This enchanting fly-in beach holiday to Lake Malawi is ideal for honeymooners, couples and even families. Plus you can combine it with a safari in Liwonde or Majete in Malawi. Or with South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. But you can also simply enjoy some time away from the world.
Lake Malawi is the stellar attraction of Malawi, enriching every aspect of its life. The lakeshore comprises miles of pristine sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and islands. And the call of the African fish eagle is ever present.
Over 500 species of fish occur in Lake Malawi, including the colourful endemic cichlids that are easily spotted when snorkelling. Other watery activities on Lake Malawi include freshwater scuba diving, canoeing, sailing and just chilling out by the lapping waters.
We offer this at various price points to suit a range of budgets. There are also other options such as Makokola Retreat or staying ONLY at Pumulani Lodge. So chat to us about the options.
This is based on Kaya Mawa which in on Likoma island (in a Standard Room). On arrival in Lilongwe, you take a charter flight to Likoma Island in the northern part of Lake Malawi. Here you stay for 5 nights at the enchantingly romantic Kaya Mawa. Kaya Mawa is a secluded luxury beach lodge on a crescent shaped beach, surrounded by baobab trees and mangos. It doesn't get much better than this in terms of barefoot luxury! You can also upgrade to a Premium room for an extra $350 per person.
Many visitors also like to explore Likoma Island and visit the somewhat incongruous Likoma Cathedral, with guided walks, biking, trips to their craft workshop as well as kayaking, snorkelling, and diving (at extra cost.)
This includes 2 nights at Mumbo Island Camp and 3 nights at the luxurious Pumulani Lodge, both on the Southern Lakeshore.
Here is the digital itinerary for this trip.
Note: if Mumbo Island doesn't sound like your cup of tea, we can also change this to 5 nights at Pumulani alone. Similarly we can also arrange that you fly back to Lilongwe if you don't want to drive in both directions. Contact us for a quote.
A more moderate option is the lovely Blue Zebra Island Lodge which is closer to Lilongwe so ideal if you are ONLY doing the Lake Malawi. (2 hours drive plus a short boat transfer). There is an upgrade option of Luxury Executive Chalet which we strongly recommend from September onwards (extra $130 to $210 per person sharing, depending on the season).
Note: The seasonality of the three lodges does vary slightly so look carefully at the dates for each price.
Use the scroll button to see the full itinerary.
On arrival in Lilongwe, you are transferred to your lodge of choice – see three different price points
Lake Malawi is the stellar attraction of Malawi, enriching every aspect of its life. It is a vast expanse of bright blue water, 600km long and up to 80km wide. The lakeshore comprises miles of palm-fringed sandy beaches, rounded granite boulders and romantic wooded islands, with the call of the African fish eagle ever present. Everywhere people smile and seem delighted to see you.
Over 2,000 species of fish occur in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, including the colourful endemic cichlids that are easily spotted when snorkelling.
Kaya Mawa is a secluded luxury lodge on a crescent shaped beach, surrounded by baobab trees and mangos on the tip of the remote Likoma Island in Lake Malawi.
Road and boat transfer to 2 nights on Mumbo Island Lodge off Cape Maclear, followed by 3 nights at the luxurious Pumulani Lodge nearby
Red carpet – Based on Kaya Mawa for all 5 nights (accessed by charter flight from Lilongwe)
Kaya Mawa is both full of character & architecturally innovative, as befits this unique and unspoilt location on Lake Malawi. Built entirely by hand in conjunction with the local community, who benefit from the lodge, Kaya Mawa’s accommodation consists of eleven stone, teak and thatched cottages. Each cottage has a private terrace with views over Lake Malawi with a path or steps leading down to the water, a giant four-poster bed, en suite “loo with a view”, shower and bath (some sunken in stone).
All the cottages are gorgeous but premier rooms have a slightly better location and are slightly larger. Madimba and Mainja House are two private houses each with their own private plunge pools, sitting area and mini-bar. Mainja House actually has two bedrooms, both en suite and a private sitting area, ideal for two couples travelling together or a family party. It is one of three family villas each with two bedrooms.
Just behind the private beach are the charming public areas of the beach bar, dining area and sitting area complete with sofas made from old fishing boats (more comfortable than it sounds).
Based on Blue Zebra for all 5 nights – accessed by road & boat from Lilongwe
The daily activity schedule is very flexible. You may like to keep active all day long, others want to do nothing but relax on the beach and most guests want a balance between the two.
Snorkelling around the granite boulders is extremely popular and available straight from the beach. You can also explore the lake and its shores by kayak, looking out for otters.
On the Base itinerary, we split the stay with 3 nights at nearby luxurious Pumulani Lodge (approx 45 mins drive away).
However on the Red Carpet and Pared back options, you stay at the same lodge for all 5 nights.
Note: If you wish to have all 5 nights at Pumulani, this is very possible for a supplement.
This morning you bid a sad farewell and head back to Lilongwe in time for your onward travel.
This is a set tour using specific camps. However many tours can be adapted. Chat to us about your options. It excludes international flights but includes an estimate for all domestic or regional flights within the tour.
Accommodation, light charter flights from Lilongwe, all meals, road transfers from the airstrip, non-motorised water sports, park fees
EXCLUDESInternational flights, international departure tax and domestic departure tax, visas, items of a personal nature, all drinks
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