Lake Malawi
My Safari
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Malawi is known as the Warm Heart of Africa. Although less well known to tourists than its neighbours - Zambia to the west and Tanzania to the north-east - Malawi's friendly people and dazzling scenery enchant all who visit.
The country is dominated by Lake Malawi, Africa's third largest lake, which runs along part of the Great Rift Valley. Described by David Livingstone as the Lake of Stars, Lake Malawi is almost 600km long and home to more than a thousand species of fish. It is possible to visit game parks in Malawi and view elephants, hippos and zebras, but the country's greatest attraction is the lake. Along its shores you can experience traditional village life and gaze on mile after mile of perfect sandy beaches.
The lake is particularly inviting. The clarity of the water and the great abundance of marine life make it ideal for snorkelling and diving, while the absence of currents ensures it is wonderful for swimming, sailing, kayaking and watersports. [cont.]
Because of this, Lake Malawi is perfect for a beach and safari holiday when combined with the game parks of Zambia. Many visitors find a few days unwinding at the lake is the perfect way to end their holiday in Africa.
We do not have a separate website listing the beach lodges available on Lake Malawi, but do please contact us for further information on these - and indeed on other places to stay, and other activities that are available, on Malawi.
Getting to Lake Malawi
The main route to the Lake from Zambia involves flying, either from Lusaka with the infrequent Kenya Airways flight or as a charter flight from Mfuwe to Lilongwe.
Chartering is by far the most convenient way to get there, with the flight lasting only a short while from Mfuwe (South Luangwa) with reasonable seat rates available, meaning you don't need to pay for the whole plane. Expect to spend around $500 per person for a charter flight.
Once at Lilongwe, the transfer to your Lake lodge will cost between $50 and $250 per person, depending on where on the Lake your lodge is. Occasionally this transfer will be a second flight (for example into Pumulani), but road transfers are more common. This all means getting to Malawi can be expensive even though the country is not far from the Luangwa Valley. It is possible to cross the border overland if you are feeling adventurous, but it is a long drive even from North Luangwa.
Weather
Malawi has very similar weather patterns to Zambia, so the best time to go will be July and August if you don't want it too hot. The hot season begins in September and extends through to the rainy season which kicks in in November.
Health
There are no compulsory requirements other than yellow fever if arriving from a yellow fever-infected country (which does not include Zambia). Malawi is a malarial area and precautions should be taken. Bilharzia is present in Lake Malawi so avoid areas of standing water.
Visas
Entry visas are not required for UK or US citizens.
