Bird Watching Tour

Lake Malawi attracts a number of birds that favor either the water and islands or the particular vegetation of the shorelands. Pride of place must be given to the African fish eagle, Malawi’s national bird. There are more concentrations of fish eagles here than anywhere else in the world. This magnificent bird, which has a black body with a white head, neck, and tail feathers, is easily spotted as it dives to take fish from just under the surface of the waters. If not seen, its loud cry will be heard as it perches on a waterside tree or skims over the lake.

Along the lakeshore, palms attract the collared palm thrush and palm swifts, while the mighty baobabs have their mottled spinetails with wonderfully swept-back wings. Pied kingfishers dive to take small fish and, where there are reeds, golden and brown-throated weavers can be seen. Very prominent, especially on the off-shore islands, are white-breasted cormorants, although the reed cormorant is much less commonly seen. By far the most impressive bird, for its sheer size, found near the lake is the giant Marabou stork.

Departure Times: Generally 10h00 and 15h00 as this allows you a rare opportunity to watch them feeding at 11h15 and 15h45.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Shopping

A daily tour designed for those enthusiastic shoppers on the lookout for bargains and keen to try their hand at the African system of ‘barter-trade’. The tour visits open-air markets & crochet halls as well as a variety of galleries & shops selling all sorts of stone sculptures and authentic African art.