Just about every visitor to Malawi will visit the lake which regarded as a truly tropical paradise, and it not difficult to see why, with the spectacular surrounding scenery, miles of golden beaches lining the shores of the lake and the crystal clear water. From north to south there is are numerous places to stay of great variety of accommodation that suit most peoples taste and budget. The Lake has become a playground for tourists worldwide. The lake is ideal for watersports, sailing or just relaxing in the sun. Lake Malawi has over 500 species of tropical fish, some which not found anywhere else in the world.
Scuba diving is very popular in certain areas providing excellent visibility and safe conditions.
In recent years it has been recorded that there is bilharzia in certain parts of the lake, mainly in the south where the rivers flood in during the raining season from the villages upstream. In these areas and during the raining season visibility can be very poor and the lake appears slightly muddy. It is also the only place north of Mzuzu with a bank. The lakeshore stretch from Karonga, travelling south to Chiweta has probably the most dramatic scenery of all the lake with immense mountains rising to each side. The area has not seen much tourist development to date although recently many establishments offering accommodation are being built.