Scuba Diving

The clear, calm, warm, shark-free and tideless waters with an abundant fish population (around 1000 species), and fascinating rock formations make Lake Malawi an excellent place to dive. It is widely recognised as one of the best freshwater diving locations in the world, and one of the cheaper places to learn to dive. Visibility can reach 30 m at the best times of year (August to December).

Diving is available at Mumbo & Domwe Island camps (Lake Malawi National Park) as well as Blue Zebra on the Marelli Islands. There is also a long-established dive school available to those staying at Nkhata Bay and one out on Likoma Island. As well as casual dives, one to six day courses are available with professional tuition and PADI or NAUI certification. Alternatively, sailing tours can be taken to incorporate day or night dives.

Though equipment is available for hire it is best to bring your own mask, snorkel and flippers. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for the 22°C – 27°C waters. The Lake’s altitude of 474m above sea level will require appropriate adjustment of decompression tables.

To read Aaron Gekoski’s entertaining and wonderfully illustrated article in Divesite about diving in Lake Malawi click here.