Off the eastern shores of Lake Malawi lies Likoma Island and its smaller neighbour Chizumulu, making up a tiny piece of Malawian territory in Mozambican waters. Likoma has remained largely untouched since Scottish missionaries discovered in the 1880s and it became the headquarters of the University Mission to Central Africa – Livingstone’s mission. This led to the islands being retained by Malawi when the lake was divided politically after World War II. Photo by: Jondice

Likoma commands breathtaking views of the mountains and wilderness of Mozambique, just kilometers away. Likoma’s main town is overshadowed by the mighty Cathedral of St Peter, built in 1903 with elegant stained glass and carved soapstone. The rest of the island is simpler – mainly grassland scattered with mango and baobab trees. Photo by: firesika

Lake Malawi covers a fifth of the country’s total area – about 590 km long and 85 km wide. Usually gentle by nature, winds from the north and south can whip the lake up into a frenzy. Below the surface the lake bubbles with fish and fishing villages along its shores reap the benefits. The best and easiest way to get around Likoma is on foot. At the southern tip of the island, beyond the boabab plains, lies a crescent – shaped beach of the finest golden sand, framed by mango trees. The island is rich in history and also in silence. Photo by: Jondice

When to go: Best to visit in the dry season from late April to November. Mat to August are cooler and dry, but September and October can get hot and humid. Population: 9,000. How to get there: Flights from Lilongwe or boats from the port of Nkhata Bay. Dhows cross between the two islands. Photo by: Jondice