Lake Malawi

Although landlocked by four other African countries, it is Lake Malawi that attracts most of the visitors to this friendly little country.

The 29,600km² body of fresh water (known as Lake Nyasa in its other two countries - Tanzania and Mozambique) is possibly the most scenic lake in Africa. It's flat, fresh, 585km long and contained between tall Rift Valley mountains.

The lake was known universally as Lake Nyasa both during and before colonialism, but the former Nyasaland Protectorate renamed both the country and the lake to give credence to associations between the current Malawi government and the legendary Maravi Empire. The other countries bordering the lake paid no attention to this ostentatious and unilateral act, and the lake retained its traditional name in both Tanzania and Mozambique.

Lake Malawi lies at around 500m above sea level, and its climate is often extremely hot, although the cool winds that blow in off the water help to cool things down a bit, especially at night. There is malaria in Malawi, so be extremely careful to take your pills diligently both during and after your stay in the area, and contact a doctor as soon as possible if symptoms develop.

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