Lake Malawi is the most popular attraction for visitors to Malawi, with its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, resorts, water sports and huge variety of fish life. Some of the rarest tropical fish in the world are unique to this vast lake. 

Lake Malawi also known as the 'Calendar Lake' as it is 365 miles long, 52 wide and, rounded up, 1 mile deep, stretching from the northern tip of the country in the north to Mangochi in the South! Occupying 1/5 of Malawi's total area, it is the third largest lake in Africa.

This lake has shorelines on western Mozambique, eastern Malawi, and southern Tanzania.

For much of the year Lake Malawi is placid, but when strong winds blow north or south, it can become an angry monster. Because of its potentially rich harvest of fish, the Lake plays an important part in the country’s economy. Fishing villages are scattered along the length of the lake shore and the traditional industry and practices are an attraction to visitors.

Access to Lake Malawi is possible along much of its length but it should be noted that it is usually necessary to take a short detour off the main roads in order to reach the beach. Despite the attraction the Lake has to settlement, there are long stretches of totally uninhabited golden sand lake shore, and plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy activities on and in the waters.

Lake Malawi is a magnet for divers and snorkelers with it's clear warm waters and variety of fish. Scuba diving courses are offered.

Rent a kayak and discovered the scattered islands of Lake Malawi. 

The largest portion of the area of Lake Malawi or Nyaza is in Malawi. However, about a quarter of the area belongs to Mozambique. This area includes the waters surrounding the Malawian islets of Likoma and Chizumulu, which are this lake's only two inhabited islets.

Likoma Island set about half way up the lake and 12 km from the Mozambique side. There are beautiful sights to see all around the island, as well as great interaction with the local community. The must-see sight of the island is St Peter's Cathedral in Mbamba town, over 100 years old and bigger than Winchester! Even if you’re not the cathedral type, it never fails to leave people awestruck. Hopefully Vincent the verger will be there to give you the grand tour – always entertaining!

Up on the north point of the island is a forest reserve, near to some beautiful beaches. Or you can head across the island to Mbamba town and see the small cobbled market where locals get their daily supplies. If you fancy a spot of local cuisine head for the Hunger Clinic at the bottom of the town road.

If you find yourself here on a weekend, you might be lucky enough to catch the local dancing groups as they compete with visiting dancers from Chizimulu Island. This is a very serious affair for the dancers and they show off their moves very proudly to all who come to watch and don’t mind if you join in either! The 'dancing season' start in September and culminates on new year's day.

The most important things to understand about Likoma is that this is probably the friendliest place in Africa. They say Malawi is the warm heart of Africa - well Likoma is the centre of the 'heart'. Feel free to wander off wherever you want, whenever you want, no maps or guides are necessary, just ask a Likoman the way home and they will probably escort you themseves.

There is something for everyone here!