Malawi is a long landlocked country nestled between Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. Running throughout the length of this country is Lake Malawi Africa’s third largest freshwater lake which extends 600 kilometers in length and 80kms wide. This lake has been formed as a result of tectonic movements of the Earth’s crust as it lies in the Great Rift Valley that was formed by the opening of the East African Rift, where the African tectonic plate is being split into two pieces.
The unique rift valley and submerged moonscape like terrain make the lake interesting for scuba diving as there are a variety of fascinating geological formations to explore. Visibility in the lake is simply stunning, and the water temperature is a warm constant all through the year. More importantly, nature has endowed Lake Malawi with the richest variety of tropical fish of any freshwater lake in the world. From over 100 varieties of fish found in this lake, up to 550 species of cichlids are unique to these waters. The sheer variety of rainbow colored cichlids that swarm around you when dive here is enough to keep you busy throughout your dives. In addition to the cichlids, large catfish, eels, lungfish, Killifishes and even large fresh water crabs are often sighted on dives.
David Attenborough’s most recent BBC series, Planet Earth featured a segment on the variety of Cichlids found in Lake Malawi and how one can experience scores of cormorants (birds) dive into the waters of the lake to feed on the fish that gather to feed on insects after the rains.
Night Diving in the lake is a must do activity, as swarms of locally named “dolphinfish” or Malawi Blue Dolphin Cichlid (not to be confused with Mahi Mahi) which have large dolphin-like humps on their heads, surround you on your dive.
The massive size of the lake itself means that there is no shortage of dive sites; however there are a few well established dive centers that can offer you the complete experience. Scuba Blue located in Club Makolo, is a 4 hr drive from the Airport at Lilongwe , and have been running a scuba diving center in Malawi since 1986 and operate two dive boats primarily diving along the waters of Lake Malawi National Park, on rock reefs or dive sites around Boadzulu Island. Aqua Africa Scuba Diving School and Dive center is located in Nkhata Bay and is also a well established PADI center in Malawi.
Lake Malawi is perhaps the best freshwater dive holiday destination, as there is probably as much to do and see, above the water as there is below. When you’re not exploring the crystal clear waters of the lake, one can go on Safari at the National Parks, or on excursions to explore the wilderness, cliffs and valleys of Malawi. Sailing, snorkeling and water sports are offered at most resorts as well and the stunning variety of birds and animals will keep even the most shutter hungry photographers happy.
*photos from flickr by: Kevin.Souza, teejaybee, SarahDepper, litrate
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