Travel Guide Lac Chilwa

With an area of 650 km², Lake Chilwa is the second largest lake in the country after Lake Malawi. Contiguous to the Mozambican border, this water body of about 50 km from north to south and 35 km from east to west is very shallow (maximum 3 meters) and quite muddy. It is surrounded by wetlands and its size varies according to the rainfall that pours into the Zomba plateau and the Mulanje massif; global warming and increased evaporation during the dry season have significantly lowered the water level, even drying out parts of the lake for several months of the year. Isolated and wild, it nevertheless hosts many bird species, including thousands of herons and ibises, but also many snakes (on the island of Chisi). The lake is also known for its fish-bearing waters, which are the main source of income for residents. This bird paradise is not easily visible because there is no tourist infrastructure. The African Heritage organization, based in Zomba, and some lodges are however likely to introduce you to it.