Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi (or Lake Nyasa, Lake Niassa) is a lake in Africa. It is the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system. It is shared between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. Before Malawi became independent in 1964, the territory was called Nyasaland. For this reason, Mozambique and Tanzania call the lake Lake Nyasa.
Lake Malawi | |
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Coordinates | 12°11′S 34°22′E / 12.183°S 34.367°ECoordinates: 12°11′S 34°22′E / 12.183°S 34.367°E |
Lake type | Rift lake |
Primary inflows | Ruhuhu River |
Primary outflows | Shire River |
Basin countries | Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania |
Max. width | 75 km |
Surface area | 29,600 km2 (11,400 sq mi) |
Average depth | 292 m |
Max. depth | 706 m |
Water volume | 8,400 km³ |
Surface elevation | 500 meters above sea level |
Islands | Likoma and Chizumulu islets |
Lake Malawi is the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa. It is the ninth largest lake in the world.
Lake Malawi Media
Topographic profile of Lake Malawi's rift shoulder
The East African Rift (red) with the Rift Valley lakes, Malawi being in the south
A jetty juts into the lake at Nkhata Bay
An African fish eagle catching a fish in Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi sardines (Engraulicypris sardella) spread out to dry on the shore of the lake
The kampango (Bagrus meridionalis), one of the largest catfish, reaching up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in length
Huge swarms of lake flies (Chaoborus edulis), resembling distant plumes of smoke over the water