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A natural gem of Malawi that you can see with your bare eyes. This is the ninth-largest lake in the world and the third largest lake and the second smallest lake in Malawi. What’s so interesting about Lake Malawi? Let’s find out!
Lake Malawi or Lake Nyasa is one of the large lakes in the African continent and the fifth largest lake in the world. The lake arose 4 million years ago from the isolation of the earth’s surface in the same area as the Great Rift Valley, located in southeastern Africa between Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Lake Malawi is the ninth biggest lake in the world with an area of 31,000 square kilometers, 600 kilometers long and 50 kilometers wide. It is adjacent to Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Ruhuhu is the largest river that nourishes the water source of this lake, which flows south from Tanzania, while the famous Shire River serves as the lake’s main exit. It is believed that this lake basin is about 8.6 million years old, formed when the African tectonic plates began to separate. Research shows that water levels have changed dramatically over thousands of years, including the time that almost all of the lagoons were dry.
Lake Malawi is a meromictic lake which means that the layers of water (water surface and deep water) do not mix together unlike common holomictic lakes where physical layers are mixed up at least once a year. Water layer separation creates a distinctly different environment for lake life because almost all of the deep water areas have no oxygen and are much cooler.
The lake water here is usually especially clear for freshwater lakes. Under the warm blue waves, Malawi’s historic geographical history creates a spectacular underwater landscape decorated with vibrant swarms of fish swimming underwater.
Lake Malawi is a place where you can do every water activity and every type of activity. The famous activities here are water activities such as kayaking, sailing, Stand Up Paddle Board, or add a little more excitement with water skiing and wake-boarding.
Moreover, since this lake is so clear like crystal, this lake is perfect for snorkeling to watch colorful tropical fish living in this lake and often seeking for food near rocks along the coast. For anyone who wants to dive deeper, there is a PADI-registered diving school and a full course in scuba diving and there are many places to choose.
There are also activities for people who love to chill out such as horseback riding along the banks of Lake Malawi or yachting to the upstream of the Great Shire.
