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The Lodge Chintheche Inn is a lovely beach lodge situated right on the shores of Lake Malawi. The lodge is isolated and peaceful and has a good sand beach.The central lakeshore around Chintheche Lodge and down to the small fishing village Nkhotakota is fringed with scenic sandy beaches and rocky bays, with occasional small islands dotted offshore. Inland the landscape is dominated by woodland, baobab trees, villages and patches of indigenous lowland forest. The Inn lies on the western shore of the widest part of the Lake, the Mozambican mountains clearly visible in the distance to the east. The Inn consists of ten comfortably furnished en-suite rooms each with beach-view balconies that face directly onto the Lake. All open out directly onto a patio and sloping grass to the beach and are pleasantly furnished with colourful fabrics and local crafts. There is a central dining area and bar, although dining often takes place (weather permitting) under the stars or in a shady corner of the garden. There is also a large swimming pool just off the beach. The Inn is an ideal spot for those wanting a comfortable, tranquil base from which to explore the central lakeshore area. The nearby Bandawe Mission also offers a fascinating peek into the country’’s colonial past. The Lake offers excellent swimming, water-based activities and beach barbecues. Other activities include mountain bike trails, hiking, snorkelling, exciting birding and visits to local fishing villages. The Lake Lake Malawi is Africa’s third largest lake, stretching approximately 600km from north to south, and supporting over 1000 species of fish, most of which are endemic. The Lake constitutes roughly 15% of the surface area of this small country, dominating the countryside. Lake Malawi is famed for the abundance and diversity of its aquatic life and holds a greater array of freshwater fish species than any other lake on Earth – more than all of Europe and North America combined. Most of the species are from the cichlid family – brilliantly coloured fish known as mbuna in the local Tonga language. Akin to a large tropical aquarium, the Lake has more than 400 cichlid species and shoals of fish provide a kaleidoscope of colour with endless pattern variations. Another attraction of this part of the Lake is the near certainty of interacting with local fisherman in their dugout canoes: at first light the fishermen here return with their catch and at night their fishing lights shimmer on the lake, creating a surreal ‘lake of stars’. Things to do: Snorkelling and Diving Explore an offshore island in search of the Lake’s famous colourful cichlid fish species. An accredited PADI dive school, Aquanuts, is also situated close by. Snorkelling and diving equipment is available at the Inn. Mountain Biking Cycle through some of the prettiest villages in Malawi, along the beach and into the foothills of nearby Viphya Mountains. (Trails vary from one hour to the entire day.) Village Visits A tour of fishing villages in the company of a local guide reveals how people live in rural Central Africa. These tours are enlightening without being intrusive. There are a host of villages close to Chintheche, early morning visits coincide with returning fishermen and their catches. Wildlife  The area is mainly renowned for its physical beauty rather than game viewing.  Possible wildlife sightings include oryx, cape fox, jackal, springbok, ostrich, aardvark and many desert species of plants Historical Trips Day trips to Nkhata Bay (this small port is arguably the Lake’s most picturesque) and Bandawe Mission, providing intriguing insights into the all-but-forgotten episodes in the history of Central Africa – the stomping ground of notorious slave traders and the legendary David Livingstone. Birding The local surrounds boast a variety of habitats – open water, marshlands, grasslands and forested pockets. Over 100 bird species are found in the area, mostly waterbirds such as African Fish-Eagle and large colonies of White-breasted Cormorant. The verdant gardens are excellent for birding: nesting Village Weaver, Collared Palm Thrush, and Purple-banded Sunbird by day and African Barred Owlet at night. A nearby pocket of remnant lowland forest often produces Grey-olive Greenbul, African Broadbill, Narina Trogon and Green Malkoha. An exciting mammal of the area is the localised Mutable Sun Squirrel which can be seen bounding up and down the mango trees in front of the Inn. Water Sports Chintheche has a speedboat, fishing boat and ‘banana’ boat and offers water skiing and knee boarding. Horse Riding An impressive stable nearby, Kande Horse Trails, offers exciting horse riding opportunities: through the bush, local villages and along the beach, suitable for novices and experts alike. Chintheche Inn from the Air Accommodation 10 rooms consisting of: 8 twin-bedded rooms 1 double-bedded room (room # 4) 1 Family Suite consisting of 2 inter-joining rooms with a shared bathroom. Two separate access doors leading to the beach. ACTIVITIES Boating in wooden fishing boat; observe the nearby fishermen at work. Snorkelling (snorkelling equipment is available for the guests to use) Mountain biking through some of the prettiest villages in Malawi Day trips to Nkhata Bay and Bandawe Mission Bird watching Guided walks with experienced guides Dingy and hoby cat sailing Windsurfing and paddle skiing Visits to the local village and chief.    TRANSFER Chintheche air strip is 7kms from Chintheche Inn.  Flight times: from Lilongwe 60 minutes; from Blantyre 90 minutes.   Children Yes all ages and ideal spot for a young family. Pool Yes Price from £60 to £100 per person per night half board subject to season Find Similar Properties