Tailor Made Honeymoons & Holidays to Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island - Malawi

This gorgeous luxury rustic lodge is one of the top ten 'Most Romantic Places in the World' voted by Conde Nast and is also in the 101 top Hotels in the World from Tatler .... as well as being one of Jules' personal favourite places in one of my favourite countries - Malawi.  READ ABOUT JULES' TRIP BACK TO KAYA MAWA IN OCTOBER 2018!

Safari & Beach Holidays - Kaya Mawa

This is an ideal 'beach break' after the early mornings and dust of an African Safari or as part of an amazing African Honeymoon!

Contact us now on 01728 748209, use the live chat or send an enquiry!  

Kaya Mawa - Likoma Island

Situated on Likoma Island which in itself is a journey back in time, Kaya Mawa sits on a curved sandy bay surrounded by baobab trees and huge boulders from where you can snorkel in the clear waters of Lake Malawi. The lodge was constructed in the late 90's and after six years opened in 2000.  Made from local products using a local work force, the lodge was the first luxury accommodation - and still is the only one - on Likoma Island.  

The island is about two thirds up the lake only 12 km from the Mozambique shores and actually sits in Mozambique waters although it's still part of Malawi and is accessed either by air from 'mainland' Malawi or by the lake steamer ship The Ilala which services the fishing villages around the lake from one end to the other.

Houses and cottages at Kaya Mawa

Kaya Mawa has recently been refurbished and renovated and now consists of 11 stone and teak framed thatched cottages all uniquely designed. 

There are honeymoon houses with their own plunge pools set into the rocks and a family house right on the beach.  They all have fabulous views and lake access. A new addition to Kaya Mawa is the impressive Ndomo House a massive villa style house built of rough rock set around boulders on the beach, it has a traditional character and is ideal for a large family or group of friends.  There are four bedrooms (three en-suite), a lounge area and deck with lake views, kitchen and dining area, a study/media room, three large terraces and courtyard, outside dining and barbeque area and a secluded beach.  Guests can use all the lodge facilities and eat there too if they wish but this house offers the option of being completely self contained.  There is a boat and vehicle a radio call away when you need to be collected!

Local community links on Likoma Island

Each room has been designed in partnership with Katundu Textiles a local workshop on the island which helps empower single mothers. The staff of the lodge all come from neighbouring villages and were trained on site.  This results in a stunning rustic contemporary feel to the lodge with genuine warm Malawi hospitality. 

Activities at Kaya Mawa

Relaxing is definitely number one on the visitor's list here and with the gorgeous waters just a step away, swimming, snorkelling and other water sports are always an option. Diving can also be arranged as well as kayaking, water-skiing and sailing. At Kaya Mawa you can take mountain bikes or quad bikes around the island, a great way to explore.

History of Likoma Island

Scottish Missionaries first 'discovered' Likoma Island at the end of the 11th century and it's really not changed much to this day.  It was a stop off point on the slave route back in history when slaves were captured from Central Africa and piled high under the decks of ships across the lake via Likoma Island to Mozambique and across to the Indian Ocean.  The most unusual piece of architecture on Likoma is the massive cathedral, which was built as an exact replica of Winchester Cathedral back in the UK!  If you happen to be on the island on a Sunday make sure you take a trip to the Cathedral to see all the islanders in their Sunday best, stop for a chat or join the congregation.  

Kaya Mawa is a fabulous destination whether joined onto a safari in Malawi or Zambia, combined with other lake destinations in Malawi or just as a stand alone destination.  Escape to a time gone by and relax into the real warm heart of Africa!  Until then Kaya Mawa ........ (maybe tomorrow)!

Contact us now on 01728 748209, use the live chat or send an enquiry!  

Holidays to Kaya Mawa - Malawi specialists