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Lake Malawi National Park | |
Lake Malawi National Park was created in 1980 as the world’s first freshwater national park. It can be found on the southern shore of Lake Malawi, Africa’s third largest lake, which stretches for 600km (373 miles) and forms a natural border between Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique. The park encompasses a wide variety of scenery, ranging from the wooded rocky mountains sloping down to the shores of the lake, to sandy coves and beaches. The lush vegetation is home to baboons, monkeys and antelope, although the park is primarily known for the many species of bird and fish it contains. Birds found in the park include terns, fish eagles, black eagles, and kingfishers. The lake itself protects an extraordinarily high diversity of fish species, most of which are brightly-coloured cichlids – freshwater fish found in tropical climates – and the clear blue waters of the lake are popular for snorkelling and scuba diving, as well as sailing, kayaking and swimming. Within the park, visitors can stay at lodges to enjoy traditional Malawian hospitality and fresh fish from the lake. |