Kayaking & Sailing

The vast body of water that is Lake Malawi provides the perfect ‘playground’ for kayaking/canoeing and sailing. The Lake waters are generally calmer than those of an open ocean but the Lake is large enough to allow winds to grow that are more than enough to propel all sizes of sailing boats. Paddling and sailing excursions can range from an hour or so on the water to an overnight spent on a yacht or a a full kayaking expedition over a number of days.

Most lodges and hotels on the shores of Lake Malawi will have a few kayaks or canoes available to their guests and kayaking is proving increasingly popular, particularly in the Lake Malawi National Park. Sea-going kayaks there are used to paddle (if you wish) to eco-camps on two deserted islands in the park and longer term expeditions can be organised along the shore of the Lake. Canoe expeditions are also on offer at the Manda Wilderness Reserve.

The tide and current-free waters make for good sailing and small boats are available for hire at a few of the lakeshore lodges and hotels. The highlight of the sailing calendar is the Lake Malawi Sailing Marathon every July. This international event consists of a series of daily stages, beginning in the south, and ending a few days later in the north.

As well as Lake Malawi, a small dam in the Viphya Highlands also has a few boats available for visitors. And in Nkohtakota Wildlife Reserve there is the opportunity to quietly paddling a canoe on a boat safari along the Bua River, through the thick, wildlife-rich wilderness.