Loading Is the boat running?…
Neighbour reports on whether the Ilala, the Lamani or a north-shore boat sailed, waited, or didn't run today — for the Likoma/Chizumulu, Usisya, Ruarwe and Mbamba Bay crossings, alongside the district council's own notices.
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Neighbours are starting to report the crossings — tap to see.
No boat on Lake Malawi publishes a live position, an arrival time, or whether today's sailing has space — the 'Lake transport' page on this site says so plainly. What residents, lodge staff and travellers DO know, the moment they know it, is whether the Ilala left on time, whether the Lamani ran this week, or whether a north-shore boat is waiting for enough cargo before it goes. This board is that word of mouth, written down so the next person doesn't have to ask three lodges to find it. Reports age off after three days — nobody sails here every day, so a fresher report matters more than a rule about how many.
Tap a route to say whether a boat is crossing right now.
The MV Ilala's weekly call, or the smaller MV Lamani, reported leaving Nkhata Bay Monday and Thursday mornings.
No reports yet
Roadless north shore — the boat is the only way in or out, roughly twice a week.
No reports yet
Roadless north shore — the boat is the only way in or out, roughly twice a week.
No reports yet
Motorised dhow, arranged at the harbour — no published timetable at all.
No reports yet
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The official crossing source
How this works
These are reports from residents, lodge staff and travellers — not the operator, and not a safety authority. On 12 April 2025, eleven people drowned near Likoma when an unauthorised boat sank during a gap in Ilala service. Before any crossing, ask at the harbour and go by what the crew tells you that day — nothing on this board is a green light to sail.
Source: Community reports, read alongside this site's 'Lake transport: what's running' status page, checked 16 August 2026 (last week).