Matema Beach is a quiet stretch of freshwater shoreline on the northern tip of Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa), about 100 km south of Mbeya. The setting is one of the most dramatic in East Africa: the Livingstone Mountains plunge almost directly into the lake, and the beach itself is backed by coconut palms and small fishing villages.
The lake water is clear and warm year-round, and swimming is generally safe from bilharzia in the deeper open water away from reed beds. Snorkelling reveals the remarkable cichlid fish that have made Lake Malawi famous among biologists. A handful of guesthouses cater to travellers looking for a genuine off-the-beaten-track experience. Getting there requires a long drive on deteriorating roads or a boat from further south; the journey is part of the adventure.