Stretching over 580 km, Lake Malawi is the country’s crown jewel—a shimmering freshwater paradise where golden beaches meet turquoise waters. Snorkel among hundreds of cichlid fish (found nowhere else on Earth), kayak to secluded islands, or simply unwind in lakeside villages like Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay. By night, beach bonfires and reggae rhythms create a laid-back vibe perfect for overlanders.