Malawi: Our Experiences
Malawi Experience by Alison Waldegrave (Product Manager)
“I wouldn’t care if I never step foot on a beach for the rest of my life”, is a phrase I often use.
So you can tell I’m not exactly a beach person, all that nasty sand and idling in the sun is just not for me! But the beaches of Lake Malawi are the exception that prove my rule, after all this has to be Africa’s number one chill out venue.
Surrounded by calm turquoise waters you could be mistaken for thinking you are in an Indian Ocean beach resort and you have to constantly remind yourself that Lake Malawi is a freshwater lake. Likoma Island is undoubtedly one of the finest places to relax in Africa. The lake here is just so beautiful, the deep aquamarine waters, enclosed by the towering Rift Valley escarpment, merge onto a string of sandy beaches. There is the constant sound of fish eagles calling. It’s so beautiful on the surface I couldn’t resist checking out what was underneath.
The clarity of the water here exceeds anything you would find in the ocean, it’s a bit like snorkeling in an aquarium, very pleasant indeed. Below the surface, an array of outrageously decorative cichlids offer what must be the most alluring freshwater snorkeling in the world. These incredible fish have evolved from a few river dwelling species. To attract a mate, males build sandy courtship sites; rival suitors are then chased away. Females are attracted by the males’ brilliant coloration. Females lay their eggs one at a time, grasping each in their mouth and nuzzling the genitalia and anal fin of several males. Sperm is released which she sucks into her mouth where the eggs develop. When hatchlings leave the mouth they stay close to their mother darting back into the mouth of the nearest female if danger arises – fingerlings of several broods and even different species can end up in the same mouth.
So with excellent snorkeling, diving and kayaking mixed with the easygoing hospitality that is the hallmark of Malawi I could almost be a convert to the whole beach think. Maybe just a little more practice and I’ll get the hang of it.