Lake Malawi National Park

Covering an area of 94 km2, Lake Malawi National Park was designated a National Park in 1980 becoming the world’s first freshwater national park and a World Heritage Site. It was established at the southern end of the Lake in the Cape McClear region to protect the unique diversity of tropical fish living there, some of which are not found anywhere else on earth. The park includes a land area around the cape and bay as well as the Lake and islands up to 100 meters off shore.

The Nankhumba Peninsula, forms the centerpiece of a miniature archipelago of twelve islands, and encompasses Cape Maclear, where scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities. The underwater game viewing experience matches anything that the land has to offer, from the hundreds of species of fish that can be found in the region, the most famous of which is the Mbuna Cichlids. The natural habitats of the land surrounding the area has resulted in an extraordinary concentration of different species of plants, animals and birds including baboons, antelope and hyrax, fish eagles, cormorants and hamerkops.

It has become a very popular area with travellers and backpackers stopping off for a number of days. Boats and snorkeling equipment can be hired.

Cichlid Fishes, Lake Malawi

View Overlooking Cape Maclear

Fish Eagle

Fish Drying Racks

Cape Maclear Sunset

Recommended trips

Explore Malawi Scheduled Safari

A well balanced, all round tour suitable for families and individuals alike, giving you a chance to see and experience all the wonders that Malawi has to offer.

15 Days - USD $3,230

7 Day Southern Malawi Highlights Tour

A tour so adventurous . This tour will take you to the southern Malawi's highlights, visiting Mulanje Mountain, safari in Liwonde National Park and relaxing on the Island in Senga Bay.

7 Days - USD $2,470