Looking for budget stays in Nkhata Bay? This section is designed to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. We've got insider tips to help you find affordable hostels and the cheapest places to stay in Nkhata Bay.
Nkhata Bay, Malawi, is a fishing town on the lake in the north of Malawi. It is the largest lakeside town in the area and the port is a stopping point for the Ilala ferry (a live-aboard boat that carries people up and down the lake). Nkhata Bay is also the main port to catch ferries to Likoma Island. The quality of these ferries varies greatly -- from a packed, open-top "speed" boat with no indoor sections to a fairly plush ferry with cabins and a restaurant -- as usual, the more you pay, the more luxury you can expect! The journey takes five to seven hours, so choose how much you value your personal comfort! Ferry schedules change frequently, so be sure to check up-to-date departure times.
Nkhata Bay is a one-hour shared minibus or taxi ride from Mzuzu (the biggest city in Northern Malawi). Options for hostels in Nkhata Bay, Malawi, are limited but options exist nearby. Lots of people go diving In Nkata Bay with Aqua Africa, and Lake Malawi is home to the highest biodiversity of any lake in the world -- so it's a great spot for a bit of freshwater diving! As well as fun dives, they also run dive courses for beginners.
The town gets quite rowdy on the weekends and the bars in the hostels in Nkhata Bay, Malawi, are open late every night. All hostels in Nkhata Bay, Malawi, offer cheap happy hour drinks every day! Nkhata Bay is the sort of place you will not want to leave -- most visitors come for a few days and end up staying a week!
Written by Travel Expert Nkhata Bay
Alex