Likoma Island, Island and enclave in Lake Malawi, Northern Region, Malawi.
Likoma Island is a landmass in Lake Malawi covering around 18 square kilometers with varied terrain and vegetation. Its landscape features sandy beaches, rocky slopes, grasslands, and scattered baobab trees across the terrain.
Missionaries from the Universities Mission to Central Africa settled here in 1880, prompted by David Livingstone's request. This foundation shaped the island's development and character through to today.
People here speak their own dialect that differs from standard language and shapes local identity. This linguistic particularity reflects the community's history and way of life built over generations on the island.
To reach the island, visitors can use weekly steamer services departing from Nkhata Bay. It is wise to plan around limited electricity hours and arrange activities accordingly.
The island belongs to Malawi despite being completely surrounded by Mozambique's waters. This geographical fact makes it a fascinating case of territorial separation in the middle of a neighboring country.
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