Malawi
Kaya Mawa – Likoma Island
4 nights from £1,575 pp
Includes: fully inclusive accommodation (all meals, most drinks, local activities, non motorised water sports)
Overview
Many years ago, when I worked in Malawi I first ventured to Likoma Island. A mythical, remote island in Mozambique waters to the east side of Lake Malawi, stepping ashore is like going back in time…
In those days, Kaya Mawa was very basic and the bar was perched on a rocky outcrop with walk ways linking different houses … now, featuring a range of unique rooms it is one of the world’s top island getaways.
A boutique lodge, nestled amongst huge boulders and baobab trees, surrounded by sandy beaches, Kaya Mawa is perfect for families, friends or couples seeking a ‘Robinson Crusoe’ escape, with fabulous food and hospitality in a relaxed luxury atmosphere.
Meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’ in Chichewa/Nyanja, the ethos of Kaya Mawa is in its name. The various houses and rooms are all uniquely styled, using local materials, recycled glass and Malawi textiles.
Time to relax …. Dine on the beach by starlight, enjoy breakfast in your room overlooking clear waters or book a massage therapy at the spa. Paddle or snorkel around the rocky outcrops, take a boat trip or sail round Likoma or simply relax in the lounge bar and learn the local game of Bao … just another blissful day at Kaya Mawa.
Built by local hands and Malawi’s first resort run solely on renewable-energy, Kaya Mawa is firmly grounded in sustainability, community empowerment and ethical trade.
Chose from a selection of 11 houses and rooms, all with individual character and locations. The accommodation nestles amongst the rocks and sand of the bay. The white-washed or exposed stone interiors open out to lake and beach views, with some suites enjoying a private deck and plunge pool or even terrace, courtyard and dining areas.
Ndomo Private House is perfect for large families or groups of friends. Completely exclusive and secluded from the outside world, Ndomo Private House is the ultimate group retreat in itself and a perfect choice to relax after a safari. Three of the four bedrooms are en-suite; the other has a bathroom just outside the door.
“Likoma Island is one of my favourite places in Malawi … if you are there on a Sunday, take a trip to the Cathedral where the whole island dresses up to go to church – an experience never to be forgotten!”
Although relaxing on the beach is definitely the favourite ‘activity’ at Kaya Mawa, there are a wide range of activies both on land and in the water to choose from.
The ‘maybe tomorrow’ ethos means you can do as much or as little as you like, just as long as you are having the African beach escape of your dreams!
Included in the accommodation rates are: snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, picnic lunch & bird watching.
Non-included activities which can be booked include e-bike hire, PADI diving, water skiing, wake boarding, fishing trips, spa treatments.
Kaya Mawa as part of a longer holiday
Contact me to include Kaya Mawa in a bespoke travel itinerary to Malawi. Safari locations can be found near the southern Lake Malawi shores in Liwonde National Park and further away in Majete Game Reserve or across the border in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park.
Within Malawi there are many cultural experiences – indeed the people are a highlight of any trip to the ‘warm heart of Africa’. From the high plateaus of Nyika in the north, to the tea estates arount Mount Mulanje in the south, discover many options for trekking, biking, horse riding, birdwatching, art safaris and village tours.
A few impressions…
“Kaya Mawa was beautiful, relaxed and easy going and a wonderful place for our second week after the Zambian safari.
I think we must have got caught in a time warp as the time seemed to stretch away into the distance...”
Imogen and Den
Let us begin the journey that will create memories to last a lifetime.
