Not only is Lake Malawi one of the most crystal clear and exotic lakes in the world, it has unforgettable energy. This massive 600-kilometer long lake takes up nearly a third of the whole country and is the livelihood of thousands of its citizens. During our stay at Pumulani resort we took in the many facets of the lake from snorkeling, kayaking, to village tours and completely fell in love.

Though there was a gorgeous pool and private beach to laze on, we were dying get out on that lake! Jetting off on our private speed boat (you can see the hotel nestled on the cliff), we let the series of water adventures begin.

Freshwater isn’t usually that exciting for snorkeling but Lake Malawi is home to literally hundreds of species of fish, including the wildly colorful cichlids. Blue, yellow, and orange striped fishes flitted around us at every cove.

Wanting to get a sense of the nearby fishing villages, we did a combo excursion of a bike ride to town and a kayak back to Pumulani. When we pedaled in we didn’t realize we were going to cause such a stir but apparently mzungus (white folks) coming to town was a rare event. Within seconds of arriving, we were surrounded by smiling kids shouting “Mzungu! Mzungu!” Running alongside our bikes (or hanging along the back) and smiling and laughing the whole way, the kids escorted us over a kilometer until we reached the water.

Waving goodbye to the kids, we kayaked alongside the fisherman heading out for the evening shift. Speedboats stacked with dugout canoes drop them off at the depths of the lake until the sunrises. Lake Malawi is called the “Lake of Stars,” and when you see the twinkle of the fishermen’s kerosene lamps dotting the water at night, we started to understand why.

One of our favorite things about Pumulani was their dhow.  This traditional wooden sail boat with its colorful African cushions sets sail every evening for sun-downers. Sipping our Malawi G&Ts and nibbling on crab puff pastries, we watched the hippos grazing on the grassy shores and fish eagles diving for dinner.

Needing one last ride on the Pumulani dhow before we left, we took our breakfast on the lake. The crew served us a beautiful feast of yogurt parfait, freshly baked pastries, stuffed tomatoes, and fritatta for a meal that made us never wanted to return to shore.

Much love from Lake Malawi,
Anne & Mike
HoneyTrek.com

Note: Pumulani invited us to be their guest; however, all opinions are our own.