Fishing

As well as Lake Malawi itself, rivers and smaller lakes and reservoirs provide varied fishing opportunities in Malawi. Light tackle will cover most situations and some equipment may be available for hire at the lodges, though it’s always best to bring your own.

The majority of the 1000 or so species in Lake Malawi are small tropical aquarium fish, mbuna. However, sungwa (perch), ngumbo (lake yellow-fish), mpasa (lake salmon), sanjika (smaller relative of lake salmon), ncheni (lake tiger), kampango (catfish) and vundu (catfish) offer interesting possibilities. Fishing is year round but best between September and April.

The best river fishing is usually off banks of reeds and heavy weed beds. The Bua river, running through the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, is excellent for salmon with the Luweya, Lufira and North Rukuru not far behind. In the Lower Shire Valley, below the Kapichira Falls on the southern boundary of the Majete Wildlife Reserve, tiger fish are abundant, joined further down by vundu and barbel as the river broadens. Heavier tackle and a boat are needed here. Dry season fishing between May and November is possible on the Lower Shire.

The streams and dams of Zomba Plateau, Mount Mulanje and Nyika Plateau are well stocked with rainbow trout. Only fly fishing is permitted, with flies tied on single hooks. The season is September to April. At Chimwenya Game Park, just outside of Blantyre, Lake Bvumbwe offers a leisurely opportunity to fish for wide mouth bass and tilapia.