Lake Malombe- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Lake Malombe, located about 20 km south of Lake Malawi and fed and drained by the Shire River, covers roughly 420–450 km² and averages just 2–2.5 meters (6–8 feet) in depth. Its history is striking: the lakebed lay dry for centuries until it refilled in the mid-19th century, and even today Lake Malombe is prone to seasonal fluctuations that at times lower water levels significantly. This shallow system supports a remarkably productive aquatic environment, with nutrient-rich mixing that sustains a dense biomass of plankton and fish. The lake is integral to regional ecology and communities—home to endemic cichlids and carnivorous species like the critically endangered kampango catfish. Its shores support Typha swamps, marshlands, and seasonal floodplain grasslands, while mammals such as hippos and crocodiles and a variety of waterfowl, kingfishers, and cormorants contribute to a lively ecosystem. For travelers, Lake Malombe offers a window into the rhythms of Malawi's freshwater ecology, conservation challenges, and the rhythms of lakeside life in one of the country's most dynamic aquatic landscapes.