Lake Nyasa, also called Lake Malawi, southernmost and third largest of the East African Rift Valley lakes of East Africa, lying in a deep trough mainly within Malawi and covers three regions of Tanzania including Mbeya, Njombe and Ruvuma.

Lake Nyasa (Nyasa means “lake”) is located at the south-west of Tanzania,  The lake lies in three countries’ territory; Tanzania and Malawi. However, it is bordered by three countries, Tanzania , Malawi and Mozambique. It is the third largest in Africa (after Lake Victoria and lake Tanganyika)  with 550 kilometers length and 75 kilometers width,  covering an area of more than 11,400 square kilometers. In some parts,  the lake is as deep as 700 meters.

The Lake lies in the sided walls of mountain ranges: the forested Livingston Mountains and Nyika Plateau, which provide the magnificent view of the lake from far and the landscape for hikers and backpackers. 

Lake Nyasa is also among the Great Rift Valley’s lakes, which shares some of the characteristics with lake Tanganyika.  The lake has a distinctive characteristic: 14 rivers pouring their waters into the lake, and only one river which flows out to the sea, River Shire. 

The Lake also has a lot of names such as “Lake of stars” which is provided by the lovers who trip their and discover it one of the dreamy and romantic destination in Eastern Africa. It is situated between Malawi, Mozambique as well as Tanzania.  It has so many things to offer such as numerous opportunities for water sports as well as diving. The lake is enormously rich with diverse fish species and is one of the most appealing lakes that offer unforgettable underwater views!

Some parts of the lake offer nice beaches and places to swim. Matema, in the northern part of the lake is considered to be the best beach for people who like to relax swim along the lake shore. In contrast to other lakes the water of lake Nyasa is bilharzias free.  There are also caves and interesting waterfalls to see.

Other activities include local canoeing ride down the river, hiking on surrounding mountains. 

Though Lake Nyasa does not receive many tourists, the lake is magnificently attractive and is rich in crocodiles and hippopotamus. For Fish lovers, Lake Nyasa is biologically the most diverse lake, containing approximately 30% of world’s cichlid species (colorful fish which are easily seen in the lake’s clear water)

Interesting facts about Lake Nyasa:

• Lake Malawi is the ninth-largest lake in the world and the third-largest lake in Africa.
• Lake Malawi is between 560 kilometers (350 miles) and 580 kilometers (360 miles) long, and about 75 kilometers (47 miles) wide at its widest point.
• Lake Malawi is a meromictic lake (water layers do not mix). The lake has three layers, with different densities due to variations in temperature at each depth.
• It has about 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) of shoreline.
• Lake Malawi is very beautiful and is appealing to tourists because of its islands and beaches. Some of the essential activities offered by the local resorts include snorkeling, boat riding, kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, camping, water skiing, trips to the islands, beach football, and many other water activities.