Chikale Beach is a long curve of pale sand a kilometre or so south of the centre of Nkhata Bay, fringed by trees and far quieter than the rocky coves nearer the port. It is the best swimming beach within walking distance of town, with shallow water that warms quickly in the sun and a gentle bottom that suits children and weaker swimmers.
A few lodges and beach bars are spaced along the sand, and on weekends the beach fills up with local families. There is no shade once you step away from the trees, so come early or late if you want to spend time on the water. Bilharzia is a real risk in slow, weedy water along this part of the lake — most travellers swim regardless and treat afterwards, but ask locally for current conditions.