Plongée à Lake Malawi — Malawi

Lake Malawi contains more fish species than any other lake on Earth — over 1,000 cichlid species, most found nowhere else. Diving among swirling clouds of neon-colored cichlids on rocky reefs is utterly unique. No salt, no swell, warm water, and the Lake of Stars' sunsets are Africa's best-kept secret.

Score
58.1
Visibilité
5–15m
Température
23–28°C
Meilleurs mois
May, June, July
Back to directory
World Class
Intermediate
Lake Malawi
MalawiEast Africa
58.1

SCORE

-14.0167°N

35.1333°E

Lake Malawi contains more fish species than any other lake on Earth — over 1,000 cichlid species, most found nowhere else. Diving among swirling clouds of neon-colored cichlids on rocky reefs is utterly unique. No salt, no swell, warm water, and the Lake of Stars' sunsets are Africa's best-kept secret.

The World's Only Freshwater Cichlid Diving

Visibility5–15 m
Temperature23–28°C
Max Depth24 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$40
Best MonthsMay, June, July, August
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML40.0CH71.0VIS53.0SV37.0TMP68.0DA51.0OP73.0TS64.0GT68.0VAL67.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

40.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
48
Megafauna Encounters
28
Reef Fish Abundance
74
Macro Life
0
Endemic Species
35
Marine Life Diversity
40.0
Coral & Reef Health
71.0
Visibility & Conditions
53.0
Dive Site Variety
37.0
Water Temperature
68.0
Depth & Access
51.0
Operator Quality
73.0
Topside Experience
64.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
67.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Dive Types

reefpelagic

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

kayaking on the lakeCape Maclear beachsnorkeling with cichlidsLiwonde National Park safaricycling through fishing villages

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Lake Malawi National Park (UNESCO)
  • Mumbo Island
  • Chongoni Rock Art Area (UNESCO)

Non-Diver Score

6/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber1000 km — Nearest chamber in South Africa or Nairobi
Nearest Hospital30 km

Very limited medical care; freshwater diving (no DCI risk typical of deep ocean); hospital in Lilongwe (4 hrs); air evacuation to SA

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Kayak Africa Divers

PADI

4.6
60 reviews