Kande Beach
A long sand beach on the northern lakeshore, a fixture on the overland route through Africa.
Updated 2 September 2026
Kande is a wide sand beach on the northern lakeshore that has been a stop on the overland truck route through Africa for decades, which gives it a particular character: a campsite and bar directly on the sand, a rotating population of travellers, and a village behind that has grown up around the trade. A small island offshore is swum or paddled to, and horse riding along the beach and in the lake is offered.
Highlights
- The beach - a wide stretch of sand on the northern shore.
- The overland stop - the campsite that has served the truck route for decades.
- The offshore island - the islet swum or paddled to from the beach.
- The village - the settlement behind the beach and its trade.
When to go
May to October is the dry season and the overland season. The camp is busiest when trucks are in. Bilharzia is present in the lake.
What to expect
It is an overland stop and the atmosphere reflects that, which suits some and not others. Bilharzia is present. Village tours and crafts are pushed hard on the beach.
Nearby
Chintheche is north, and Nkhotakota is south.
What to pack for Kande Beach
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon
- Shelter suited to the place - Tent, tarp or hut booking - match it to the terrain and rules. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
