Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi, a vast inland sea stretching some 580 kilometres down the length of the country, is the shimmering heart of Malawi and one of Africa's most beautiful lakes, nicknamed the Lake of Stars for the glittering lights of night fishermen and the reflections on its clear water. A UNESCO World Heritage Site at its southern end, it harbours more species of fish than any other lake on earth, hundreds of dazzling, colourful cichlids that make its clear, bilharzia-managed waters a superb, freshwater snorkelling and diving destination. Golden beaches, laid-back lakeshore villages and idyllic islands make it a relaxed tropical paradise.

What you actually see

• The colourful cichlids - the snorkelling among hundreds of fish species.
• Cape Maclear - the laid-back beach village and national park.
• Likoma Island - the idyllic island with its grand cathedral.
• The beaches and sunsets - the golden shores and Lake of Stars.

When to go

May to October, the cooler, drier season, for the most pleasant weather and clearest water; the lake is warm and swimmable year-round. The southern end around Cape Maclear and the islands are the highlights, reached by road or, for the remote island lodges, by boat or light aircraft.

Honest expectations

The lake is generally safe and wonderful for swimming and snorkelling, though the parasitic disease bilharzia is present, so it is worth taking simple precautions and treatment, as most travellers do; some lakeshore areas are developed while others are gloriously remote. As a vast, beautiful, clear freshwater lake teeming with colourful fish, ringed by golden beaches and idyllic islands, though, Lake Malawi is a genuine highlight and a relaxed tropical paradise.

Nearby

The Liwonde park, the highlands and the island lodges are within reach.