Chitimba The Ultimate Adventure at Lake Malawi

Waves crash against golden sand at the shores of Chitimba Lake Malawi. It’s hard to believe we are not by the sea with a water so vast it stretches past the horizon.

We camped at Chitimba for two nights with the lull of the waves sending us off to sleep as we sprawled across our inflatable roll mats in our sleeping bags.

Lake Malawi is a mystical place and is known as the warm heart of Africa. It was the perfect spot to hit the reset button during our 56 day overland adventure from Kenya to South Africa.

Chitimba Lake Malawi
Looking across Chitimba Lake Malawi

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Lake Malawi offers all the perks of a beach holiday including swimming, snorkelling, volleyball, surfing, sailing and glistening sunrises. Yes!

You can even ride on horse back into the water at Kande Beach.

But our first stop was the beautiful Chitimba and Nyika Plateau in the north.

Chitimba Lake Malawi Trip Highlights

  • Hiking the Nyika Plateau
  • Peering over the waterfalls
  • Swimming in the mountains
  • Camping next to Lake Malawi
  • Drinking beer to the sound of the waves

I highly recommend Chitimba Campsite where you can pitch your tent less than a minutes’ walk from the water. You can also enjoy hot showers, laundry services and a lakeside bar and restaurant.

For those wanting to upgrade, there are also wooden chalets available.

Nkhata Bay campsite

Beautiful campsites at Chitimba Lake Malawi
Chitimba Campsite just metres from the shore

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Things to do at Chitimba Lake Malawi

Locals offer wood carving and jewellery making classes, village tours and hiking in the Nyika Mountains – the tallest peaks in Malawi.

We opted for the latter which was no small challenge.

Our guide Washington led us to the top of the mountain and across the rolling plateau as we scrambled over tree roots and balanced on loose rocks, covering a total 30km.

Chitimba Lake Malawi mountain hikes Nyika Plateau

Mountain hikes at Chitimba Lake Malawi
Big smiles at the Nyika Plateau summit

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Hiking at Chitimba Lake Malawi

Trekking the Nyika Plateau is the ultimate adventure for those with some hiking experience and a minimum average fitness level.

Guides set a brisk pace and lead you through steep shortcuts, used by locals for generations.

At the top, you’ll find sweeping views of Chitimba and Lake Malawi. There is also a hill top cafe, selling local food, which overlooks an impressive waterfall.

Chitimba Lake Malawi waterfalls

Waterfalls at the Nyika Plateau

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Traverse the slopes to peer over the falls or go for a swim downstream.

On the full day trek, you’ll  journey deeper into the mountain to Livingstonia.

Founded in 1894, the town was named after David Livingstone – a Scottish missionary who helped to abolish slavery in the area.

Hiking to Livingstonia is not for the faint hearted but should leave you with a huge sense of achievement and a good night’s sleep!

Chitimba Lake Malawi
Hiking the Nyika Plateau at Lake Malawi

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The steep terrain is a mixture of dirt roads, rocks and wild grass and the hike takes around six hours to complete.

Villagers will run up to greet you when you finish your final climb.

In Livingstonia, you can visit the fascinating Stone House Museum and discover more about the town’s history.

The two-room exhibition is displayed within the former home of Dr Robert Laws himself, who founded Livingstonia.

Entry costs just 1,000 Malawi Kwacha, or $1.50, which is invested into the village <3

Stone House Museum Livingstonia Lake Malawi
Stone House Museum Livingstonia

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I gained many special memories from my stay on the lake.

The experience far exceeded my expectations and will forever hold a warm place in my heart.

If you have any questions about Chitimba and the Nyika Plateau or Lake Malawi in general, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

For more information on how to spend your time at the lake, visit Lake Malawi Tourism.

Laura x

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