Livingstone itself was inspired by this heavenly place called Lake Malawi – “the lake of stars”. Until today, it is still an enchanting place with a timeless rhythm, a giving nature in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the African wilderness. Likoma Island is surrounded by pristine water and is considered to offer the best diving in Malawi in terms of diversity regarding fish species. Kaya Mawa is certainly not on anyone’s “beaten track,” but this magical, sunny place should be on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit.
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Ecorating: 4.0
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
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This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Sample Itinerary
Explore the surrounding area by kayak or a guided hike. The wide beach is safe (although the sand is not the softest in the world) and water sport activities are available. A PADI diving center (located only around the bay) offer you diving lessons. Kids can also ride a mountain bike and visit the local elementary school for a soccer tournament that they will never forget (there is a massive baobab tree in the middle of the field).
We recommend you to not miss out on the guided quad bike tour of the island. You stop at the centennial section of St. Peter’s Basilica and the outdoor market in Mbamba, one of the most vibrant small villages in Africa. Everything here is relaxed and enjoyable!
Likoma Island is surrounded by the unspoilt waters of Lake Malawi and the island is known for the best diving in the area, both in terms of the diversity of fish species and their sheer abundance.
Kaya Mawa has the only kite surfing center in Malawi, as far as we know.
Explore the island.
Meet the island’s population!
Learn more about their culture.
Enjoy.
The hotel is nestled in the rocks above a beautiful beach on the southern part of Likoma Island, an island that has no paved roads or mains. Each of the beautiful rooms of Kaya Mawa (the name translate “maybe tomorrow”) is differently designed but all rooms are decorated with coffins and lamps from Zanzibar and elegant, bed sheets and pillows manufactured in Suzies Katundu textile workshop.
Ndomo house.
Zambia room.
Madimba premium house.
Relaxation.
Trip details
Ecorating: 4.0
Season: Year Round.
Airport: Lilongwe Airport (LLW) Malawi and then “light aircraft” to Likoma island.
Included: Full board, domestic flights, transfers, on site activities, community visits
Not included: International flights, insurance, vaccinations, drinks, visas and items of personal nature etc
Find out more about Likoma island: Likoma Island is the larger of two inhabited islands in Lake Malawi (also known as Lake Nyasa), in East Africa, the smaller being the nearby Chizumulu. Likoma and Chizumulu both belong to Malawi, and together they make up the Likoma District. Although both islands lie just a few kilometres from Mozambique, and are entirely surrounded by Mozambican territorial waters, they are both exclaves of Malawi.
Travel ethics: Lake Malawi is, in large part, a place of peace and quiet, without traffic jams and hassles of city life. The people of Lake Malawi exude friendliness. It’s common for strangers to wave and greet visitors as if they know them. It’s easy to make them smile by saying “Moni”, which means Hello in Chichewa, their local language, and “Zikomo” (thank you). Although overt friendliness often arouses suspicion, especially when someone’s trying to sell you tchotchkes, there’s hardly any hawking or selling of tacky souvenirs in Malawi – the people are genuinely friendly.
Mobile networks and email: Email and Internet access is provided. The mobile network works well.
Visa: MOST foreign nationals require a visa to enter Mozambique. Please check with the Mozambique Embassy in your country.
Time zone: GMT + 2
Vaccinations: Learn what vaccinations you need
Packing: Swimming attire, Hat, Shorts, T-shirts, Light pair of trousers, Light jumper (if you come in the cooler season), Sandals/flip flops, Prescription drugs
Toiletries bag, At least two good books, Spare glasses/sunglasses/contact lenses, Sunscreen protection, After sun if you forget the sunscreen!
Please note that your weight allowance on the light aircraft is 15kg and soft bags must be used!
Local Currency: Malawian Kwacha
Weather: Weather Mozambique
Water: Clean water available at the lodge.
Safety: Your safety is our priority. Lake Malawi is considered a low crime destination.
For more information: Travel Advice Malawi
Ecorating: 4.0
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Does my trip make a difference?
Read more
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
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Kaya Mawa is a responsible eco destination. That’s why the British environmentalists Mavericks Andrew Came and William Sutton made their enchanted lake lodge completely self-sufficient. There are wind turbines run by water pumps and solar panels work as the main power resource.
As an integral part of the society, Kaya Mawa has been involved in supporting and developing projects within its society. They are involved in a variety of projects and if you are intrested knowing more about the projects Kaya Mawa supports you are most welcome to visit their side – www.malawidream.com.
Katundu textiles, founded and managed by Suzie Lightfoot, is the main designer of both creation and soft furnitures at Kaya Mawa. This implies staff training in place to do welding, weaving and production of amazing textiles while creating job opportunities at the island.
Almost all the staff working at the lodge are from the local community.
