Maleri Islands, Protected islands in Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi.
The Maleri Islands are a small archipelago of three uninhabited islands located about 3 kilometers (2 miles) from Senga Bay within Lake Malawi National Park. They rise from the water as rocky outcrops with sparse vegetation, each island distinct in shape and character.
The lake became home to the first freshwater national park in the world, established to protect its waters and islands, and received UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 1984. This protection marked a turning point in how the region's natural resources were managed.
Fishing communities from nearby areas have long relied on these waters for their livelihood, and their traditional practices remain a key part of local life. The islands and surrounding fishing grounds continue to shape the daily rhythms and economy of neighboring settlements.
The islands are best reached by boat from Senga Bay, where a small lodge on Nankoma Island offers accommodation and can organize activities on the water. A local guide is helpful for finding your way around, as the islands are small and water-bound features shift with seasons.
These islands are home to cichlid fish species found nowhere else in Lake Malawi, living only in the isolated waters around these rocky outcrops. The waters also attract around 300 bird species, from cormorants diving for fish to fish eagles soaring overhead.
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