Kaya Mawa
With its almost supernatural vibe, there is nowhere else on earth quite like Kaya Mawa. Hidden away on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, at Kaya Mawa you will be transported into a world of simple pleasures. Embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the enchanting Malawian staff you will enjoy timeless luxury and only the best of modern conveniences. "Kaya Mawa" translates as "Maybe Tomorrow"... the Likoma Island version of mañana... without the urgency.
Each of Kaya's eleven rooms, and private villa, is unique and offers something very special. 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 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.
Msekwa - (1 ROOM)
A favorite for 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, you arrive to your private deck. The outdoor living area leads you to a wooden walkway, giving direct access to the lake. Jump and snorkel right into the crystal clear waters and watch the abundance of fish that the lake has to offer. Msekwa is a Standard Room.
Mbungu - (1 ROOM)
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 with an outdoor living area perfect for sundowners. Follow the stone stairway to the private deck with access straight into the lake. Mbungu is a Standard Room.
Ngani - (1 ROOM)
Ngani is set on the second beach, set into the rocks with views of the Mozambique coastline. A private hideaway, with a large deck, outdoor seating and enormous plunge pool leading into the lake. The small rocky island in front of the chalet bursts with birdlife throughout the year. Ngani is a Premium Room.
Nkhwazi - (1 ROOM)
A room that becomes a quick favourite to whoever stays. Nhkwazi gives you plenty of space both in and outdoors. Beautifully designed with wooden decked floors, impressive outdoor bathroom, stunning views across the lake and stunning infinity pool. You will never want to leave. Nkhwazi is a Premium Room.
Makengulu - (1 ROOM)
Want to stay on your own island? Make your way across the wooden bridge and you will find yourself at Makengulu. Covered in bougainvillea, a scenic chalet with an even more beautiful room leading out to a wooden deck with striking views to Mozambique. Swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Malawi or enjoy sundowners on your private deck outside the room. Makengulu is a Premium Room.
Mbamba - (1 ROOM)
Set higher up on the hill, Mbamba give you stunning views of the lake. Step out side the spacious bedroom to the plunge pool and deck, where you will find stunning views of Mozambique. And enjoy an outdoor foam bath or shower with more magnificent views. Mbamba is a room you will love to stay and relax. Mamba is a Premium room.
Ulissa - (2 ROOMS)
A beautifully crafted family beach chalet. Big enough for a family of 5, find yourself in a two roomed house with an interconnecting bathroom. The main room looks down across the beach straight into the lake. The other room perfect for children can fit two single beds with space for another that hangs from the roof. Ulissa is as close as you can get to the beach living, with a beautiful baobab tree on you doorstep. Ulissa is a Standard room.
Yofu - (2 ROOMS)
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 spend as much time as possible on the beach and in the lake. A bathroom intersects the two rooms with a shower and a picturesque bath found at the top of some steps makes it an ideal place for star gazing while you relax in the foamy water. Yofu is a Standard Room.
Madimba - (1 ROOM)
Walk across the main Kaya Mawa beach and you will find a grand house called Madimba. The presidential suite with a large bedroom, a twin shower and a bath with a view of the pool. Simply relax in the sitting area that has your own private bar and fridge or sunbathe the day away on your large private deck, complete with lake views. What more could you want? Madimba is a Premium room.
Mainja - (2 ROOMS)
Follow a wooden walkway from the main Kaya Mawa beach, pass the stunning infinity pool and you will arrive at Mainja house. A two bed roomed house with a Tanzania style seating area found in the middle. Sit and relax or cool off in the beautiful pool with views across to Honeymoon Island. Mainja is ideal for a family break or even friends staying in a group. Mainja is a Premium room.
Ndomo House - (4 ROOMS)
On its own private beach, with views over the neighbouring island of Chizimulu towards mainland Malawi, Ndomo House is a luxury four bedroom villa. Fully staffed with a private chef, guests will enjoy their own private sanctuary with all the facilities Kaya Mawa has to offer.
Scuba Diving / Snorkeling
Kaya Mawa is partnered with Likoma Island Divers, a recognized 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.
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.
Kite Surfing
Kaya Mawa has the only kite surfing centre on Lake Malawi as far as we know. With all new Cabrinha equipment available to rent for those experienced boarders and an instructor who can run beginner courses. Kitting is seasonal so be sure to contact us to get the latest wind updates. When the winds are up, Lake Malawi is the perfect spot for kite surfing.
Island Boat Trips
Enjoy the island from the water, taking a local dhow boat to visit some of the best snorkeling spots and into town to visit the cathedral built in 1905. Make a day of it with a packed picnic and your favorite drinks, or set off for a sunset fishing cruise.
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 snorkeling 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.
Quad Biking
Explore Likoma Island by Quad Bike, visiting 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. Did you know we've received our first Electric Quad Bike? Making guest's drive around the island not only silent but eco friendly as well.
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.
For more information on the lodge, click HERE
