The Central Lakeshore stretches from Dwambazi, that borders Nkhatabay and Nkhotakota to Chipoka in Salima district. This stretch provides wonderful and spectacular beaches and a diversity of tourist attractions.

NKHOTAKOTA

Nkhota kota is a unique place to visit. 43 percent of the total area in Nkhota kota is occupied by the Lake and 15 percent is occupied by Nkhota kota Game Reserve.

One of the wonders of Nkhota kota district are several hot springs located at Mawira.(Names of hot springs) Nkhotakota is also a famous historical site during the Dr David Livingstone’s era. A lot of slave trading activities by Arabs from Zanzibar, who had connections with Jumbe took place in this district. The ruins of slave trading activities are still visible up to date

The district is “the largest traditional African town in Central and Southern Africa.” Here, you see carefully designed traditional huts in the midst of a modern town!

Nkhotakota is also a sugar producing area with Dwangwa sugar plantations run by Illovo Sugar Limited. At Dwangwa, you will also find the Kasasa Club where temporary membership for various sporting disciplines including golf can be obtained. This is an ideal place to relax and play various sporting activities off the beaches of Lake Malawi. Accomodation is also available at Ngala Beach Lodge.

Located on a long strip of sandy beach is Nkhota kota Pottery Lodge where a visitor is given a chance to try their skills at potttery.

Sitima Inn, an architectural masterpiece shaped like a ship right at the jetty provides good accommodation. Other accommodation in Nkhotakota can also be found at Sani Beach Resort, Mlambe Beach Lodge, The Stone Terrace, Erithan Guest Lodge, Kwaithu family Resort and Fish Eagles Bay. Bua, Dwangwa and Dwambazi rivers provide good spots for salmon and tiger fishing. The Nkhotakota Game Reserve is an ideal wilderness and game experience. Chia lagoon, an ox-bow Lake is a fishing paradise for the locals and has a diversity of birdlife.

SALIMA AND CHIPOKA

About 80 km from Lilongwe is Thuma Forest Reserve where wildlife like Elephant, Buffalo, Kudu and Genet. Nearby is a community- based game ranch, Kuti, for nature lovers.

An hour drive from Lilongwe City Centre and Kamuzu International Airport will take you to Senga Bay. The golden beaches of Senga Bay are ideal for relaxation whilst enjoying a cool breeze from the Lake. Snorkeling, yachting, angling (www.anglingmalawi.org) and scuba divingwater sports and other water based activities are popular. You can also take a guided tour of the nearby fishing villages; Stuart Grant Fish Farm- a breeding farm for cichlids and other tropical fish species; and a Crocodile Farm with over 10,000 crocodiles.

Accommodation for all budgets is available in Senga bay. Prominent hotels and Lodges include: The Lake Malawi and Red Zembra Tours; Sunbird Livingstonia Beach; Kambiri Holiday Resort; Mpatsa Beach Lodge; Cool Runnings; Safari Beach Lodge; Carolina Holiday Resort; Mkunkhula Baobab; Wheel House Marina and Beach Villa.

Chipoka is the main port that links the Lake to both the rail and road system. Lying East of Chipoka is the Maleri Islands. This is one of the eco-islands that are found in Lake Malawi.

Mua Mission at Mtakataka is another place worth visiting. Established in 1902, the place has become a leading tourism attraction because of Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art (www.kungoni.org), a cultural and heritage museum. This is the home to probably the best carvings in the world, some of which are found at the Vatican and other leading museums.