From KSh1,211,407 to KSh1,684,674 pps
Kaya Mawa Lodge
Lake Malawi, MalawiActivities travellers enjoyed
Bird watching | Boat excursions | Fishing | Cultural visits | Bush dining | Private dining experience
HomeDestinationsLake Malawi
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is the beach of a Malawi trip: clear water, a few islands, and lodges where the day is a swim and a boat.
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Plan a Lake Malawi Holiday: Discover the 'Lake of Stars'
Sitting in the sunshine on a palm-fringed, sandy beach with sapphire water stretching as far as the eye can see, you might be forgiven for thinking you’re on an oceanic tropical island rather than on the shores of Lake Malawi, hundreds of kilometres from the coast.
Part of the tumble of mountains and lakes that make up the Great Rift Valley, Lake Malawi is the undisputed draw card of what people call the friendliest country in Africa. Covering 30 000km², this massive freshwater body is filled with shoals of brightly coloured fish while the branches of lakeside trees act as convenient perches for African fish eagles, their distinctive calls a soothing soundtrack to a Lake Malawi holiday.
The most accessible and popular parts of Lake Malawi are its southern and central regions, and this is where you’ll find our pick of lakeside accommodation, ranging from family-friendly beach resorts such as Club Makokola to romantic island lodges including Mumbo Island and Kaya Mawa. Even in these more visited areas the lake is still wonderfully untouched by mass tourism: no queues, no crowds – just a stress-free beach holiday in a unique environment.
From Snorkeling to Stargazing: Lake Malawi’s top Experiences
Activities offered at Lake Malawi lodges are understandably water-based. With the largest number of fish species of any lake in the world, the snorkelling is fantastic and it's a top destination for freshwater scuba diving too. The flat lake surface is also perfect for leisurely kayaking and fair-weather sailing.
Back on dry land there are plenty of opportunities to go bird watching, add on a local big game safari in nearby Liwonde National Park, or just to immerse yourself in the local beach culture – noted as being about as laid-back as it gets.
When To Visit
Lake Malawi is best visited between early May and late October when the climate is mild to warm with little chance of rain and the risk of malaria is at its lowest.
Ready to Explore Lake Malawi?
Find out more about where to go on Lake Malawi or simply chat to one of our well-travelled Africa Safari Experts – they know the area well and can recommend the perfect place for a week-long Lake Malawi holiday or will include a couple of relaxing days on the lakeshore as part of a longer South Africa safari itinerary.
What travellers most enjoyed about Lake Malawi
Beaches
Diving and snorkelling
Scenery
Sunset cruises and boating
Where to Go on Lake Malawi
Tranquil Lake Malawi stretches almost 600km along Malawi’s eastern border but there are only a handful of luxury lodges set on its secluded beaches and small islands. The southern and central regions are where to go on Lake Malawi for relaxed lakeside living: wander straight out of your suite and onto the beach, laze in a hammock with a good book, swim in gin-clear water and dine on deliciously prepared fish, fresh off the boats of local fishermen.
Cape Maclear: Water Sports, Beach Bars & A Lively Atmosphere
On the southern shore of Lake Malawi lies Cape Maclear, the best-known holiday destination on the lake. Forested hills tumble down to the turquoise water, village fishermen paddle by in their dugout canoes, and the broad stretch of golden sand is lined with backpackers and beach bars giving Cape Maclear a lively atmosphere (at least by Malawi standards).
Most of the places of interest around Cape Maclear – including its offshore islands – form part of the Lake Malawi National Park, the world’s first freshwater nature reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting hundreds of species of tropical fish.
Mumbo Island: Eco-Friendly Private Island Escape
Mumbo Island is easily reached from Cape Maclear via a 30-minute boat transfer or for the adventurous traveller, a 2-hour paddle by canoe. This laidback little island was uninhabited for centuries and remains relatively untouched: sandy trails meander through dappled forests, secret beaches lie hidden between granite boulders, giant monitor lizards sun themselves on rocks and the island is home to an abundance of birds.
Mumbo Island is completely exclusive to guests staying at Mumbo Island Camp. The accommodation has been built to strict environmental standards with walk-in tents and lovely reed bungalows equipped with hot bucket showers and ‘eco-loos’. The overall feel is extremely relaxed and it is a fantastic choice for people who really do want to get away from it all.
Likoma Island: Wonderful People, Romantic Island Lodge
Likoma Island lies about halfway up Lake Malawi and close to the lake’s Mozambican shore. Unlike Mumbo, Likoma Island is inhabited and has a small town famous for its magnificent cathedral which is, amazingly, about the same size as England’s famous Winchester Cathedral.
Likmoa has all the essential ingredients to deliver a relaxing beach holiday: sandy beaches, warm water and colourful fish, but an additional unique attraction of staying on this easy-to-explore island is a visit to the market where you can chat with local islanders and get a real feel for why Malawi is known as the warm heart of Africa.
Perfectly positioned on a rocky outcrop between two beautiful beaches, Kaya Mawa has 12 stone-and-thatch chalets that lead straight to the clear waters of the lake. Each luxurious chalet is unique in design and ranges from spacious 2-bedroomed family houses to a dreamy honeymoon suite set on its own private island.
Mangochi Lakeshore: Plenty to Do, Beach Resort Atmosphere
South of Cape Maclear, the palm-fringed Mangochi Lakeshore is easily accessible from both Lilongwe and Blantyre. Mangochi has the greatest concentration of hotels and lodges on the lake but even so, the beaches never feel crowded and each hotel has a private stretch of sand dotted with thatched sunshades and welcoming sun loungers.
If you’re looking for an almost endless list of activities, then this is where to go: water skiing, wakeboarding, paragliding, beach volleyball – there’s even a nine-hole golf course, its greens and fairways punctuated by giant baobab trees.
Our top place to stay on Mangochi Lakeshore is Club Makokola which has thatched rooms in a beautiful garden setting, an enormous swimming pool and a fantastic spa.
When to go
May to October
Dry, and the best months to combine the lake with a park.
November to April
Warmer water, more rain, and the stormier stretch to ask about before you book a boat camp.
Travel advice
Transfers
The pretty islands are a boat from the mainland. Build the time in. A same-day international flight is how bags get left behind.
Health
The lake shore is a malaria area. See a clinic. Bilharzia is a question for fresh water that is not the open swimming beach your lodge uses. Ask before you wade in a river.
Lake Malawi Holiday Packages
If you’re looking for a tour or holiday in Lake Malawi, look no further than our selection of lazy beach vacations, romantic retreats and adventure trips. Our Lake Malawi tours and holidays embrace a part of Malawi that is always popular with travellers and can easily be combined with a big game safari. You’ll also enjoy a wide variety of accommodation options.
Recommended Lake Malawi Tours & Safari Holidays
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Sunrise game drives. Game viewing along the Luangwa River.
Destinations visited
From KSh753,765 to KSh771,780 pps
Highlights
Picnics & guided birding walks near Mount Mulanje. Barefoot-luxury & impeccable service on Lake Malawi.
Destinations visited
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Game drives through 12m high mopane forests. Search for rare black rhino & 400 bird species.
Destinations visited
From KSh771,620 to KSh1,127,000 pps
Highlights
Bush and beach combination. Walking & boating safaris.
Destinations visited
From KSh1,211,220 to KSh1,592,890 pps
Highlights
Island stays on Lake Malawi and the Zambezi River. Stay in luxurious eco-lodges throughout.
Destinations visited
From KSh1,234,590 to KSh1,638,330 pps
Highlights
Experience the famed South Luangwa National Park walking safaris. Stand in awe of the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Destinations visited
-
Enquire for pricing
Click to save to your wishlistFamily Zambia & Malawi
9 daysHighlights
Sunrise game drives. Game viewing along the Luangwa River.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi Malawi South Luangwa National Park Zambia
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Sunrise game drives. Game viewing along the Luangwa River.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh753,765 to KSh771,780 pps
Click to save to your wishlistMalawi Highlands, Park & Lake
11 daysHighlights
Picnics & guided birding walks near Mount Mulanje. Barefoot-luxury & impeccable service on Lake Malawi.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi Lilongwe Majete Wildlife Reserve Malawi
From KSh753,765 to KSh771,780 pps
Highlights
Picnics & guided birding walks near Mount Mulanje. Barefoot-luxury & impeccable service on Lake Malawi.
Destinations visited
-
Enquire for pricing
Click to save to your wishlistMalawi's Liwonde Safari & Likomo Island
9 daysHighlights
Game drives through 12m high mopane forests. Search for rare black rhino & 400 bird species.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi Malawi
Enquire for pricing
Highlights
Game drives through 12m high mopane forests. Search for rare black rhino & 400 bird species.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh771,620 to KSh1,127,000 pps
Click to save to your wishlistMalawi’s Wildlife, Plantations & Lake Adventure
12 days This safari is a Hidden GemHighlights
Bush and beach combination. Walking & boating safaris.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi Liwonde National Park Malawi
From KSh771,620 to KSh1,127,000 pps
Highlights
Bush and beach combination. Walking & boating safaris.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh1,211,220 to KSh1,592,890 pps
Click to save to your wishlistZambia and Malawi's Bush & Beach
10 days This safari is a Hidden GemHighlights
Island stays on Lake Malawi and the Zambezi River. Stay in luxurious eco-lodges throughout.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi Malawi South Luangwa National Park Zambia
From KSh1,211,220 to KSh1,592,890 pps
Highlights
Island stays on Lake Malawi and the Zambezi River. Stay in luxurious eco-lodges throughout.
Destinations visited
-
From KSh1,234,590 to KSh1,638,330 pps
Click to save to your wishlistZambia's Community & Conservation Safari
10 days This safari is a Trip With A PurposeHighlights
Experience the famed South Luangwa National Park walking safaris. Stand in awe of the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi Malawi South Luangwa National Park Victoria Falls Zambia
From KSh1,234,590 to KSh1,638,330 pps
Highlights
Experience the famed South Luangwa National Park walking safaris. Stand in awe of the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Destinations visited
-
Popular tours and safaris in Lake Malawi
Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.
Ask for the rate
Family Zambia & Malawi
9 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi | Malawi | South Luangwa National Park | Zambia
Ask for the rate
Malawi's Liwonde Safari & Likomo Island
9 daysHighlights
A rhino outing where this itinerary includes one. Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi | Malawi
From KSh1,211,407 to KSh1,593,137 pps
Zambia and Malawi's Bush & Beach
10 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi | Malawi | South Luangwa National Park | Zambia
From KSh1,234,778 to KSh1,638,581 pps
Zambia's Community & Conservation Safari
10 daysHighlights
Time on foot with a guide.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi | Malawi | South Luangwa National Park | Victoria Falls | Zambia
From KSh771,899 pps
Malawi Highlands, Park & Lake
11 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi | Lilongwe | Majete Wildlife Reserve | Malawi
From KSh964,062 to KSh1,006,260 pps
Malawi’s Wildlife, Plantations & Lake Adventure
12 daysHighlights
Time on the water by boat or canoe. Beach days are part of this route.
Destinations visited
Lake Malawi | Liwonde National Park | Malawi
From KSh1,684,674 to KSh2,178,066 pps
Family Safari & Beach Adventure
14 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Malawi | Zambia
Lake Malawi Accommodation
Accommodation in Lake Malawi ranges from beachside resorts to private island getaways – enough to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. Whether you’re looking for a luxury honeymoon on your own island or an activity-based holiday on the lake shores, our selection of Lake Malawi accommodation is sure to inspire you and will make planning your Malawi holiday so much simpler.
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Travellers
CoupleFamilyGroup (2 or more)Solo
Activities
Game drivesNight drivesGuided walking safarisPrivate vehicle with driverSpecialist guidesCultural visitsConservation projectsStar gazingSleep-out experience available
Wildlife Experiences
Historical toursBird watchingGorilla trackingChimp trackingMonkey trackingRhino trackingWhale watchingTurtle nesting excursionsShark cage diving
Food & Drink
Bush diningPicnicsFine dining experiencePrivate dining experienceWine tastingCooking lessons
Aerial activities
Hot air ballooningHelicopter flightsScenic flightsMicro-lightingBungee jumpingSky diving
Water activities
Boat excursionsMokoro trailsFishingCanoeingKayakingSailingWind-surfingKite surfingStand-up paddle boardingSurfingWater-skiingWhite-water raftingSnorkellingScuba diving
Sport & Wellness
HikingQuad-bikingJogging trailsSpa treatmentsYogaHorse riding
Accommodation Types
Boutique HotelBush CampCountry HouseGuesthouseHotelHouseLodgeView all 'Accommodation Types'(5)Mobile Tented CampResortTented CampTented LodgeVillaPer person sharing
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Activities Travellers Enjoyed
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Lake Malawi stays
3 stays. The rate is per person sharing.
- Lake Malawi, Malawi
From KSh964,062 pps
Mumbo Island Camp
Lake Malawi, MalawiActivities travellers enjoyed
Cultural visits | Bird watching | Picnics | Boat excursions | Fishing | Sailing
From KSh771,899 to KSh964,062 pps
Pumulani Lake Lodge
Lake Malawi, MalawiActivities travellers enjoyed
Bird watching | Fishing | Guided walking safaris | Cultural visits | Picnics | Boat excursions
Costs
Malawi is usually gentler than Botswana, and an island lodge is still the large line.
A park-and-lake week is the fair comparison, not a dorm bed on the ferry. Sample trips and the quote show the split. International flights are extra.