A few miles south of Senga Bay, along the western shore of Lake Malawi, lie the Marelli Islands—an uninhabited exclave of Lake Malawi National Park. Blue Zebra, the only resort allowed on the island, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the extraordinary biodiversity of Lake Malawi up close.
Lake Malawi, once known as Lake Nyasa, is the planet’s ninth-largest lake. Containing more species of fish than any other lake in the world, Lake Malawi is a paradise for snorkelers, scuba divers, kayakers, and ichthyologists alike. And where there is an abundance of aquatic life, birds are abundant—more than 300 species in the case of the Marelli Islands. Notably, Nankoma is teeming with African fish eagles, the national bird of Malawi. They can be seen any time of the day feasting on the rich bounty of the lake along with hamerkops, several types of heron and egret, six types of kingfisher, and around 17 different species of raptor.
Moderately maintained trails are open to adventurers who want to circumnavigate the island to experience the towering baobab trees, guineas fowl, turacos, the occasional duiker and otter, and the slightly unnerving giant monitor lizards. Early risers may be lucky enough to spot a more elusive early bird, the African Pitta, sometimes called the holy grail of African birds by twitchers and ornithologists. Though vibrantly plumaged, pittas are difficult to see since they can sit silently motionless in the forest canopy for hours. Fortunately, the staff members at Blue Zebra know the nesting sites of the pitta and offer walking tours so guests can safely view them without disturbing their habitat.
Lake Malawi National Park is the first of only two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Malawi. Nankoma Island offers the most immersive experience of the park, free from any intrusions from the outside world.