Luxury Lodges · Likoma Island, Malawi
Kaya Mawa
Overview
Sprawled along the white sandy beaches of Likoma Island, in the heart of Lake Malawi, is Kaya Mawa.
This boutique lodge welcomes honeymooners, families and friends for an indulgently carefree getaway.
Built by local hands and as Malawi’s first resort run solely on renewable-energy, Kaya Mawa is firmly grounded in sustainability, community empowerment and ethical trade.
Meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’ in Chichewa/Nyanja, the ethos of Kaya Mawa is in its name. Relaxed lakeside living is woven into the style, luxury and comfort of its Houses and Rooms. Each of Kaya's eleven rooms, and private villa, is unique and offers something extraordinary. Serene and secret decks for sunbathing or romantic dinners; secluded lakeside chalets with private lounges. You may find yourself showering under the stars, taking a midnight dip in your private pool, or simply walking hand-in-hand after a moonlit supper on the beach.
If all the relaxation is too much, your days can be filled with everything from stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, waterskiing, sailing and quad-biking, plus a full PADI dive school. And as the sun goes down on another perfect day, enjoy a massage at the spa, nestled in the rocks on the lake, and have the last of your cares soothed away as you wonder, "Shouldn't I be leaving?...maybe tomorrow."
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Khuyu
Hidden away within the western tip of a rocky knoll, Khuyu commands sweeping views of Lake Malawi. It is the first room on the water, with easiest access to the beach and restaurant and...
Madimba
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...
Mainja
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...
Makungulu
Want to stay on your own island? Make your way across the wooden bridge and find yourself at Makungulu. Perched on its own private rocky isle and draped in pink bougainvillea, Makungulu makes quite...
Mbamba
Whether from the comfort of the luxurious bed or plunge pool under the ficus tree canopy, Mbamba commands stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounds. The large bed with driftwood headboard and canopy...
Mbungu
The second chalet from the beach, Mbungu is built higher up in the rocks giving you stunning views across the lake to the neighbouring island Chizimulu and the Kaya Mawa beach. A secluded chalet...
Msekwa
A favourite to many, nestled right on the edge of the lake, Msekwa is a picturesque chalet. Enter through an arched doorway, making your way down the steps passing the outdoor bath and shower,...
Ndomo Private House
Located on the south west corner of Likoma island, Ndomo Private House is completely exclusive and secluded from the outside world. Built around boulders around the rocky hill. Inspired by the architecture of Zanzibar,...
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...
Ulissa
Our second family beach chalet. 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...
Yofu
Yofu is an ideal chalet with two separate rooms enough for a family of four. Nestled into the back of the beach partially hidden by a large mango tree, perfect for families wanting to...
Details
Good to know
Accommodation & amenities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fridge, Fridge/Freezer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Languages spoken
English
Ideal for
Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Sports, Star Gazing, Watersports, Wine
On-site activities
Beach Drop Off, Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Kayaking, Kite Surfing, Massages, Quad Biking, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing
Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service, Travel Desk
Nearby activities
Bird Watching, Boating, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Historical Tours, Kayaking / Paddling, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Walks (Self Guided)
Property facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Credit Card Facilities, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Room Service, Spa, Vegetarian
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Green Safaris
The Green in Green Safaris
THIS IS: KAYA MAWA
Kaya Mawa
Kaya Mawa Likoma Island
Activities
What you can do
E Biking
Explore Likoma Island by E Bike making the excursion around the island not only silent but eco friendly as well. Visit the cathedral built in 1905, Katundu textiles workshop, the majestic valley of the baobabs and some of the eleven local villages. The warmth of the locals will make you feel right at home on Likoma. A much more leisurely way to take the island, led by a guide you will be shown all the sights of Likoma without working up a sweat.
Island Boat Trips
Enjoy the island from the water, taking a local dhow boat to visit some of the best snorkelling spots and into town to visit the cathedral built in 1905. Make a day of it with a packed picnic and your favourite drinks, or set off for a sunset fishing cruise.
Sailing
Single and double sailing boats are available for both the experienced and novice. Kaya Mawa offers three Lasers and one Laser 2 for our guests to enjoy, either sailing solo or with our instructor. Take a quick lesson with our expert instructors before sailing off into the majestic waters of Lake Malawi.
Scuba Diving / Snorkelling
Kaya Mawa is partnered with Likoma Island Divers, a recognised PADI Resort. We have two in-house dive instructors who can cater for any skill levels and teach a full range of PADI courses, ensuring everybody can enjoy an underwater adventure during your stay. The centre is able to teach courses all the way from a 3-hour discovery dive to Dive Master. Likoma Island, surrounded by the pristine waters of Lake Malawi, is widely regarded as having the best diving on the Lake, both in terms of the diversity of fish species and their sheer abundance. With some of the best fresh water diving in the world and some 11 recognised dive sites nearby.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking
Explore the tranquility of Lake Malawi by kayak or stand up paddle board. Paddle to the neighbouring beaches or one of the smaller islands and admire the Mozambican coastline. Pack your snorkelling gear and enjoy some of Lake Malawi's 1000 species of fish, many endemic to the lake, more than all the freshwater species in Europe and North America combined.
Water Sports - Waterskiing, Wake boarding, Tubing
For the adventurous, why not experience the stunning Lake Malawi by boat and try your hand at water skiing and wake boarding, or for the younger ones, knee boarding and ringo. We have skis that fit ages 5+ and a trained instructor on hand to give handy tips and pointers to ensure you will be on your feet (or knees) in no time.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
Enquire now