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 - forms 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.