Mozambique Lake Niassa

Welcome to Lake Niassa. 

It's located in the north west corner of Mozambique and is the 9th largest fresh water lake in the world. It's shared by Mozambique and the country of Malawi, and the border runs vertically down the center of the lake. On the Malawi side, it's known as Lake Malawi.

The lake is known for its clear waters and diverse aquatic life, including over 1,000 species of fish, many of which are endemic to the lake. It is also surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including mountains, forests, and sandy beaches. Lake Niassa has lots of different kinds of fish, exotic rock features, and pure white sandy shores. It's over 560 kilometers long, with a maximum width of 75 kilometers, and a depth of 706 meters.

The shores and surrounding areas of Lake Niassa have many lodges that offer everything from eco to luxury accommodation. There are also many nature conservation and wilderness areas nearby where you can see animals like elephants, lions, buffalo, hyenas, and wild dogs. There is also a diverse variety of birdlife.

Activities near Lake Niassa include diving and snorkelling among the brilliantly coloured tropical fish, cruises, canoeing and fishing trips in traditional dug-out canoes, wilderness excursions, and guided walks.

Lake Niassa is an important resource for the local communities, providing a source of food, water, and transportation. The lake also attracts tourists from around the world, who come to enjoy its natural beauty and engage in activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. However, the lake is facing several environmental challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Efforts are being made to address these issues and protect the lake's unique ecosystem for future generations. 

Lichinga is the largest town closest to Lake Niassa. 

Lichinga is the best place to stop and stock up on supplies before heading to the small fishing villages along the shores of Lake Niassa. Traveling from Lichinga, you can head West 55km to Meponda or North 150km to Metangula. Both villages offer travel via ferry to various lodges on the lake. Further North from Metangula is Cobue, a beautiful lakeside town where you can take boat transfers to surrounding lodges and Malawi's Likoma Island. 

Driving from Lichinga to Lake Niassa .

 The lake is located approximately 200 kilometers from Lichinga, and the journey can take between 4-6 hours depending on the route you take and any stops along the way. The main road between Lichinga and Lake Niassa is the EN14, which is a tarred road that runs through several towns and villages along the way. It's important to note that road conditions can vary depending on the season, with heavy rains causing flooding and mudslides in some areas.

Getting to Lichinga & lake Niassa

Driving from Nampula to Lichinga is a popular route in Mozambique, but it can be challenging due to the road conditions. The distance between Nampula and Lichinga is approximately 700 kilometers, and the journey can take between 12-15 hours depending on the route you take and any stops along the way.

The main road between Nampula and Lichinga is the EN13, which is a tarred road but can be narrow and winding in some sections. It's important to note that road conditions can vary depending on the season, with heavy rains causing flooding and mudslides in some areas.  Some of the highlights of the journey include passing through the scenic landscapes of the Niassa Province, crossing the Lurio River, and stopping at the town of Cuamba, which is known for its vibrant market and colonial architecture.

Driving from Maputo to Lichinga is a long journey, covering a distance of approximately 1,800 kilometers. The journey can take between 2-3 days depending on the route you take and any stops along the way.

The main road between Maputo and Lichinga is the EN1, which is a tarred road that runs through several towns and cities along the way. It's important to note that road conditions can vary depending on the season, with heavy rains causing flooding and mudslides in some areas. It's recommended to travel with a reliable vehicle and an experienced driver who is familiar with the route. It's also important to carry enough food, water, and fuel for the journey, as there are limited services along the way.

From Quelimane to Lichinga, you can take a flight or drive. There are no direct flights between the two cities, so you would need to make a stopover in Nampula or Maputo. The flight duration from Quelimane to Nampula is approximately 1 hour, and from Nampula to Lichinga is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive from Quelimane to Lichinga, which takes approximately 2 days, depending on the route you take and any stops along the way. It's important to note that road conditions in Mozambique can be challenging, so it's recommended to travel with a reliable vehicle and experienced driver.

To get from Maputo to Lichinga, you can take a flight. There are direct flights available from Maputo to Lichinga, which take approximately 2 hours. You can check with Mozambique's national airline, LAM,