Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi, originally known as Lake Nyasa, Lake Nyassa and Lake Niassa after the Yao word for "lake", is the most southerly lake in the Great African Rift Valley system. First "discovered" by the famed Scottish explorer and missionary Dr. David Livingstone, Lake Malawi has commonly been referred to as "Livingstone's Lake."

The lake is about 560 km long and 75 km wide at its widest point, with a total area of approximately 6,400 sq km. The lake is bordered by Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania.

Lake Malawi is known not only for its beauty but as the home of the Malawi Cichlids, a diverse species of fish that is collected by enthusiasts worldwide.

Lake Malawi has traditionally provided a major food source to the residents of Malawi as it is rich in fish, the most famous of which is the Chambo, a fresh-water perch.