Kaya Mawa, located on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, offers a truly unique experience among African island countries. With its otherworldly charm, Kaya Mawa transports visitors into a world of peace and tranquillity. Likoma Island is one of the hidden gems in the heart of Africa, making it a prime destination for travellers seeking an escape from the busy world. The stunning combination of natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional hospitality sets Kaya Mawa apart from other African island countries.
Luxurious Accommodation in Likoma Island
Each of Kaya Mawa’s eleven rooms and private villa is distinct, offering something truly special. Guests can enjoy serene, secluded chalets with private decks, where romantic dinners or peaceful sunbathing await. Some accommodations even boast private pools, where you can take a midnight dip under the stars. Likoma Island, one of the most beautiful African island countries, is the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary retreat. The simplicity of life here blends perfectly with the luxurious amenities provided, ensuring that guests leave with memories of complete relaxation.
Activities on Likoma Island
For those who prefer a more active holiday, Kaya Mawa offers a variety of water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and waterskiing. Scuba diving is another highlight, as the clear waters around Likoma Island reveal a dazzling array of freshwater marine life. The island itself is rich with opportunities for exploration, including quad-biking or mountain biking across its stunning landscapes. African island countries like Malawi provide not just relaxation but also a sense of adventure for curious travellers.
Exploring Likoma Island’s Cultural Richness
Likoma Island is steeped in history and culture. One of its key landmarks is St. Peter’s Cathedral, which stands as a testament to its missionary roots, built in 1880. The cathedral is said to be the same size as Winchester Cathedral in England, adding a historical dimension to your stay. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the local fishing villages that dot the island. It’s here that the charm of African island countries truly comes to life, with locals transforming glass and litter into stunning home furnishings, a symbol of their resourcefulness and creativity.
Supporting the Community
Kaya Mawa is deeply connected to the Likoma Island community, with the majority of its staff coming from the local area. The lodge also supports the Katundu shop, where local women are empowered to create beautiful textiles and artwork from recyclable materials. This commitment to the island’s people makes Kaya Mawa a standout choice for those wishing to experience African island countries while giving back to the local community.
A Destination Like No Other
There’s something magical about Kaya Mawa, and it’s easy to see why visitors fall in love with it. As one of the most enchanting destinations in African island countries, it offers both luxury and simplicity, a combination that leaves guests with a deep sense of peace and fulfilment. Whether you’re exploring the island’s historical sites or indulging in a sunset massage, you’ll soon be saying, “Maybe tomorrow,” as you decide to extend your stay just a little longer.
Rooms
Set in the tranquil beauty of the bay, the unique Rooms and Houses at this destination provide a perfect stay for your next getaway. Step inside to find interiors designed with white-washed walls or exposed stone, all surrounded by breathtaking lake and beach views. Relax in front of a private deck or even terrace complete with plunge pool, courtyard and dining areas that let you truly savor the natural landscape. The perfect environment to slow down and re-energize while curling up under cozy duvets. Experience what it’s really like to get away from it all!
THE FAMILY HOUSES – sleep 4-5 people
For private and spacious beach living, our Family Houses – Ulisa and Yofu – sit at the back of the main beach under the shade of ancient baobab or mango trees. Ulisa is a large two-roomed house with a full bathroom between the bedrooms. Double doors in the master bedroom open to a spectacular view across the white sand to the lake. The second room sleeps three children in single beds, one of them hung from the roof!
Hidden behind a mango tree is peaceful Yofu. The bright, airy main bedroom has double doors leading out onto a secluded section of the beach where your own dhow-lounge space awaits. The shared full bathroom has an open-air bathtub and shower on the second level, which makes for magical stargazing while soaking. The second bedroom sleeps two children. Both houses enjoy expansive outdoor lounging and dining areas.
MADIMBA – Sleep 3 people
Designed with love and luxury in mind, Madimba is well-deserving of its title as the ‘Honeymoon House’. This grand house lies at the far west end of the Kaya Mawa beach. Opening out in front of the large, split-level bedroom is your own infinity pool with magical views across Lake Malawi to Mozambique. Indulge in romantic, starlit dinners and relax on sun loungers under the African sky from the comfort of your private deck. To one side of the bedroom is a huge en-suite bathroom with double vanities, shower and double-ended sunken bath that looks over the deck to the lake. On the other side of the room, the sitting room with bar beckons you to relax in the cool, stone-walled interior.
MAINJA – – Sleep 3 people
Whether indoors or outdoors, Mainja immerses you in its beautiful natural setting for an unforgettable lakeside experience spent with friends and family. A long wooden walkway and concrete causeway leads you to where this majestic house sits on a rocky outcrop on the northern side of Kaya Mawa’s beach. In usual Kaya Mawa style, Mainja is tastefully decorated with statement art pieces and splashes of colour amidst white linens, natural furnishings, stone walls and polished floors.
NDOMO PRIVATE HOUSE – Sleep 8 people
Completely exclusive and secluded from the outside world, Ndomo Private House is the ultimate group retreat in itself or as a spot to wind down after a safari. Inspired by the architecture of Zanzibar, Zambia and Kenya’s Lamu Island, along with hints of Morocco and India, Ndomo is a melting pot of design ideas. The interior style has been imaginatively paired with African antiques and contemporary bespoke pieces created largely at Katundu Workshop.
Located on the south west corner of Likoma island, the House has been built around boulders, with rough rock walls contrasting dramatically against smooth-plastered rooms that meander intriguingly around the rocky hill. Three of the four bedrooms are en-suite; the other has a bathroom just outside the door. Also inside, there is a large living room with deck, kitchen and dining area, study and media room. Stepping outside, you will find three large terraces and a courtyard, dining and barbeque area, and plunge pool, all with panoramic views of the lake and beyond. You have the private beach in front of the House all to yourself. Ndomo is fully staffed with a nanny, cook, housekeeper, ground staff and watchmen. You also enjoy all the facilities and activities that Kaya Mawa has to offer and are welcome to spend as much time as you wish at the lodge.
NDOMO PRIVATE HOUSE
Completely exclusive and secluded from the outside world, Ndomo Private House is the ultimate group retreat in itself or as a spot to wind down after a safari. Inspired by the architecture of Zanzibar, Zambia and Kenya’s Lamu Island, along with hints of Morocco and India, Ndomo is a melting pot of design ideas. The interior style has been imaginatively paired with African antiques and contemporary bespoke pieces created largely at Katundu Workshop.
Located on the south west corner of Likoma island, the House has been built around boulders, with rough rock walls contrasting dramatically against smooth-plastered rooms that meander intriguingly around the rocky hill. Three of the four bedrooms are en-suite; the other has a bathroom just outside the door.
Also inside, there is a large living room with deck, kitchen and dining area, study and media room. Stepping outside, you will find three large terraces and a courtyard, dining and barbeque area, and plunge pool, all with panoramic views of the lake and beyond. You have the private beach in front of the House all to yourself. Ndomo is fully staffed with a nanny, cook, housekeeper, ground staff and watchmen. You also enjoy all the facilities and activities that Kaya Mawa has to offer and are welcome to spend as much time as you wish at the lodge.
NKHWAZI
Meaning ‘fish eagle’ in Nyanja, Nkhwazi gives you a near bird’s eye view out to Nkhwazi Island and the south of Lake Malawi from the top of a rocky knoll. There is an understated elegance to Nkhwazi. The white-washed bedroom area steps down onto wooden decked floors that flow outside to three private decks at the front of your room. Here, the warm sun beckons you to unwind in the infinity pool and seating area with a panoramic vista that is all yours. The fish eagle’s call is fondly referred to as ‘The soundtrack of Africa’. Not a day goes by on Likoma Island without hearing it and yet you never grow tired of the sound. It has become part of the natural rhythm at Kaya Mawa.
THE STANDARD ROOMS
Hidden away within the western tip of a rocky knoll, our beautiful couples’ rooms, Msekwa, Khuyu and Mbungu command sweeping views of Lake Malawi. As you step through the arched door and down the steps into Msekwa, you will fall in love with the striking combination of creamy polished floors and stone walls. Wander out of your room, down your own private jetty and straight into the crystal waters.
Khuyu is the first room on the beach and while it may be the closest to the bar and restaurant, you still have the peace and privacy needed for a relaxing retreat. The lantern-lit bathtub is where you’ll want to be when the sun goes down. Built higher up the rocks, Mbungu has incredible views across the lake and Kaya Mawa beach. The bed has been built snuggly into the original beach boulders and there is space in the bedroom for a baby cot.
Dining
• The restaurant is set to one side of the bar and is used for breakfast and
lunches. Kaya Mawa allows for many unique areas where dinners are served – on
the beach, a deck, and platform or on the gazebo. With an eclectic mix of simple
and delicious international cuisine enjoyed at your own private table.
• The bar & restaurant are halved into a multi level deck, this offers both seating at
the bar or comfy sofas.
• The bar, only meters from the water, offers fantastic sunset views all the way
to the south end of the lake.
• WiFi – quiet office with wireless Internet connectivity, computers, scanners
& printers
Facilities
Whether you’re revelling in the various water sports like kayaking and diving, indulging in a spa treatment overlooking the lake or just chilling on the beach with your loved one, Kaya Mawa shows you the best of lakeside living. Our ‘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.
On Likoma Island, each day is yours to plan out or simply take as it comes. You can choose to stay on the warm sand, head for the sparkling water or even relax all day on your private deck. Sometimes, just walking along the beach at sunrise or watching the lake glisten at night is all you need to feel the magic of the island. Take a look at all the options below.
SNORKELLING
Explore the pristine waters of Lake Malawi in an underwater adventure, no matter your skill level. The only requirement? To leave the water with a bunch of great memories! No need to bring your own goggles, snorkel and fins as each House and Room at Kaya Mawa has its own snorkelling gear.
SAILING
Hop aboard one of our Taz or Topaz for a sailing safari on Lake Malawi. Conditions for sailing are excellent here since there are no tides or currents, but there’s always a light breeze for sail boats.
PICNIC LUNCH
Laze on the beach, while enjoying a gorgeous lake view and a picnic basket filled with the day’s creation from our award-winning kitchen team. Think homemade bread and hummus, with a fresh salad and grilled fish, and washed down with a glass of South African wine, Mozambican beer or a cocktail with gin distilled here in Malawi.
KAYAKING
Grab a kayak and paddle before setting off to explore the waters and other parts of the island beyond our bay. Watch as colourful fish flash in the clear water below you and look out to the Mozambican coastline beyond. The only sounds are those of nature – birds calling to each other and waves lapping against the kayak’s bow – and you leave the water feeling rejuvenated.
PADDLE BOARDING
Enjoy the warmth of the sun on your back and the cool breeze blowing off the water as you glide across the lake on one of our stand-up paddle boards. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a pro because you will soon be balancing, paddling and having fun, all at the same time. Paddle along the shoreline, enjoying the beauty of the beach from a different perspective.
BIRDING
Head out into the forests to spot some of the island’s colourful birdlife or simply enjoy what feathered friend comes to visit while sipping your morning coffee. Likoma is home to over 100 different birds species, including huge colonies of white-breasted cormorants, black-shouldered and yellow-billed kites, and four types of kingfisher. And the cry of an African fish eagle is a sound you can never grow tired of.
Brochure
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Welcome to Kaya Mawa, where you can relax and enjoy a getaway like nothing else. Nestled upon the white sandy beaches of Likoma Island, Kaya Mawa provides a perfect balance of luxury, comfort and...