Boat Trips

Unsurprisingly for a Lake of its size, there is a good range of boat trips available on Lake Malawi. For a simple organised pleasure trip of up to a few hours there is a choice of destinations – places of interest along the shore, or small islands just offshore. Traditional wooden boats or modern fibreglass speed boats are available. Some trips will include snorkelling or fishing along the way.

If only one pleasure trip is to be taken, it should be out to the Lake Malawi National Park. Brightly coloured fish are easily visible through the crystal clear water, and are eager to swarm round, and feed from, any hand placed in the water holding a piece of bread or biscuit. As well as the shore and islands accessed from Cape Maclear/Chembe Village, it’s now also possible to explore the Marelli Island Archipelago (also part of the Park) off Senga Bay.

Leisurely cruises on larger boats can also be arranged from one or two of the main hotels – to last hours or days. As well as scheduled trips by motor launch, there are sailing cruises. Catamarans can be chartered, complete with skipper. Daytime cruising can be complemented by diving, snorkelling or swimming and overnight beach camping. Based at The Makokola Retreat, the mv Sunbird is a 22m cruiser which sails along Lake Malawi, past Mangochi, and through Lake Malombe before entering the River Shire in Liwonde National Park.

Perhaps the ultimate boat journey on the Lake is on the Ilala, a large motorised vessel offering a scheduled ferry service up and down the lake. This is a functional ship much used by local people, but also offers passage and cabin accommodation to tourists. Bookings can be made through the local Tour & Safari Companies

Boat safaris are also offered along sections of the River Shire, particularly through Liwonde National Park and now Majete Wildlife Reserve.