To the east of the Great Rift Valley lies LAKE MALAWI (also called Lake Nyasa), making up over three-quarters of Malawi's eastern boundary. Lake Malawi is sometimes called the Calendar Lake as it is about 365 miles (587 km) long and 52 miles (84 km) wide. The Shire River flows from the south end of the lake and joins the Zambezi River 250 miles (400 km) farther south in Mozambique. The surface of Lake Malawi is located at 1,500 feet (460 m) above sea level, with a maximum depth of 2,300 feet (700 m), which means the lake floor is over 700 feet (210 m) below sea level at some points.
Lake Malawi is the first National Park to give protection to freshwater life of a deep-water Rift Valley lake. The 88 square kilometere park is located in the southern part of the loake and includes 12 islands and most of the Nankhumba Peninsula. Its crystal clear waters and myriad colorful ciclid fish darting amongst the rocky shoreline entice one to a snorkel and join the fish in their daily activities.
Lake Malawi is the first National Park to give protection to freshwater life of a deep-water Rift Valley lake. The 88 square kilometere park is located in the southern part of the loake and includes 12 islands and most of the Nankhumba Peninsula. Its crystal clear waters and myriad colorful ciclid fish darting amongst the rocky shoreline entice one to a snorkel and join the fish in their daily activities.
Wildlife that might be seen includes bushbuck, klipspringer, crocodile and hippos. Bird life includes fish eagles, trumpeter hornbill, white breasted cuckoo-shrike, crowned and black eagles, golden-backed pytilia and mocking chat.
Lake Malawi is the country's largest tourist attraction and an irresistable attraction with its beaches, resorts and watersports e.g. swimming and snorkelling. It is also a seemingly endless supplier of protein in the form of fish to the local people. The mostly clear waters of the lake make this an inviting environment for recreationla activities.
Lake Malawi is the country's largest tourist attraction and an irresistable attraction with its beaches, resorts and watersports e.g. swimming and snorkelling. It is also a seemingly endless supplier of protein in the form of fish to the local people. The mostly clear waters of the lake make this an inviting environment for recreationla activities.
Africa is home to a number of lakes which are habitat for various species of animals. Lake Malawi contains a greater variety of indigenous species of Cichlid fishes than any other lake in the world.
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