Lake Malawi
The third largest lake in Africa it runs along the eastern border of the country and follows the contours of the Great Rift Valley for a distance of 585 km. At parts it is up to 100 km wide. As it is enclosed by mountain ranges and features many palm tree beaches it is – not surprisingly – Africa’s most striking lake and the country’s main tourist attraction.
The water of the lake is crystal clear and habitat to over 500 fish species, making the lake ideal for snorkelling, boat and shore fishing, spear fishing and scuba diving. It also attracts thousands of waterskiers and board sailors every year.
The Liwonde National Park
Malawi has nine national parks, but Liwonde is considered the best. Situated around the Shire River, which is the main outlet of Lake Malawi, it incorporates flooded grassland, reed swamps and floating meadows.
It is one of the top birding locations in southern Africa, but also known for its’ elephant, hippo, waterbuck, reedbuck and the proud sable antelope.
One of the bonuses this park offers is the ability to view game from a riverboat on the Shire while drinking your favourite cocktail or sundowner.
The other Malawian parks are the Nyika Plateau on the highland and the Vwasa Reserve in the lowland marsh area to the north, Kasungu National Park and Nkhotakota Reserve in central Malawi and the Lengwe National Park and the wildlife reserves of Majete and Mwabvi. Near the southern end of Lake Malawi is the world’s first freshwater national park at Cape Maclear.
