Lake Malawi- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Nestled in the southern arm of the East African Rift, Lake Malawi, known in Tanzania as Lake Nyasa, stretches nearly 560 km from north to south and plunges to depths of over 700 m. Shared by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania, its shoreline in Tanzania’s Mbeya, Njombe and Ruvuma regions gives access to one of Africa’s most compelling and lesser-known freshwater landscapes.

Formed by tectonic forces, Lake Nyasa lies in a deep trough carved by the Great Rift. The lake covers roughly 29,500 km² and sits at an altitude of around 470 m above sea level. In the Tanzanian-border area, the steep escarpments of the Livingstone Mountains and the Nyika Plateau enhance the dramatic scenery. The local name “Nyasa” means “lake” in Chiyao, so “Lake Nyasa” effectively means “Lake Lake”.

What makes Lake Malawi so remarkable is its extraordinary fish diversity — it is home to perhaps the greatest number of freshwater fish species of any lake, with estimates ranging up to 1,000 species, many of them endemic. Among these, the vibrant cichlids (locally known as “mbuna”) display an evolutionary variety comparable to the finches of the Galápagos.

The lake is also central to local livelihoods: around 56,000 fishers harvest over 100,000 tons of fish annually, supporting well over a million people across the basin. While tourism is growing, much of the shoreline remains lightly developed, offering a quieter alternative to Africa’s more crowded beach destinations.

Conservation challenges are real: over-fishing, habitat degradation, invasive species, and climate change all pose threats to the lake’s ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

For travellers, the Tanzanian side of Lake Nyasa offers stunning clarity, warm fresh water, and a range of activities. Snorkelling and scuba diving reveal kaleidoscopic fish life within metres of shore. Kayaking or sailing around bays framed by granite boulders and palm-lined beaches allows for both adventure and relaxation.

On the Tanzanian shores, spots such as Matema Beach are highlighted as excellent for swimming and relaxing. While the Tanzanian lakeshore is less developed than its Malawian counterpart, that means fewer crowds and more peaceful stays.

• Dry season (May–November) often offers clearer water visibility.
• Stay aware of local conditions; water-borne disease risks are low but check locally.
• Visit fishing villages along the shore and try fresh-caught fish grilled lakeside.
• Accommodation ranges from rustic lakeside lodges to upscale resorts; book ahead if you seek comfort.