Lake Malawi National Park

It’s a mistake perhaps to think of Lake Malawi as a “region” of the country. Africa’s third largest lake, it’s a vast trough that stretches from the very northern tip of Malawi to the south. At the southern end of this vast inland sea, focused around Cape Maclear, lies Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s first freshwater national park.

Lake Malawi National Park is small at only 94km², but it encompasses one of the most beautiful sections of the lake, whose crystal clear waters protect a veritable aquarium of freshwater tropical fish, as well as a significant stretch of inland territory around the forested headlands of Cape Maclear, where baboon, hyrax and antelope can be found. Also within the boundaries of the park are several islands, including the beautiful Marellis.

Naturally, this is one of the more popular sections of the lake, and contains a mixture of upmarket lodges (mostly on the private islands and more remote corners of the shore), family-friendly beach resorts, and backpackers’ stops.

In and around Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi
For many visitors, Lake Malawi is a place to relax at the end of a safari in place of a traditional beach break – the beaches are beautiful and the lake perfect for swimming. However, there’s also a huge amount to do for more active travellers.

Lake Malawi protects the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world, allowing for excellent snorkelling and freshwater diving. With its flat surface and calm waters it’s also perfect for relaxed canoeing or fair-weather sailing.

The wildlife is more limited on land but there’s plenty of scope for birdwatching, guided walks and bike tours.

There is a huge choice of accommodations, ranging from small, simple eco-lodges such as Mumbo Island, to luxurious retreats such as Pumulani and the fabulous Kaya Mawa, accommodating a broad range of budgets.