Cycling the length of Lake Malawi

Naomi & Charlie cycle the length of Lake Malawi during their Equator to Cape adventure

Naomi
Naomi
Traveller
Published on
16 May 2018
Updated on
16 Apr 2025
Karonga Beach Lake Malawi

Our Malawi holiday was a wildly anticipated stint on our cycle journey. The promise of water to jump in after a hot day in the saddle and activities on the beach sounded idyllic. We were once again pleased with our choice of transport - the bikes. Our human powered adventure meant that we travelled more slowly (only just 😉) than the overlanders who would only hit up one or two lake spots, whereas our timescales warranted at least 5 different trips to the lake as we moved south.

So, from north to south...

Around 50km from the border with Tanzania, you find your first beached lake spot at Karonga. After days trailing up and down mountains in Tanzania, the blue waters and white sands seemed too good to be true. Camping on the beach and clinking our beers on the porch of our tent with the horizon as a backdrop after our first dip gave us a good feeling about Malawi.

Trying to master a paddle board
Naomi Trying to master a paddle board
Lake Malawi at Sunset
The sunset at Mayoka Lodge

A day of winding roads and headwinds leads to the next lake spot at Chitimba. A great spot for a beer or two - this is also the gateway to Livingstonia.

A tough cycle inland and out again led us to the widely revered spot in Nkhata Bay - Mayoka Lodge. At this quirky lodge, all of the rooms are mini chalets set into the cliff face by the lake. There’s no beach here, just a cove of rocks to jump off into the sparkling blue. All of the rooms have stunning views of the lake, and there are lots of little spots to clamber down to the lake giving an element of seclusion in what is a busy place.

Mayoka is the venue for activity lovers - free paddle boarding and kayaking is included with your accommodation. There’s no limits or timing, just grab a board and try to stay upright! It’s clear that Mayoka has a community feel - expats, volunteers and tourists alike gather for a few beers over the evening entertainment and delicious buffet. It’s a lively lodge full of interesting people and definitely a place that shouldn’t be missed.

Tasty meal
A nice tasty meal
Chilling on the beach
Time to chill
Img 1082
Getting ready to move on.

Our next day took us to Chintheche. Just a short cycle from Nkhata Bay, so we arrived in great time and were quickly drawn into our own little oasis. From the get go, we could see that The Chintheche Inn was going to step things up a notch in the luxury stakes. We were greeted with the most delicious iced tea ever tasted, and whisked off to our beach front cabin room. Flowers on the bed and a personalised welcome note made us giddy with excitement for a few days of much needed pampering. Then out of the doors we walked straight onto the pristine white sands. And nobody else was in sight. We were brought comfy pillows for the sun beds, and provided beach as well as shower towels.

The small touches that show everyone at Chintheche has really thought about making everything perfect. After some playing in the pool, dinner was served: chambo fish (obviously) but it was cooked to perfection, and the usual plain rice was swapped for delicious vegetables and salad. A real treat. Still with the beach to ourselves we perched on deck chairs and were startled by a phenomenon we didn’t know existed - a ruby red moon-rise. It really was a couple of days of magic at The Chintheche Inn.

Ngala Pool
Nice relaxing dip in the pool at Ngala

Despite not wanting to leave, we had to keep on peddling southwards. Our next stop - Ngala. Ngala Beach Lodge is set in a stunning spot - views of the mountains and the lake (the only place we really saw both together) with grassy lawns and an infinity pool to add a special touch. We camped on the beach and the night sky really put on a show. The stars seemed to go on forever.

Beachtime nap
Time for a snooze
Fish Eagle Room
The room
Lake Malawi Swimming
Great opportunity for a swim

Our next day on the bikes was a tough slog, heavy headwinds made the journey tougher than we’d have liked. So when we arrived at the little tucked away oasis that is Fish Eagle Bay Lodge we were thrilled.

This place turned out to give us a little bit of everything - quirky and comfy rondavel huts as our bed and bathrooms. Beautiful secluded beach with sun beds so snug that an afternoon nap was inevitable. The standalone bar overlooks the lake such that the views from the windows look more like paintings. And the food - incredibly reasonable price (especially compared to some of the lodges) and easily some of the best dishes we’d tried in Malawi. A real treat that should, but won’t come close to, breaking the bank.

Sunset on Lake Malawi
The Beach at Cool Runnings

Our final stop on the tour of Lake Malawi would lead us to Salima and Senga Bay.

We had been told to head straight to Cool Runnings, and when we arrived and met the staff and owner - we understood why. A bohemian feeling place with options for everyone -camping, glamping, dorms and private rooms. There was a great setup for self-catering, which was handy not just for cooking but also the feeling of cooking for yourself being an acceptable option and not cheeky or cheap! Cool Runnings has both beach and lovely grass to lounge around upon, with yet more nap-inspiring sun beds to boot. The glamping tent that we made our home was like any other chalet - lights, beds, power sockets. The only difference was the tent feel to the outside.

At Senga Bay the lake is the most beautiful, it’s seems to stretch out like a huge flat mirror for miles and miles. The owner, Samantha is full of exciting stories of travels in Africa and would definitely provide some inspiration for any future adventures.

Safe to say, leaving the lake was incredibly tough, and we will definitely be back!

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Malawi.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

Start planning your tailor-made Malawi safari – call us and speak with a Malawi travel expert.

Enquire-Button.png#asset:116423



Speak to a Malawi expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
or
Our Malawi Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Ben morison bio pic May18

Ben

Otti profile pic

Ottilie

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024