east-central Africa and is one-fifth water. Dominated by the Rift Valley, the country includes an extensive area of high interior plateaus with steep escarpments, found to be plunging in places into the waters of Lake Malawi. The Lake environment offers the opportunity to forget about the hurried passing of time, as it is still relatively untouched by the modern world.

Kaya Mawa Lodge on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi from the air

Things to do
Lake Malawi is approximately 600 km long by 80 km wide and lies at about 475 m above sea level. Cape Maclear, situated on the southern end of Lake Malawi, is the world’s first freshwater National Park and a World Heritage Site. The Lake offers a wide range of activities to keep anybody's interest for at least a week:

Divers in Lake Malawi

Kayaking in the clear waters of Lake Malawi

Liveaboard catamaran 'Mufusa'

Relaxing on one of the many beaches of Lake Malawi

Scuba-diving: The lake conditions are generally very calm with water temperatures between 22-27degrees Celcius and visibilities up to 30 m during most of the year. It is estimated that there are over 500 fish species from 10 families with cichlids as the dominant species. Most cichlids have a remarkable breeding trait, the female carry their eggs and fry in their mouth until the young are ready and able to look after their own needs. No wonder that Lake Malawi is sometimes referred to as God’s Aquarium. More info...

Kayaking: The protected waters and nearby islands of Lake Malawi bring kayaking within reach of anyone, irrespective of fitness or experience. The two-person kayaks are large & stable and the guides are ex-fishermen, adding local knowledge and experience to the safety mix.

Sailing: Sailing on the fully equipment and crewed ocean going catamaran Mufusa, a cruise geared around your particular interest, be it fishing, scuba-diving or just relaxing.

Mountain biking: On mainland of Cape Maclear interesting nature walks can be taken in the hills or you can hop onto a mountain bike and cycle to the historical mission grave sites and foundations of the early mission station at Cape Maclear.

There are several nature trails on e.g. Mumbo & Domwe Islands and Likoma Island and plenty of bird-watching opportunities. Shady hammocks or the beach are perfect retreats for those wanting to curl up with a good book.

All BAOBAB’s trips are priced excluding the international flight. This provides more flexibility for you, especially when you are based outside the UK. A transfer by 4x4 will take you from Lilongwe to Senga Bay (approx 1½ hrs), where you will be picked up by Mufusa. The return journey is from Cape Maclear to Lilongwe by road (approx 4 hrs). Likoma Island can be reached by charter plane.

Nyika Safaris charter plane