Lake Malawi

(Redirected from Lake Niassa)

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
Lake Malawi - View from orbit
View from orbit
Coordinates 12°11′S 34°22′E / 12.183°S 34.367°E / -12.183; 34.367Coordinates: 12°11′S 34°22′E / 12.183°S 34.367°E / -12.183; 34.367
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
Local boat waiting for passengers.

Lake Malawi is the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa. It is the ninth largest lake in the world.



Lake Malawi Media