Lake Chilwa, Endorheic lake in Zomba District, Malawi

Lake Chilwa is a shallow, endorheic lake in Zomba District, Malawi, about 60 km long and 40 km wide, with a maximum depth of 3 m. Its surface is broken by patches of low green vegetation growing out of the shallows, and small wooden boats rest on the muddy grass and in the shallow water along the shoreline. Chisi Island lies in the middle of the lake, and extensive wetlands surround it.

David Livingstone visited Lake Chilwa in April 1859 and reported that its southern boundary then reached the Mulanje Massif, making the lake at least 32 km longer than today. The lake has no outlet, and its level is greatly affected by seasonal rains and summer evaporation. In 1968 it disappeared during exceptionally dry weather.

The lake is the lifeblood of fishing communities scattered around its shores, where people have maintained their traditional ways for generations. Daily life in the villages centers on the water, with families depending on it for food and income.

Access to the lake is best through small fishing villages on the shore, though roads can be rough and challenging to navigate. Plan your visit during the dry season when pathways are more passable and conditions are more stable.

The water completely vanished in 1968 during an extreme drought, a striking event that revealed the area's vulnerability to dry periods. This experience shows how dependent local communities are on water sources that cannot always be taken for granted.