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Why visit Lake Malawi?
Lake Malawi offers sapphire waters, golden sands, and a pace that slows to a serene rhythm. Unwind in barefoot luxury at an intimate beach lodge, snorkel among cichlid fish in crystal-clear shallows, sail on a dhow at sunset, or sway in a hammock to the sound of lapping waves.
With friendly Malawian hospitality, vibrant village life, and a tranquil setting untouched by crowds, Lake Malawi is Africa’s hidden coastal paradise — perfect for romance, relaxation, and adventure in one magical place.
The extensive shoreline and many private islands of Lake Malawi host boutique beach hotels, resorts and guesthouses to fit most tastes.
The perfect bush and beach combo
Combining bush and beach holidays is one of the most popular approaches to any trip to Africa – for good reason. Spending time on safari is undoubtedly the perfect balm for the soul. Yet the early mornings and exciting activities of an action-packed safari are best complemented by a few days of relaxing on one of Africa’s magnificent beaches.
Lake Malawi is perfectly positioned as the ultimate beach combo with the nearby Big 5 Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park in Malawi, and a short flight from neighbouring country safari meccas such as South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.
READ MORE about Lake Malawi.
Lake Malawi quick facts
The lake is around 570km in length and some 75km at its widest point, with one central depression extending to a depth of over 700m and holds an estimated 7% of the world’s available surface freshwater.
The water is usually exceptionally clear for a freshwater lake, with visibility often extending more than 20m in clear conditions, and sometimes even more in exceptional cases.
There are about 1,000 cichlid fish species in the lake (more than any other lake in the world) - stunning, brightly coloured little fish in the shallow shoreline areas that create nesting ‘sandcastles’ (officially termed bowers) and ferry their tiny fry by mouth.
David Livingstone referred to Lake Malawi as Lake Nyinyesi, or “Lake of Stars,” because the lights of the fishing boats bobbing on the lake’s surface at night resemble stars scattered across the sky.
What are the most popular Lake Malawi activities?
WATER ACTIVITIES include snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, boat tours and swimming. There are crocodiles and hippos in parts of the lake, so always check with lodge management about safe areas for water activities.
LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES include hiking the trails around the lake and mountains, bird watching, visiting local villages and markets and relaxing on the beach with a book and your favourite beverage in hand.
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Lake Malawi FAQs
The best time to visit Lake Malawi is during the dry season, from May to October, for warm, sunny days perfect for water activities and low malaria risk. October offers particularly clear waters, while August and September have calm, settled waters. The rainy season, from late November to April, brings high humidity, heat, and unpredictable storms, making it less ideal for a beach holiday, though the lush, green scenery can be beautiful.
Peak season bookings require 12–18 months advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.
Safaris to Lake Malawi typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level and activities. Our packages offer excellent value with transparent pricing.
Our safari prices typically include accommodation, all meals and described activities, park fees, experienced guides, airport transfers and 24/7 support from our team. Specific inclusions vary by package – contact us for detailed itineraries.
You only make your first payment when you book your Lake Malawi holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.
We have been handcrafting experiential safaris since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Booking through a respected tour operator with many years of experience means that all you need to focus on is helping us design your safari and then having a superb vacation. The rest - all the nitty-gritty detail and admin is done while you relax. Our 24/7 concierges take care of problems such as flight changes and missed flights, last-minute road transfer and lodge changes due to unexpected events, and itinerary changes requested by you.
Remember that you will not save money by attempting to book and manage your own safari, but you will inherit mistakes and problems that arise.
Yes, your money is safe. Your payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability. See what travellers say about us.
YES, by booking your safari with Africa Geographic, you make a significant difference because:
We donate a portion of every safari sold to selected conservation efforts at ground level
Your safari supports our conservation publishing efforts, which educate the world about Africa's incredible biodiversity and the local people who protect it
Our chosen lodges support local community initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits the nearby villages directly. They also adhere to strict environmental practices, such as limited vehicle numbers and sustainable camp operations, which help protect the ecosystem
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!
Start planning your Lake Malawi holiday
Our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!