Established in 1980, Lake Malawi National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance in the study of evolution. The lake contains the largest number of fish species, nearly all endemic, of any lake in the world: over 1,000 from eleven species with approximately half occurring in the Park area.

The Lake Malawi National Park has some interesting attributes, including the fact that 4th century Iron Age sites have been found in the area. Mammals include baboon, vervet monkey, spotted hyena, leopard and the occasional elephant. The varied bird-life includes black eagle, fish eagle and many waders. Reptiles include the African python, crocodiles and abundant water monitor lizards, especially on Boadzulu Island.

At Cape Maclear, within Lake Malawi National Park, there are a variety of up-market operations combining accommodation with lake activities. Danforth Yachting has a lakeside lodge and a 38ft catamaran available to visitors while Mumbo Island and Domwe Island camps offer pleasant island retreats. Cape Mac Lodge also offers accommodation and activities from Chembe village. Pumulani has recently opened as one of the lake's finest lodge destinations.

The National Park is on the scenic northern tip of the Nankhumba peninsula, which divides the southern end of Lake Malawi, with a number of sandy bays including a fine beach near Chembe and Otter Point. There are marked seasonal variations in wind, temperature and rainfall.

Transport: Car rentals and bus services are available although roads are badly potholed.