Fact file on Malawi  

Malawi, formerly Nyasaland in British colonial days, is located south of the equator on the east coast of Africa. It is bounded by Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.   This mountainous country straddles the Great Rift Valley which formed the great lakes of Africa, with Lake Malawi occupying approximately one third of the total territory. The Lake water level is  approx. 315 metres above sea level whilst the highest point is approx. 4 000 metres above sea level.

Marawi (Malawi) means reflected light, perhaps referring to the brilliant glitter as the sun shines on the water, the reason it is often called "The Lake of Stars". In the late 1800's Dr David Livingstone set up a mission in Malawi (then Nyasaland) and eventually gained the British Government's support in eliminating the slave trade which was rampant here and elsewhere in Africa at that time. Lake Malawi was on the main slave route from Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with a staging post at Nkhotakota, north of Salima, from where slaves were moved north to Zanzibar. Mangochi, on the south shore, was originally founded as a military fort (Fort Johnstone) to combat the slave trade. Settlement was inevitable as colonialists moved into the country, bringing organised agriculture and industry with them.

Lake Malawi was the scene of the first naval battle of World War 1 with a British gun boat stationed on the lake destroying the only German gun boat from Tanzania (Tanganyika) shortly after war was declared. The rival captains were in fact friends prior to the outbreak, often visiting each other for drinks and other activities!

Malawi gained its independence in 1964 after having seceded from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1963. The country recently moved away from a one party state to a democratic republic status. A new constitution has been created and the country is focusing strongly on democratic development. Although a poor country by western standards in terms of per capita income, the people of Malawi are well known for their industrious nature, their friendliness, helpfulness and courtesy. The rural people are highly skilled in crafts with wood carving, basketware and art being the more common examples

Lake Malawi covers nearly 24 000 square km's with depths varying from a few metres to over 700 metres in the north. In most places off shore the water depths are around 100 metres. The lake is often called the "One year" lake as it is 365 miles long and 52 miles wide ( 570 km's long and up to 80 kms wide). It is the third largest lake in Africa and 9th largest in the world. Both Mozambique and Tanzania bound the upper eastern lake shoreline whilst Malawi bounds the lower eastern, western and southern shorelines. All the islands in the lake are under the control of Malawi. Many of the islands in the south are uninhabited and have been incorporated into the Lake Malawi National Park, a unique conservation programme where the local population takes an active part in its success.The lake and its islands are rich in fish and bird life. The water is clear with underwater visibility up to 20 metres, providing excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. Extensive white sand beaches and rustic fishing villages along its shoreline round off a lake of pristine beauty.

Summer temperatures range from 15 - 35 degrees Centigrade, and in winter from 10 - 25 degrees Centigrade. Water temperatures are fairly constant at around 24 degrees Centigrade. The main rains fall during November to March, averaging about 200 mm per month, normally in heavy showers. Humidity ranges from 54% in September to 85% in February, with most months being in the 60's.

Lake Malawi is an underwater paradise, containing more species of fish (over 500) than that of Europe and the USA combined. Many of these species are tropical fish unique to the lake.  Fish eagles, black eagles, kingfishers, terns and cormorant are common.

The lake's shipping comprises fishing trawlers as well as two 600+ ton cargo boats, a recently launched container ship and a medium sized fuel tanker which carry cargo weekly between Monkey Bay on the southern lake shore, and Karonga at the northern tip, calling at various ports along the way.

Fishing is excellent with Chambo (a type of bream), Kampango (Carp), Barbel and Vundu (catfish), yellow fish, lake salmon and tiger fish being the main sport fish found in the lake. Tiger fish will provide a great fight, but require wire trace and are virtually inedible because of their bones. Because of the clear nature of the water the fish are succulent and tasty and a definite treat!  Many people make their living from fishing on the lake and good specimens may be purchased from local fishermen at reasonable prices. Most of the surplus catch is sold to the fisheries for processing into fishmeal. 

The official language is English although there are some 7 different tribal languages. The currency is Malawi Kwacha but English Pounds, S.A. Rands and U.S. Dollars are accepted in most parts of Malawi.

Bilharzia is a worm type parasite which enters your body through your skin or open wounds and lodges itself in your liver for its food source. It is a risk, primarily in stagnant waters and slow streams or near reed beds, particularly where the beach is populated.  As a precaution, avoid swimming in these areas and do not pick up the snails found on the rocks and lake floor.  Always towel down well after swimming to dislodge any of the microscopic larvae which may have attached themselves to you. As the window of opportunity for the parasite to find a human host is very short, (approx. 24 hours) and its other host, the water snail is generally found in shallow waters, swimming out in deep water is generally risk free. Have a blood test to check two weeks after your return.