MV Ilala facts for kids
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The MV Ilala, also known as Ilala II, is a special motor ship that has been sailing on Lake Malawi in East Africa since 1951. Imagine a floating bus and delivery truck all in one! Every week, the Ilala travels all the way north across the lake to Chilumba, Malawi, which is close to Tanzania. This journey is about 480 kilometers (300 miles) from its home base in Monkey Bay.
The Ilala carries both people and goods, stopping at many towns along the coasts of Malawi and Mozambique. It even visits two islands in the lake: Likoma and Chizumulu. Even though the ship can sometimes be late (sometimes by a whole day!) and has broken down, it's still the most important way for people living along the lake to travel long distances. The ship is 52 meters (172 feet) long and can carry up to 365 passengers and 100 tons of cargo.
The Ilala's Journey: A Look Back
The Ilalaon Lake Malawiin 2018
The Ilala was built in 1949 by Yarrow Shipbuilders in Scotstoun, near Glasgow, Scotland. It was made for a company called Nyasaland Railways. This ship was actually the second boat built for Lake Malawi to be named Ilala. The first Ilala was built much earlier, in 1875. Because of this, the new ship was officially named Ilala II, but most people just call it Ilala. The name Ilala comes from a region in Zambia where the famous explorer David Livingstone was first buried.
After the ship was built in Scotland, it was taken apart into many pieces. These pieces were then shipped to Mozambique and traveled by train and road to Chipoka in Malawi (which was called Nyasaland back then). The Ilala started working in 1951 and has been sailing ever since, except for times when it needs repairs. It has even survived a few times when it ran aground (got stuck on the lakebed). Over the years, some of its steel parts have been fixed, and its engines were replaced in the 1990s.
When the Ilala is being repaired, another newer ferry called MV Mtendere (which means "peace" in the Chewa language) usually takes its place. The Mtendere normally only sails in the southern part of the lake. The MV Chambo also helps out with transport when needed.
Where Does the Ilala Go?
The Ilalaon the shores of Likoma Island.
The MV Ilala visits many places every week. When it travels north, it stops at these locations in order. When it goes back south, it visits them in the opposite order:
- Monkey Bay, Malawi
- Makanjila, Malawi
- Senga Bay, Malawi
- Nkhotakota, Malawi
- Likoma Island, Malawi
- Chizumulu Island, Malawi
- Nkhata Bay, Malawi
- Usisya, Malawi
- Ruarwe, Malawi
- Ncharo, Malawi
- Mlowe, Malawi
- Chilumba, Malawi
In the past, the ship used to travel even farther north to Karonga and a small part of the northern lake coast that belongs to Tanzania. However, this longer route is no longer used.
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | MV Ilala II |
| Operator | Malawi Lake Services |
| Port of registry |   Monkey Bay |
| Route | Monkey Bay - Chilumba |
| Builder | Yarrow Shipbuilders, Scotstoun, Scotland |
| Yard number | 1917 |
| Launched | 1949 |
| Completed | 1951 |
| Status | In service |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 620 tons |
| Length | 52 m (172 ft) |
| Installed power | Diesel |
| Propulsion | Screw |
| Capacity | 360 passengers; 100 tons of freight |
