Lake Malawi & Beach Vacations
The beaches surrounding Lake Malawi are exceptionally pretty, similar to Zanzibar’s beaches but more remote and sleepy, with less tourism.
When to Go
Best Time to Go
The best months to visit Malawi’s beaches are May through to August.
Gorgeous beaches on Lake Malawi
Combines well With Zambian safari
Brilliant ‘blue safari’
Exceptional lodges
A Unique Beach Experience
Malawi’s beaches are perfect for travellers seeking a little R&R while enjoying a location that’s totally off the beaten track. They combine very well with the safari regions of neighbouring country Zambia, particularly the South Luangwa, to provide a superb bush-and-beach vacation! And many beach fans can consider Malawi simply for a remote standalone beach experience.
The main shore, the eastern shore (actually in Mozambique but accessed through Malawi), and Likoma Island are our recommended destinations. Each can be accessed via 45 minutes’ to 1 hour’s flight from the international airport at Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city, plus a short road or boat transfer.
Activities
The beaches of Lake Malawi are perfect for simply sunbathing and enjoying some laid-back beach time. However, for active travellers, there’s a good range of things to do here.
Discover local wildlife
Embark on a blue safari
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The highlights of wildlife viewing here include the colourful cichlid fish, swimming in the lake’s mineral-rich clear waters. Over 700 fish species have been recorded in Lake Malawi, which is more than in any other lake worldwide! Occasionally, hippo and Nile crocodile are spotted, and monkeys roam the shores in some areas. And keen birders appreciate sightings of some vibrant birdlife, not least the majestic fish eagle.
Visitors to Malawi’s beaches can head out on a ‘blue safari’, both diving and snorkelling. As these are lake rather than sea beaches, there are no coral reefs; however, the underwater scenery, complete with cichlids, is pretty special.
Talk to someone who’s been there
Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.
Good to Know
01.
What are the temperatures like in Malawi?
Daytime temperatures are pleasant, averaging 20°C, and nights can be cool especially from June to August. The temperature start to climb from September and the high humidity of green season, typically November to April, can feel uncomfortable for most travellers.
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