National Parks

Lake Malawi National Park in Mangochi, Malawi

Lake Malawi National Park

Entrance Fee

International Visitors USD10
International Residents USD7
Malawians USD1
Accompanied Children under 12 Free
Private Vehicles USD3 to USD7 (depending on weight)

Entrance gate: 6:00-18:00 daily

About Lake Malawi National Park

Lake Malawi is the third largest lake in Africa and the ninth largest in the world, with a maximum depth of 700m in the northern part of the lake, making it the third deepest lake in the world.

With its golden sandy beaches and glistening turquoise waters, Lake Malawi was dubbed “the Lake of Stars” by David Livingstone.

Located at the southern end of Lake Malawi, Lake Malawi National Park was the world’s first freshwater national park and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

The park covers a total area of 94km² and comprises of the land around Cape Maclear Bay (87km²), the lake (7km²) and 13 islands up to 100m offshore.

The crystal-clear water is thought to be home to some 1,000 species of vibrant cichlid fish, creating a kaleidoscope of colours below the surface.

As a single lake, it is home to the largest variety of freshwater fish in the world, more than the number of freshwater fish species in Europe and North America combined.

Lake Malawi National Park is not only a picturesque wonder with a rich diversity of fish, but it is also one of the best places in the world to enjoy a variety of water sports.

Scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, parasailing, boat trips and any other water sport you can think of are available all year round.

Activities at Lake Malawi National Park

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Birdwatching in Lake Malawi National Park

Lake Malawi which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an excellent habitat for many birds that enjoy the special vegetation in the water, on the islands and on the lakeshores.

Malawi’s national bird, the majestic African Fish Eagle swoops down from the tops of the trees to target underwater fish.

The giant Marabou Stork is one of the most impressive birds to be seen near the lake due to its size.

10 Birds to See in Lake Malawi

1. African Fish Eagle
2. Marabou Stork
3. Trumpeter Hornbill
4. Southern Masked Weaver
5. Common Sandpiper
6. Brown Headed Parrot
7. Collared Palm Thrush
8. Mourning Dove
9. Pel’s Fishing Own
10. African Pal Swift

Plan a Trip to Lake Malawi National Park

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Accommodations around Lake Malawi National Park

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Getting to Lake Malawi National Park