Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is Malawi’s stellar attraction, great for kayaking, diving and yachting.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March to September

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Overview

Lake Malawi is the stellar attraction of a Malawi safari, enriching every aspect of its life. A stay at one of the Lake Malawi resorts is the ideal wind-down at the end of your Malawi safari. Effectively it doubles as a ‘beach stay’. The sandy shores of Lake Malawi are by far the closest “beach” to the prime game reserve of South Luangwa and Kafue.

This vast expanse of bright blue water makes up some 20% of the whole country of Malawi! Over 2,000 species of fish occur in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi. This includes the colourful endemic cichlids that are easily spotted when snorkelling. Fish such as chambo and kapenta are the main protein source for this lakeside country.

A quirky off-the-beaten-track destination on Lake Malawi is Likoma Island. This is a remote island near the Mozambique border with a cathedral which would be at home in Britain. All mixed in with a laid back tropical island ambiance.

Lake Malawi beach resorts

The beautiful mountainous terrain surrounding much of Lake Malawi doesn’t make for productive farming. So the lake itself is a vital part of the Malawi economy.  At night the lake is sparkling with the tiny lights of the fishermen using lights and paddle bangs to attract the fish.

TIPS: 

  • Allow at least 3 nights to relax
  • If you have more time, why not combine a mix of Pumulani Lodge with the rusticity of nearby Mumbo Island Camp?

Why We Love It

  • Miles of palm-fringed sandy beaches, rounded granite boulders and romantic wooded islands
  • Great for kayaking, diving and yachting.
  • The colourful endemic cichlids fish are easily spotted when snorkelling or freshwater diving
  • There are no currents or tides to contend with, just warm fresh water that is really clear

When to visit Lake Malawi

Hot and Rainy Summer Season

Lake Malawi has a hot and rainy summer season from mid-November to early April. The northern parts of the lake have the most rain especially late in the season in March. Sometimes Malawi can be affected by tropical cyclones that penetrate inland from the coast bringing wind and torrential rainfall. So consequently many of the lakeside lodges close from mid-January to the end of March as it is not exactly beach weather.
AVG RAINFALL 245mm
AVG HOURS OF SUNSHINE 6.5 Hours
MAX TEMP 29 ℃ / 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 21 ℃ / 70 ℉
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Dry season starts

This is a transitional period when the dry season starts. However, the daytime temperatures stay hot at 28-30c due to the lower altitude of the lake.
AVG RAINFALL 61mm
AVG HOURS OF SUNSHINE 7 Hours
MAX TEMP 30 ℃ / 86 ℉
MIN TEMP 21 ℃ / 70 ℉
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Cooler and more Pleasant time

Temperatures drop down but it remains a very pleasant 26 to 28C during the day whilst the night-time temperatures are cooler.
AVG RAINFALL 2mm
AVG HOURS OF SUNSHINE 9 Hours
MAX TEMP 26 ℃ / 79 ℉
MIN TEMP 15 ℃ / 59 ℉
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Seriously hot

Temperatures rise steadily from mid-August onwards becoming seriously hot by October and November (max 32c with high humidity) just prior to the start of summer rains. Night-time temperatures are also high. So this time is really suited to those who cope well with heat!
AVG RAINFALL 26mm
AVG HOURS OF SUNSHINE 10 Hours
MAX TEMP 32 ℃ / 90 ℉
MIN TEMP 21 ℃ / 70 ℉
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Mumbo Island Camp review, Lake Malawi

I love to be close to nature, in a wild and remote place, but I also like a bit of comfort. Mumbo Island Lodge is one of those special places in Africa which offer just the right balance between rusticity and comfort. Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi is one such place.
Well all I can say is that if Robinson Crusoe ever had experienced Mumbo Island, he might not have rated a return to ‘civilization’.

Kate Bergh
Co-founder & Director
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Tasha Eygelaar

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Tash, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH