Why Lake Malawi Is Africa’s Best-Kept Diving Secret

Nestled on the sun-kissed shores of Likoma Island, Kaya Mawa offers one of the most unique Lake Malawi diving experiences available in Africa. This isn’t just a luxury lodge, it’s a gateway to a captivating freshwater world beneath the surface.

We caught up with Briony De Bracey, Kaya Mawa’s vibrant activities manager and resident dive guru, to dive deep into what makes exploring Lake Malawi a unique adventure. With her infectious enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge, Bri revealed just how unforgettable these waters can be!

A Scuba Diver’s Freshwater Paradise

Freshwater lakes rarely top the list for divers, but Lake Malawi changes everything. With year-round warm, crystal-clear waters and colourful cichlids darting through volcanic rock formations, diving here feels more like exploring an inland ocean.

“People often assume lake diving will be cold, murky or boring, but this is the opposite,” Bri explains. “This lake is none of those. The temperature is always great, even in the colder months, the visibility is never less than 7(meters), and cichlid fish are abundant.”

The Personal Aquarium Effect

A dive here feels like stepping into your own private aquarium. “The fish actually follow you around,” Bri says, adding, “I really think the underwater rocks are amazing.”

Lake Malawi is home to an astonishing array of cichlids, over 800 species, in fact, with many found nowhere else on the planet. Their vivid colours and endless variety make every dive feel like swimming through a living kaleidoscope. But what really sets them apart? Their parenting style. Some species are mouthbrooders, meaning they carry their young in their mouths to protect them from predators. It’s one of nature’s more unusual strategies, and witnessing it up close is a fascinating reminder of just how complex and clever aquatic life can be.

Best Dive Sites on Likoma Island: Bri’s Top Picks

• Masibwe: Incredible rock formations and scenic topography.
• Makulawe: Ideal visibility and a vibrant mix of fish species.
• Tiawan: A site that “feels like the ocean”; with rare and unusual marine life.

And for those new to diving, there’s no better place to take your first plunge. The calm, clear conditions make Kaya Mawa a dream for beginners.

Diving at Your Own Pace, with a Personal Touch

“We keep it intimate here,” says Bri. “No big groups, no rushed dives. It’s all about the guest’s experience.” Whether you’re a nervous first-timer or a seasoned diver, the dive team at Kaya Mawa tailors every outing to your comfort level. Expect one-on-one attention, PADI-certified instructors, and gear that’s maintained to the highest safety standards.

Even beginner divers are eased into the water gently, with plenty of time to ask questions, get comfortable, and soak up the scenery before heading out to deeper sites.

A Day in the Life of an Island Dive Instructor

Bri starts each day with coffee in hand, eyes scanning the lake for conditions, she says. “After that, I meet with guests over breakfast to plan out their day. If I’m not diving, I’m out snorkelling, helping locals retrieve lost nets, or fix water pumps or possibly out on a snorkelling trip, or just soaking in the sunset from my motorbike.”

It’s a lifestyle rooted in nature and nurtured by community, a key part of the Green Safaris ethos.

More Than Just a Dive School

At Kaya Mawa, diving is about more than just exploring underwater—it’s about forming a deeper connection: to the vibrant ecosystem of Lake Malawi, to the serene beauty of the lake itself, and to the island community that calls Likoma home. Bri shares a personal passion for the local people and their relationship with the water. “I love being involved in the local communities’ lives and contributing however I can to their well-being and upliftment,” she says. “My dream is to see more locals getting into the water, learning how to dive, and discovering their own backyard from a whole new perspective.” While this is Bri’s personal mission, it reflects the spirit of connection and respect for nature that guests experience when diving at Kaya Mawa.

Lake Malawi Diving FAQs

• Best time to dive? Visibility is fantastic year-round, but peak season runs from October to early January.
• Beginner friendly? Absolutely. Calm waters, no dangerous marine life, and dedicated instructors make this the perfect place to start.
• Myth-busting: You don’t need 48 hours between diving and flying (18–24 hours is sufficient); gear isn’t heavy underwater; and depth doesn’t automatically equal danger.

Ready to Dive In?

Whether you’re a certified diver familiar with PADI standards or simply curious about the lake’s hidden underwater secrets, diving at Kaya Mawa offers something truly rare: wild beauty, personal attention, and a sense of stillness you won’t find in busier dive locations.

As Bri puts it: “Trust the process. This lake has a way of stealing your heart the moment you slip beneath the surface.”
It’s an experience that stays with you long after you resurface, inviting you to return time and again.

Plan Your Dive at Kaya Mawa

Located on the southwest shore of Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, Kaya Mawa is the ultimate island escape — and now, it’s also a diving destination for beginners and water lovers alike. While diving isn’t included in your stay, it’s available as an optional activity through our trusted local dive partners. Whether you’re keen to earn your PADI, spot cichlids, or just try something new underwater, simply chat to Bri, our Activity Manager at Kaya Mawa to arrange a guided dive experience tailored to your comfort level.