Lake Malawi Navigation

About Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is situated in Malawi. Lake Malawi budget travel is perfect for travelers seeking fun in the sun, with swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving to enjoy.

Lake Malawi Budget Travel

Below is a list of Lake Malawi's top activities, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Kande Beach Horse Riding, Kande Beach Scuba Diving, Malawi Village Walk & Meal

View all activities in Lake Malawi

Airports

Lake Malawi nearest airports include:
• Kamuzu Lilongwe Airport
• Monkey Bay airstrip

Birdlife

With a startling array of species to be seen, Lake Malawi birdlife brings visitors to the shores year after year. The density of Fish Eagle around Lake Malawi is one of the highest anywhere in Africa, and there are also a number of parrots, kingfisher, ibis, crane, waders and heron to be found around the varied habitats surrounding the lake.

Conservation

Lake Malawi conservation aims to restore and protect the assorted freshwater ecosystems within the lake and surrounds. A section of the lake at Cape Maclear in the south, has been declared the world's first freshwater game reserve, Lake Malawi National Park, and is a protected area preserving a multitude of fish, animals, birds and plant life.

Money

Lake Malawi money and banking info includes:
• Very few villages and towns along the lake accept credit cards
• Banks can be found in major cities
• Travelers cheques are seldom accepted, so cash these in Lilongwe
• The Malawi currency is the Kwacha
• ATMs are very seldom found in any of the villages or towns

Plants

Once a densely wooded area, Lake Malawi plant life is now fairly sparse. The areas around the lake are comprised of shrubby vegetation and cultivated land, while the upper slopes are dominated by mountain acacia and woodlands. The underwater rocks are densely coated with algae which support the large numbers of fish.

Safety Tips

• Lake Malawi is very safe, with very little crime in any of the towns or villages around the lake
• Be careful when swimming in some parts which may have hippo or crocodile
• Only qualified scuba divers should attempt to dive in the lake ' there are many dive schools in the area however
• The roads can be very bad in rainy season so drive carefully
• Take basic precautions when visiting the national park and do not feed or touch the wildlife

Travel Books

Lake Malawi recommended travel books include:
• Malawi Cichlids in Their Natural Habitat by Ad Konings
• The land of the lake: A guide to Malawi by David Tattersall
• Malawi: The Bradt Travel Guide by Philip Briggs and Mary-Anne Bartlett
• Lonely Planet Malawi by David Else

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Malawi

Wildlife

Lake Malawi wildlife is diverse, ranging from fresh water marine life to land animals. Large fish such as lake salmon, catfish and breem can be seen, as well as approximately 1,000 different species brightly coloured little fish called cichlids. Reptiles include large monitor lizards, shiny skinks and opaque geckos, while larger mammals include baboons, antelopes and hyrax.

10 Overland tours through Lake Malawi recommended for you

Ultimate Trans Africa Expedition

40 weeks From GBP 3650

London to Cairo

Eastern Trans Africa Expedition

16 weeks From GBP 1950

Cape Town to Cairo

Nairobi to Cape Town Epic

8 weeks From EUR 3180

Nairobi to Cape Town

Nairobi, Gorillas to Johannesburg

7 weeks From EUR 3020

Nairobi to Johannesburg

Nairobi to Cape Town

6 weeks From EUR 2445

Nairobi to Cape Town

Nairobi to Victoria Falls Epic

6 weeks From EUR 2640

Nairobi to Victoria Falls

Dar Es Salaam to Cape Town

5 weeks From EUR 2225

Dar Es Salaam to Cape Town

Victoria Falls to Nairobi and Gorillas

5 weeks From EUR 2325

Victoria Falls to Nairobi

Johannesburg to Nairobi via Zimbabwe

5 weeks From EUR 2085

Johannesburg to Nairobi

Dar Es Salaam to Johannesburg

26 days From EUR 1865

Dar Es Salaam to Johannesburg

East Africa Southbound

22 days From ZAR 10050

Dar Es Salaam to Johannesburg

Recent Feedback

I wanted to go to Africa ever since I can remember and going there last month far exceeded my expectations and then some! Louise was so quick to respond to any query I had and the ...

— Anne B (27) from Ireland

The trip was outstanding. Our two guides Albert and Sydney were superb in every way - interest flora and fauna - amazing organization and as people wonderful to meet. We got to pla...

— Tessa Z from Israel

Thank you for making my booking so easy and for the advice you gave me about my stay in Jo'burg too, it really made the entire experience so much more enjoyable. I've already recom...

— Tamsin C (21) from United Kingdom

I did have a great trip, thank you! I was satisfied with your services on such late notice. You were great and I'm just very pleased that you went the extra mile to get me on this ...

— Rannelle M. (32) from United States

…yes there is something else! Always I ask you a question I get a prompt and useful answer! This is the way I like it! You make things so much easier for me. Can I invite you for...

— Dr. Michael T. (49) from Germany

...it was "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING"... from start to end we were taken care of and along the way we made more friends.

— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom

In regard to the trip, it was "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING", and if wasnt for your exceptional service and last minute request from myself, you got me this perfect adventure at my price and...

— Jaz O (40) from United Kingdom

I had the most amazing trip! Absolutely incredible! The crew was so good. I am on a round the world trip and Africa takes the cake so far. I miss it heaps. Thank you for all your h...

— John R (24) from Australia

Just arrived from our adventure in East Africa, still thinking in shillings and the sunsets of the Indic Ocean. The tryp has been a total succes, everybody has enjoy it, the truck...

— Ben and Eneko from Spain

I've heard nothing but good things about overlandingafrica.com and yourself personally Tania. I am aware that you guys are a very reputable company. Thank you very much for being s...

— John R (24) from Australia

I just want to tell you that the tour you booked for us was absolutely perfect! Africa is by far the best place we´ve been to! Thanks alot!

— Ole F from Norway

It was a fantastic start into 2009! The trip was perfect and your service is outstanding! Quick in answering, always correct answers, friendly, just special! I wished all South Afr...

— Simon from South Africa

Firstly I'd like to thank you for all your help, you've been fantastic. Secondly i'd like to give a bit of feedback, and this is by no means a complaint cos it's not really your re...

— Carl A from Norway

I just wanted to thank you one more time for all of your help planning my trip. I am sorry about all of the last minute changes and greatly appreciate you accommodating them. I wi...

— Kathleen H from United States

I am back in Portugal and would like to thank both of you for all the trouble you went through and the support you provided. The tour was great, in all aspects. Spectacular and wel...

— Isabel M from Portugal

Thank U! Thank U! Thank U! For alllllllll of your wonderful efforts & tenacity! This would NOT have happened without your hard work, energy & expertise!

— Mary G from United States

thank you once again for the hard work you've put in to find the answers to all my questions! I'm determined to have a brilliant time, and I'll let you know when I get back how it ...

— Kat from United Kingdom

I don't want to say it too often but I just want you to know how much I appreciate all your help and your patience for me! With me you really made the difference!

— Vivian (24) from Netherlands, The

My sincere thanks for your contacts, may i also commend you on the quality of your website and customer service.

— Aoife from Ireland

Well i'm home now and oh how different life is now than on the road, sitting on the beach waving to everyone that passes us by..! The only thing I can say that you didn't warn me a...

— Thomas C (23) from United Kingdom

Go to all feedback