Likoma Island is the larger of two small islands situated in the far north of Lake Malawi, on the east of the Lake and very close to the Mozambique coastline. To visit the island is to step back in time. Just 6.5 square miles with one small dirt road and two vehicles, the local people survive largely by fishing, and rice and cassava farming. The island has hundreds of huge baobab trees and a number of glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves. The waters are crystal clear throughout the year and the diving and snorkeling is among the best in Lake Malawi.

Kaya Mawa Lodge is situated on the south-western tip of the Island at the head of a crescent-shaped bay, surrounded by mango trees and ancient baobabs. Translated as "Maybe tomorrow" in the local Tonga dialect, the lodge uses the stunning natural surroundings of beach, rock, island and lake to create a lodge of unique character, imagination and very special ambience. With no machinery available on the island, Kaya Mawa Lodge was built entirely by hand, in partnership with the local community.

The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity, but enough activities are on offer to keep guests busy. Scuba, snorkeling, swimming, sailing and visits to the local villages are part of the experience.

Insider's Guide:

• Located in one of the most beautiful locations in Africa
• A magnificent beach location
• Hand-carved spacious chalets
• A wide range of water, land, and cultural activities

Kaya Mawa has a total of ten stone and teak-framed thatched cottages set into a granite headland.

Chalets

The resort’s main building is situated high on a rocky promontory overlooking the lake and has three rooms on the lower western side of the promontory. On the long sweeping beach below and to the west of the main promontory there are another two chalets. At the far end of the beach a good 10 minute walk from the main building and set high on the rocks overlooking the bay are another two chalets. There are two rooms on their own rocky outcrops to the east of the main building.

Honeymoon Island

The honeymoon house is tucked away on its own private island, a good 50 meters out into the lake and is accessed by a wooden walkway, boat, or a short swim. The view from the shower in the honeymoon suite defies description.

Each cottage faces the lake and has a 7-foot by 6-foot four-poster mahogany bed, a shower, a sunken stone bathtub, a loo with a view, fans, soaps and shampoos, outside seating area, and insect repellent. Laundry is free of charge and can usually be delivered back the same day. All the cottages have private terraces with direct access to the water.

On the main promontory there is a bar, dining room and rock pool. The dining room and bar have amazing views out over Lake Malawi. The bar is an ideal spot for taking in spectacular sunsets. Meals can be had in the dining room, bar, or in private dining locations around the resort.

Dining

• Breakfast is usually between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM and comprises fruits, cereals, juices, tea, coffee and full English breakfast with choice of eggs.
• Lunches between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM - usually light with fresh salads, quiches, fruit etc.
• Dinners are 3 courses and served around 8:00 PM.
• Meal times are totally flexible and are set around activities-not the other way around.

Being by the beach, the schedule of activities is completely flexible. Some guests like to keep active all day long, some want to do nothing but relax on the beach and most want a balance between the two. Each day they chat to their guests and find out what they want to do from the activities available and then choose the correct schedule for them.

Activities and Experiences

• The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity but enough activities are on offer to keep guests busy
• Walking or biking around the island
• Swimming and snorkeling
• Scuba Diving
• Motorized Water Sports - Waterskiing, tube riding and wake snaking are offered as well as fishing trips
• Sailing Safaris - the lodge has a small wooden skip for journeys around the island
• Excursions to Mozambique
• Exploring a local village and interacting with the local villagers
• Visiting one of the largest cathedrals in Africa
• Main swimming pool

Flying Time

The flying time between Likoma Island and Lilongwe is approximately 60 minutes.

Climate

• Likoma is the driest part of Malawi and also one of the hottest.
• January/February/March: Hot days with rain often in the afternoon. The whole island becomes very lush and green and the views are fantastic. The rain dampens down the dust and puts out the fires of the late dry season and provides sparkling air and wonderful vistas of the forested shores of nearby Mozambique.
• April/May: Dry warm days and pleasant cool nights with light breezes.
• June/July/August: Dry with warm days and cool nights.
• September/October: Hot to very hot days with warm nights.
• November/December: Hot to very hot days-warn nights, perhaps some early light rain.

Sales, Information, Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, Anniversaries, and Reservations

Inside the USA: (800) 335-6033
Other countries: (818) 292-8915
Fax: (818) 936-0807
Email: sales@linaratravel.com

If You are a Travel Agent

Inside the USA: (800) 335-6033
Other countries: (818) 292-8915
Fax: (818) 936-0807
Email: travelagent@linaratravel.com

Brochure

If you would like a copy of our brochure, email us at info@linaratravel.com and include your name, address, and phone number along with the destinations you are interested in so we can provide you with the relevant information.