Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is one of Africa natural splendours. It is the continent’s third largest freshwater and second deepest lake (700 m below sea level) after Lake Tanganyika. (It’s the eighth largest lake in the world). The lake is shared by three countries namely Malawi (Shares the largest portion), Mozambique and Tanzania.
It is one of the greatest habitats for aquatic life such as rare fish species than any other water body on the earth. The lake also has its basis from the Great Rift Valley where most African water bodies in Africa draw their source.
Lake Malawi occupies a total surface area of around 29,600 sq km; (680km long and 75 wide) and the biggest and most prominent water supply to the lake is River Ruhuhu. The lake out let is at river Shite, a tributary to Grand River Zambezi in Zimbabwe.

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi on the Atlas

Lake Malawi cichlids

Cichlids are the best secrets of Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi cichlids are some of the most beautiful fish in the world and are fun to watch. The two most common cichlids to be found in the lake are the tilapiines and haplochromines. Like most cichlids, Lake Malawi cichlids are known for being territorial and aggressive towards each other. Their striking crest and markings are particularly attractive. The peacock cichlids are the most colourful. More common peacock cichlids are the Melanochromis auratus and the Labeotrophus trewavasae. While in many species of cichlids only the male has the vivid markings, in these two species both sexes have colourful markings. Most are adapted for feeding off algae attached to substrate. Ideally Malawi Cichlids should have their own aquarium and as usual the larger the better. But the Cichlids remain the most popular types of fish to keep in a tropical freshwater body.
Wildlife

Malawi Hippos

Lake Malawi supports a large range of wildlife including crocodiles, hippopotamus, monkeys, and a significant population of African fish eagles that feed off fish from the lake. On Malawi Safaris to Lake Malawi National Park, tourists have clear cut chances of spotting this variety. The lake also supports populations of snails. There are a number of fish species in the lake that specialise in preying on snails.
Activities

• Snorkelling
• Kayaking
• Water skiing
• Scuba diving
• Sailing
• Cruises on Shire River (Though not so common)

Despite the activities, settlement around Lake Malawi sparse; there are evidently long stretches of entirely not in use golden sand lakeshore, lapped by crystal clear waters.