Chintheche is a settlement in the Nkhata Bay District of the Northern Region of Malawi. It is on the shore of Lake Malawi, and is approximately 40 km south of Nkhata Bay. The town is close to the main road between Nkhata Bay and Nkhotakota.

History

In the 1970s, the government of Hastings Banda planned to develop Chintheche, with a new harbour and a paper-processing plant. To accommodate the new development, residents of Chintheche were displaced further inland. The scheme would have created employment for thousands of people, but for the most part did not come to fruition; however, the displaced residents were not allowed to return to their lakeshore homes.

Arts and culture

Chintheche is where the Lake of Stars Music Festival was held from 2004–2007.

Attractions and amenities

Chintheche has bars, restaurants, guest lodges, campsites, a supermarket and a cash and carry wholesaler; the majority of the town's amenities are along the Chintheche Strip.

Parks and recreation

The settlement is also identified as a beach town, as it is located on the beaches of Lake Malawi, including Chintheche Beach. The beaches are similar to those found in the Caribbean, with white sand and tropical plants.

Infrastructure

Chintheche is on the paved M5 Salima – Mzuzu road. It is served by minibuses from Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota and Mzuzu. Most roads in the Chintheche area are dirt tracks. There is one police station.

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