THE LAKE OF STARS
THE LAKE OF STARS (By Sangwani Chigezero Chibaka)
From the third largest lake in Africa to the third deepest freshwater lake in the world, visiting Lake Malawi is one thing you must add to your bucket list. Despite being home to more species of fish than those of any other fresh water lake in the world, Lake Malawi also boasts of over 700 species of cichlids. Discovered by the Portuguese trader Candido José da Costa Cardoso in 1846, the lake has a maximum length of 580km and a width of 75km giving it an approximate surface area of 29600 km².
Apart from being one of the great lakes of the East African rift valley, Lake Malawi is also known for its attractive scenery, stunning beaches, gorgeous islands and of course the tasty fish. Dr David Livingston nicknamed it “The Lake of stars,” upon observing the glows of the lamps of the fishermen on their boats at night, which from a distance bear a resemblance to the stars in the sky.
The lake is a key fishing ground, and fish is mainly for local consumption and commercial purposes. The most common fish in the lake includes; Chambo, Matemba, Mcheni, Kampango, Mbuna, Mlamba, Utaka and Usipa. Since the lake stretches throughout all the three regions of the country, it is easily accessible from every corner of the nation. Likoma and Chizumulu are the major islands of the lake, other notable ones include Mumbo, Domwe, Lundu, Ngkuyo, Mbenje and Maleri all which are uniquely amazing. Apart from the islands, the lake also has numerous startling beaches.
The lakeshore districts are home to amazing sceneries and beautiful beaches, most of which offer relaxing amenities, and the people are remarkably friendly. You can either go swimming in Cape Maclear or get a boat ride at Sun ‘n Sand. You can even go scuba diving in Nkhatabay or chill on the golden sands of Nkopola lodge while getting a treat of the roasted Chambo with a sip of the locally brewed beer. Why not delight yourself to some locally handmade crafts such as pottery, curios, mats, bangles and other items? Other exciting activities on the lake include yachting, Skiing, Para Sailing and many more.
If you are a daredevil you can take up the challenge of swimming across the lake between Cape Ngomba and Senga Bay (a 25km channel), so far a total of 12 swimmers have accomplished this challenge on 4 different occasions. The shores of Lake Malawi are also the proud hosts of the annual three-day international festival called the “Lake of stars festival” which attracts over 4000 attendees each year.
Regardless of being a beautiful geographical phenomenon, Lake Malawi also played a major role in the naval history and victory of the World War I. On August 16, 1914, the lake was a host to the scene of a brief naval battle between the British and the German Empire. This brief battle saw the British gunboat SS Gwendolen commanded by Captain Rhoades disable the German’s gunboat Hermann von Wissmann commanded by Captain Berndt with a single cannon shot from a range of about 1800 metres.
Lake Malawi is actually not a bad spot for a swim and a bit of fun, it would definitely be so unfair to your soul if let this once in a lifetime chance passby.
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| A Slight view of Lake Malawi |
From the third largest lake in Africa to the third deepest freshwater lake in the world, visiting Lake Malawi is one thing you must add to your bucket list. Despite being home to more species of fish than those of any other fresh water lake in the world, Lake Malawi also boasts of over 700 species of cichlids. Discovered by the Portuguese trader Candido José da Costa Cardoso in 1846, the lake has a maximum length of 580km and a width of 75km giving it an approximate surface area of 29600 km².
Apart from being one of the great lakes of the East African rift valley, Lake Malawi is also known for its attractive scenery, stunning beaches, gorgeous islands and of course the tasty fish. Dr David Livingston nicknamed it “The Lake of stars,” upon observing the glows of the lamps of the fishermen on their boats at night, which from a distance bear a resemblance to the stars in the sky.
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| Fishing is one of the major activities on the Lake |
The lake is a key fishing ground, and fish is mainly for local consumption and commercial purposes. The most common fish in the lake includes; Chambo, Matemba, Mcheni, Kampango, Mbuna, Mlamba, Utaka and Usipa. Since the lake stretches throughout all the three regions of the country, it is easily accessible from every corner of the nation. Likoma and Chizumulu are the major islands of the lake, other notable ones include Mumbo, Domwe, Lundu, Ngkuyo, Mbenje and Maleri all which are uniquely amazing. Apart from the islands, the lake also has numerous startling beaches.
The lakeshore districts are home to amazing sceneries and beautiful beaches, most of which offer relaxing amenities, and the people are remarkably friendly. You can either go swimming in Cape Maclear or get a boat ride at Sun ‘n Sand. You can even go scuba diving in Nkhatabay or chill on the golden sands of Nkopola lodge while getting a treat of the roasted Chambo with a sip of the locally brewed beer. Why not delight yourself to some locally handmade crafts such as pottery, curios, mats, bangles and other items? Other exciting activities on the lake include yachting, Skiing, Para Sailing and many more.
If you are a daredevil you can take up the challenge of swimming across the lake between Cape Ngomba and Senga Bay (a 25km channel), so far a total of 12 swimmers have accomplished this challenge on 4 different occasions. The shores of Lake Malawi are also the proud hosts of the annual three-day international festival called the “Lake of stars festival” which attracts over 4000 attendees each year.
Regardless of being a beautiful geographical phenomenon, Lake Malawi also played a major role in the naval history and victory of the World War I. On August 16, 1914, the lake was a host to the scene of a brief naval battle between the British and the German Empire. This brief battle saw the British gunboat SS Gwendolen commanded by Captain Rhoades disable the German’s gunboat Hermann von Wissmann commanded by Captain Berndt with a single cannon shot from a range of about 1800 metres.
Lake Malawi is actually not a bad spot for a swim and a bit of fun, it would definitely be so unfair to your soul if let this once in a lifetime chance passby.
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| A tourist enjoying her time on the shores of Lake Malawi |
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| Aerial view of the Lake |
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