Lake Malawi is the world's eighth largest lake and the third largest of the Great Lakes of Africa. With shorelines in Tanzania, Mozambique as well as Malawi, it's also known as Lake Nyasa and evocatively, as the Lake of Stars.

Malawi's dominant geographical feature is home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world, including upwards of 1,000 species of cichlid and numerous species that are found here alone. Its fresh water habitat also supports some wonderful African wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos and a large population of birds - including the impressive fish eagles, which feed off the Lake's abundant fish supplies.

The Lake of Stars is fringed in parts by many of Malawi's best hotels and resorts and possible activities on the waters include sailing, kayaking in pirogues - flat bottom locally crafted canoes - snorkelling and scuba diving. Spending lazy days on the lakeside beaches is another Lake Malawi pleasure.