LAKE OF STARS: THE GEM OF NYASALAND (NOW MALAWI)

Code named lake of stars in 1859 by the Scottish missionary and explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, it is the largest freshwater lake in Malawi. The lake stretches across the country from Karonga to Mangochi district and connect to the Indian ocean through Shire river.

Before Independence Malawi was called Nyasaland. Actually, Nyasa is a Yao term for Lake. It is said when Dr. Livingstone asked a native (yao) what name the lake was, due to language barrier, the reply came, "Nyasa". It sounded to the native as the question was about the type of the water body hence the native's reply came 'Nyasa' meaning ‘lake’. From the beginning of times lake Malawi has been supplying the world-famous Batala (Butter-fish) and Chambo fish within and Internationally. These popular and most delicious fish are readily available across the country.

Visit Chintheche beaches along lake Malai in Nkhatabay (Northern region), Salima (Central region) or Mangochi (Southern region)  for a retreat and a braii or stew of Batala and Chambo fish. Virtually any restaurant or hotel across the country should have Batala or Chambo in stock. However, Nkhatabay is the home of Batala (butter fish) since it is mostly concentrated in along lake Malawi in the shores of Nkhatabay district.

At the modesty level, you can’t leave Malawi without hearing about "Bonya" (tiny anchovies like). These are tiny fish readily available across the country. The abundance and affordability of Bonya make it an easy-reach source of proteins for everyone. Bonya is the favourite of many and sees no social class.

Lake Malawi is of very important social and economic opportunities to the whole country. Fishermen and fish traders rely mostly on this lake.