Kaya Mawa

Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi

Waterside
Coast
Wildlife
Culture
Watersports

Boutique lodge on the white sandy beaches of Likoma Island

Kaya Mawa is an 11-room lakeside lodge tucked into the coves and headlands of Likoma Island, on Lake Malawi. Kaya Mawa will suit anyone happy to spend a week doing very little beyond swimming from their own room. It sits along a series of small coves on the southern shore of Likoma Island, a speck in the middle of Lake Malawi reached by light aircraft from Lilongwe. Eleven rooms and houses, built from local stone and timber by hand, are set into the granite headland and two beaches; several have direct lake access from the deck, others a private plunge or infinity pool. Bathrooms are largely open to the air.

As well as snorkelling straight off the beach among hundreds of cichlid species found nowhere else, enjoy diving from the lodge's own PADI centre, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing. On land, cycle out to the local market or St Peter's Cathedral, said to match Winchester Cathedral for scale.

Sustainability

Climate & conservation

Solar / renewable energy, The lodge was Malawi’s first resort to be run solely on renewable energy.
Sustainable build / reduces consumption, Rooms were built entirely by local artisans using local materials, with furniture made from items like old fishing boats.
Recycling, Interior fittings such as glass beads and chandeliers are handmade from recyclable materials sourced from the lodge and Lake Malawi itself.
Ecosystem preservation / wildlife protection, The lodge is located on the shores of Lake Malawi, a freshwater ecosystem that is home to more than 400 species of cichlid fish.

Community & culture

Employs local people, The lodge was built entirely by local hands and almost all team members are hired from the community on Likoma Island.
Empowerment, The lodge supports the local Katundu workshop, founded in 2006 to empower women in the community through ethical employment and skills development.
Promotes local businesses, The lodge furnishes its rooms with pieces from the local Katundu workshop and guests are welcome to visit the artisans or buy pieces in the onsite shop.
Cultural heritage preservation, The supported Katundu workshop provides a space for local artisans to practise and preserve traditional craft skills, which are showcased throughout the lodge.

Commercial

Group recognition / awards, Kaya Mawa was named the Leading Hotel in Malawi in 2020 by the World Travel Awards.
Sustainable procurement, The lodge sources its unique interior decor from the local, non-profit Katundu workshop, which creates items from recycled and sustainable materials.

In brief

Price bracket: ££££
Type of property: Lodge
No. of rooms: 12 rooms
Max guests per room: Family rooms and houses sleep up to 5 guests
Facilities: Restaurant, Bar, Beach access, Pool, Boutique, Tours desk, Boat hire
Activities: Watersports, Cultural visit, Birdwatching, Snorkelling, Kayaking, Boat trips
Setting: Lake · Beach

Best time to visit

The dry season, from May to November, offers long sunny days ideal for exploring the lake.

Kids

Families with children of all ages are welcome.

Accessibility

Built into a rocky shoreline with sandy paths, the lodge has uneven terrain and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi

££££pp / night Visit website

Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night