Lake Malawi
A lake as big as the Netherlands, hidden between Tanzania, Mozambique and mainland Malawi. Not the sea, but a lake with white beaches, blue green water and charming little towns. It is also the only lake in the world where you can surf real waves.
Likoma Island | Ilala Ferry | Transport | FAQ
Likoma Island | Ilala Ferry | Transport | FAQ
The beating heart of Malawi
Technically, Lake Malawi is not a lake. It is a sea that has tucked itself between the mountains. You will find azure blue water, beaches where you can pick coconuts and quiet places to light your own campfire. Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa and the lifeline of the country that carries its name. It is full of fish, lined with colourful fishing villages and the perfect place to relax. A lake that stretches along almost the entire country and borders so many others simply has to be full of contrasts. And you can feel it, all along its endless shores you will find small villages and beaches, each with its own character and charm.
Things to do around Lake Malawi
Whether you are looking for a bit of buzz and atmosphere, backpacking among the hippies, going off the beaten path or seeking solitude, this lake will surprise you.
Likoma Island
Island vibes at their best. About 75 kilometres from Nkhata Bay lies an island that feels like stepping into another world. With our pirate Andrew you will set off, dogs on board, boat ready, and see where the adventure takes you. Tourists are nowhere to be found, but beautiful beaches and good stories are guaranteed. We have created two fun experiences on Likoma Island, ride with Betty the tractor to meet the locals or spend an afternoon across the border on the Mozambican mainland.
Overnight Ilala Ferry experience
There is no better way to discover a country, its people and its culture than by using public transport. But in Malawi, one form of public transport stands out above all others, the Ilala Ferry. Warning, not for the faint hearted.
Safety can sometimes be questionable and the seats, if there are any left, are far from comfortable. This ferry would have been retired in Europe fifty years ago. But for Malawians, it remains an important and affordable way to travel long distances. Families travel with their entire household, bags full of food and all kinds of goods. If you are lucky, you can walk onto the boat via a pier. If not, you will have to paddle out in a small rowing boat from the beach. And if you are even less lucky, that happens in the middle of the night, with unexpected waves crashing in.
Once on board, you have to push and squeeze to claim a decent spot for yourself. You can rent a small private cabin, but the true Charlies adventurer mixes in with the crowd. We highly recommend staying on the top deck, where you get fresh air, lake views and front row seats to the organised chaos that unfolds each time new passengers climb aboard. Depending on where you start and finish, the journey can take a very long time. But you will end up with one hell of a story for your next family gathering, and the delays of the Dutch railways will never feel the same again.
Transport
The trip to Likoma Island is an adventure in itself. Besides the iconic ferry mentioned above, there are several ways to travel across Lake Malawi, and with Likoma it is not just about the destination but also the journey. So, how do you get there? Most travellers start on the mainland, for example in Nkhata Bay. From there you can choose between different routes, each with its own pace and character.
Boat Mabule ‘the beauty of the island’
Not in a hurry? Then cross with a small private boat from Nkhata Bay or Chintheche. Feel the wind on your face, hear the waves against the boat and enjoy the peace. Only do this with a trusted local guide, like our very own Andrew, and only in calm weather, safety first. The trip takes about six hours.
Speedboat
Join our pirate Andrew for the wildest ride on the lake. The speedboat to Likoma Island takes about three hours of full throttle, waves and splashes. Forget your book, this is three hours of holding on tight, laughing and racing across the water. Adventure guaranteed.
The local modern ferry
If the iconic Ilala Ferry feels a bit too much, there are modern alternatives. The most used ferry between Nkhata Bay and Likoma sails several times a week and takes around three to four hours. It is comfortable, reliable and perfect for those who do not want to travel too long.
Which option suits you best depends on your budget and travel dates, as each has its own schedule. But one thing is sure, the journey itself is already an unforgettable experience. Once you step ashore and feel the calm of the island, you will know it was worth every minute.
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All your burning questions about Lake Malawi answered
Where exactly is Lake Malawi?
Lake Malawi lies in the east of the country and forms a natural border with Mozambique and Tanzania. It stretches over 580 kilometres and covers about one third of Malawi.
What can you do at Lake Malawi?
You can snorkel, kayak, dive, relax on sandy beaches, visit local villages and even go island hopping to places like Likoma Island. The lake is also famous for its colourful cichlids, tropical fish found nowhere else.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Malawi?
Yes, it is generally safe to swim, especially at popular tourist spots like Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay. Some areas do have bilharzia, so it is always best to ask for local advice before swimming.
What is the best time to visit Lake Malawi?
The best time to visit is between May and October, during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for beach days, water sports and island visits.
What animals live in and around Lake Malawi?
Lake Malawi is famous for its hundreds of unique fish species. Around the lake you can also spot birds, baboons and occasionally hippos or crocodiles, though they rarely appear in tourist swimming areas.
How do you get to Lake Malawi from Lilongwe or Blantyre?
From Lilongwe it takes about three to five hours to reach the lake, depending on where you go. From Blantyre it takes a bit longer, especially if you are heading to the southern shore or the Mangochi area.
Can you stay overnight at Lake Malawi?
Yes, there are plenty of accommodation options, from backpacker hostels and eco lodges to luxury resorts on the water. Popular places include Cape Maclear, Nkhata Bay, Likoma Island and Senga Bay.
Discover more in Malawi
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Discover the south of Malawi
Here, green tea plantations, rolling hills and old colonial towns flow into one another, with the Mount Mulanje massif towering above it all as the absolute highlight.
The pioneering trip of Eva
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