Kaya Mawa

• Romantically secluded location in the north of Lake Malawi
• Panoramic views and direct lake access from most of the cottages at Kaya Mawa
• The impressive stone cathedral on Likoma Island
• Kaya Mawa is hand-built and staffed by the Likoma Island community
• Fresh-water diving in the clear waters of Lake Malawi
• Kayaking, sailing and water-skiing

Kaya Mawa is a secluded luxury lodge on the tip of the remote Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. It lies on a crescent shaped beach, surrounded by baobab trees and mangos.

Accommodation at Kaya Mawa

Kaya Mawa is both full of character & architecturally innovative, as befits its 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.

Kaya Mawa has had a subtle makeover with lighter colours and contemporary styling. There’s a new central lounge and a dining area has been built beside the beach. Features include giant four-poster beds, en suite “loo with a view”, shower and bath, some sunken in stone.

The three ‘entry level’ rooms at Kaya Mawa are relatively small, but all have en-suite bathrooms and king-size beds (Two can be converted to twin-beds if so desired). All of them make the most of outside space, with a private terrace with sun-loungers and steps giving direct access to the lake to swim. They all face the main bar and beach (Mbungu, Khuyu and Msekwa).

The four Premium rooms are spacious. Nkwhazi and Mbamba with their own plunge pools. Makengulu is the magical inspirational 'honeymoon island', and Ngani lies in a secluded spot, a romantic chalet alone on the ‘second’ beach also with a small pool.

Finally there are four Houses which form part of the Kaya Mawa (as well as Ndomo Point House). All are very different. Yofu House and Ullisa House are both on the beach and have a master bedroom and a twin-bedded room sharing one central bathroom. These are ideal for smaller families. Madimba House also has two bedrooms, but both are spectacular king-sized doubles with their own en-suite bathrooms. Hence this is well suited to two couples travelling together or families who want more space and privacy. It also has a small sitting area, outdoor terrace and plunge pool. Mainja House has been designed as a honeymoon retreat with just one massive bedroom and a secluded hillside location with a panoramic view and a private plunge pool.

Activities at Kaya Mawa

Kaya Mawa has a lovely ambience with charming, hospitable staff on hand to make sure that you get the most from your stay. 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.

Activities mostly revolve around the lake, but visiting places on Likoma Island is also very popular. Snorkelling around the granite boulders is extremely popular and available straight from the beach. A host of water sports are available on Lake Malawi including water-skiing, wake-boarding, fishing, kite-surfing and laser dinghy sailing. You can also explore the lake and its shores by canoe, looking out for otters. Or take a boat excursion to remote island spots for a private picnic. There is masseuse/therapist who does a range of wonderful treatments either in your room or in an open air gazebo.

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).

Food is an important part of your stay at Kaya Mawa. Dinner is served on your own private terrace or with other guests in the dining area. But usually under the stars on the beach.

Given its idyllic location, Kaya Mawa is perfect for honeymoon couples to Malawi and also for those looking for a secluded island and beach experience after a safari. However on the other side of the beach are the three family villas (ie. far away from the honeymoon villas) as Kaya Mawa also makes for a perfect family destination.

Note:
Given the rocky terrain, Kaya Mawa is not very suitable for frail people as most of the villas have quite a few steps, both to reach them, and within the villas, usually to the open air bathroom and even within the bathroom. However there are some rooms which are more suitable so discuss your requirements with us.

Ndomo Point House

Totally separate from the main lodge, Ndomo is a four-bedroom luxury villa about ten-minutes' boat ride away. The house is fully staffed with a nanny, cook, housekeeper and ground staff. It also has its own swimming pool.