Lake Malawi National Park, National park at Cape Maclear, Malawi
Lake Malawi National Park is a protected area at Cape Maclear that combines land and water, with the Nankumbu Peninsula and 13 islands forming its main features. The park covers roughly 95 square kilometers and has sandy beaches, rocky points, and forested sections along its shores.
David Livingstone discovered the lake in 1859, and this exploration brought European attention to the area. A Scottish Presbyterian mission was established at Cape Maclear in 1875, marking the beginning of sustained foreign presence here.
Local fishermen work the shore with traditional boats and nets that you can watch daily. Their way of life reflects how communities here have connected with the lake for generations.
The park offers various lodging options right on the water, ranging from simple guest houses to island retreats. Snorkeling and diving are accessible from the shore or by boat, making them easy activities to arrange during your visit.
The lake holds more than 350 cichlid fish species, with most found nowhere else on Earth. These fish have adapted over millions of years in this isolated body of water, displaying remarkable variation in shape and color.
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