Lake Malawi National Park- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Lake Malawi National Park, situated at the southern end of Lake Malawi in Southeast Africa, is dedicated to preserving its diverse aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants. Created to protect the lake's rich fish diversity, especially the cichlids known locally as mbuna, the park encompasses 95 square kilometers of land and water, including rugged headlands, rocky islands, and the scenic shores of Cape Maclear. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the park is celebrated for its role in global biodiversity conservation, showcasing a unique blend of geological features and evolutionary processes akin to those studied by Darwin in the Galápagos Islands. The park's crystal-clear waters and dramatic Great Rift Valley escarpments provide stunning vistas, while its varied habitats—from forested slopes to serene shores—support around 700 endemic cichlid species, alongside a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The rich cultural history of the area, including the legacy of explorers like Dr. David Livingstone and vibrant local fishing communities such as Chembe village, adds a unique human dimension to this ecological haven.