Malawi is a landlocked country 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 80 km 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, which was formed by the opening of the East African Rift, where the African tectonic plate is 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 widest 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 you dive here is enough to keep you busy throughout your dives. In addition to the cichlids, large catfish, eels, lungfish, Killifishes, and even large freshwater 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 in Lilongwe. It has been running a scuba diving center in Malawi since 1986. It operates 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, you 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 also offered at most resorts, and the stunning variety of birds and animals will keep even the most shutter-hungry photographers happy.
