,url-https%3A%2F%2Fwaybird.imgix.net%2Fimages%2Fmap%2Fpin-primary-outlined.png%3Fw%3D12(34.5701457,-11.6800535),url-https%3A%2F%2Fwaybird.imgix.net%2Fimages%2Fmap%2Fpin-primary-outlined.png%3Fw%3D12(34.7316013,-11.836257),url-https%3A%2F%2Fwaybird.imgix.net%2Fimages%2Fmap%2Fpin-primary-outlined.png%3Fw%3D12(34.53711,-12.273141),url-https%3A%2F%2Fwaybird.imgix.net%2Fimages%2Fmap%2Fpin-primary-outlined.png%3Fw%3D12(34.7582583,-12.131024)/auto/600x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidGltYnVrdHV0cmF2ZWwiLCJhIjoiY2poMGw1eHpkMmRkbDJ6bW8xYWZ5OGpjYyJ9.PYvAO7lUJ40SOpGvwmQLqw&attribution=false&logo=false)
2018
The Best of 2018
What did we, and our travellers, get up to in 2018?
Lake Malawi Trips & Tours
Lake Malawi
Legend has it that when the explorer David Livingstone arrived on the shores of Lake Malawi, he observed thousands of lanterns on fishing boats shimmering across the vast expanse of water, and called it "The Lake of Stars". Today you might not find quite as many fishing craft on the enormous, freshwater lake, but you will find hundreds of colourful cichlids flitting beneath the gin-clear water, crescents of golden-sand beaches and a smattering of idyllic lodges cocooned on the shoreline. Snorkelling, diving, boating and kayaking are all on offer to pass your days, or you can simply sit back and gaze at the sun-dappled lake in all its calm, serene and peaceful glory.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
12 nights from $12,616 per person
10 nights from $0 per person
12 nights from $0 per person
13 nights from $0 per person
14 nights from $10,303 per person
8 nights from $7,239 per person
Stretching an impressive 365 miles along Malawi's eastern border, this ancient body of freshwater lives up to its nickname as the 'Lake of Stars'. Golden beaches and crystal-clear waters create a playground for both adventure seekers and those in search of barefoot luxury. Dive into an underwater wonderland of technicolour cichlid fish, kayak past traditional fishing villages, or sail between pristine islands on a classic wooden dhow. The lake plunges to extraordinary depths of 700 meters in the north, creating perfect conditions for PADI diving courses, while gentle beach breaks offer ideal spots for paddle boarding and snorkelling. Whether you're watching fishing boats return at sunset or exploring remote beaches, this inland sea delivers an unexpected slice of tropical paradise in the heart of Africa.
The "beach" to Zambia and Zimbabwe’s "bush", Lake Malawi ticks all the boxes for a pretty perfect beach holiday, whether you choose to spend your days above or below the water.
Likoma Island in the southern section of the lake defines "magical". Home to deserted beaches and quiet coves for secluded swimming, its mango-strewn interior and beautiful St Peter’s Cathedral also deserve to be explored.
Just like all the best places, Lake Malawi can be a little taxing to reach. Roads are bumpy, the journey by car is long, and flights can be expensive. But if you’re booking a safari package that includes Zambia or Zim, costs can be reduced, so don’t let the access to this paradise of a lake put you off.
Wet Season
Often the wettest month of the year, with relatively high temperatures and long nights of rain.
This is a risky time of year for a beach holiday with unpredictable weather.
Enjoy exceptional year round diving and snorkelling with warm waters and clarities that never drop below 15 meters.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Wet Season
A very wet month with regular nightly rainfall and high daytime temperatures.
This is a risky time of year for a beach holiday with unpredictable weather.
Lake Malawi has exceptional year round diving and snorkelling with warm waters and clarities that never drop below 15 meters.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Wet Season
Rainfall begins to decline although is still reasonably high during this month, with showers usually occurring over night and daytime temperatures being relatively hot.
The unpredictability of the weather makes this destination a gamble for a beach holiday.
With a wide variety of cichlids (tropical fish), take advantage of the unique lake diving and snorkelling, enjoying warm waters and clarities of no less than 15 meters.
There is an activity for every moment of the day on Lake Malawi, including kite boarding, kayaking, water skiing or even learning to sail.
Take a quad biking trip on Likoma Island, an area known for its cultural scenes and an impressive cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Wet Season
The wet season is coming to an end, with temperatures still hot but dropping as rainfall decreases with each passing day.
Take advantage of the first dry days of the season by heading to the white sandy beaches of Lake Malawi.
Enjoy exceptional year round diving and snorkelling with warm waters and clarities that never drop below 15 meters.
There are numerous activities available on Lake Malawi, such as kite boarding, kayaking, water skiing or even learning to sail.
Explore Likoma Island on a quad biking trip, taking in the cultural scenes and an impressive cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Dry Season
The dry season has began, rainfall subsides and the temperatures are hot but dropping.
The ideal time of year to relax on the tropical shores of Lake Malawi.
Lake Malawi has exceptional year round diving and snorkelling with warm waters and clarities that never drop below 15 meters.
With so many water activities available on Lake Malawi, including kite boarding, kayaking, water skiing and sailing, there won't be a moment to waste.
Likoma Island is best explored by quad bike, with friendly locals, cultural scenes and a large cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Dry Season
The dry season is in full swing with slightly cooler temperatures and little to no rain expected.
Take advantage of pristine weather, relaxing on the beaches of Lake Malawi.
With a wide variety of cichlids (tropical fish), take advantage of the unique lake diving and snorkelling, enjoying warm waters and clarities of no less than 15 meters.
There is an activity for every moment of the day on Lake Malawi, including kite boarding, kayaking, water skiing or even learning to sail.
Take a quad biking trip on Likoma Island, an area known for its cultural scenes and an impressive cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Dry Season
Temperatures are cooler with almost no chance of rain.
A wonderful time of year for lounging on the picturesque beaches of Lake Malawi.
Enjoy exceptional year round diving and snorkelling with warm waters and clarities that never drop below 15 meters.
Take advantage of the numerous activities available on Lake Malawi such as kite boarding, kayaking, water skiing or even learn to sail.
Explore Likoma Island on a quad biking trip, taking in the cultural scenes and an impressive cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Dry Season
Temperatures are ideal, with only a couple of days rainfall across the whole month.
A great time for recliner relaxation on the white sandy beaches of Lake Malawi.
With a wide variety of cichlids (tropical fish), take advantage of the unique lake diving and snorkelling, enjoying warm waters and clarities of no less than 15 meters.
With so many water activities available on Lake Malawi, including kite boarding, kayaking, water skiing and sailing, there won't be a moment to waste.
Likoma Island is best explored by quad bike, with friendly locals, cultural scenes and a large cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Dry Season
The end of the dry season is approaching with temperatures and humidity beginning to climb in this month and little to no chance of rainfall.
At this time of the year, Lake Malawi provides the perfect setting for island relaxation and care free living.
The best time for diving or snorkelling with warm water temperatures and incredible dive clarity of up to 25 meters during this month.
Take advantage of the numerous activities available on Lake Malawi such as kite boarding, kayaking, water skiing or even learn to sail.
Take a quad biking trip on Likoma Island, an area known for its cultural scenes and an impressive cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Dry Season
This is one of the hottest months of the year with the first afternoon showers occurring towards the end of the month.
Take advantage of the end of the dry season by reclining on the beach, icy cocktail in hand.
The best time for diving or snorkelling with warm water temperatures and incredible dive clarity of up to 25 meters during this month.
There are numerous activities available on Lake Malawi such as kite boarding, kayaking, water skiing or even learn to sail.
Explore Likoma Island on a quad biking trip, taking in the cultural scenes and an impressive cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Dry Season
The start of the wet season with sporadic rainfall, usually in the form of late afternoon showers.
This month is usually a gamble for beach relaxation with long hours of glowing sunlight but the potential for rain is ever present.
The best time for diving or snorkelling with warm water temperatures and incredible dive clarity of up to 25 meters during this month.
There is an activity for every moment of the day on Lake Malawi, including kite boarding, kayaking, water skiing or even learning to sail.
Explore Likoma Island on a quad biking trip, taking in the cultural scenes and an impressive cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
Wet Season
Approaching the peak of the wet season, temperatures are relatively high with regular rainfall in the form of heavy showers.
This is a risky time of year for a beach holiday with high humidity, temperatures and rainfall.
Diving and snorkelling conditions are prime in early early December, with warm water and a clarity of 25 meters, this tails of towards the end of the month but is never bad.
Take a quad biking trip on Likoma Island, an area known for its cultural scenes and an impressive cathedral.
Don't forget to pack sun block and a hat, Africa has a powerful sun year round.
