Kaya Mawa

OVERVIEW:

Kaya Mawa is a superb beach lodge! With its stunning rooms, beautiful stretch of white beach, and high-quality food and service, it’s easily the finest property on Lake Malawi. Its varied activities and cultural experiences are also great reasons to come here.

Kaya Mawa is privately owned and run. Its name means ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ in the local Nyanja language, and it’s perfect for a standalone beach vacation as well as the beach element in a bush-and-beach break. The accommodation is usually booked on a full-board basis, and the lodge is open from 16th March to 14th January.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

The lodge is accessed via approximately an hour’s light-aircraft flight from the international airport at Lilongwe. It’s situated on the southern side of Likoma Island, in the scenic Lake Malawi.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT KAYA MAWA:

Guest accommodation consists of three standard chalets, four premium rooms, two houses, two family houses, and a private house, known as Ndomo. All options are individually styled, with plenty of character apiece. At entry level, each standard chalet features a comfortable bedroom, well-appointed en-suite facilities, and a lovely location – either on the beach or on the rocks overlooking the beach, both at the edge of Lake Malawi. The lakeside chalet, Msekwa, has a wooden walkway and an arched doorway, and although a standard chalet it’s known as the photographer’s favorite! Next up are the four premium rooms, another one-bedroom option but more spacious than the chalets and typically with a private deck and private plunge pool. Then you have the two premium houses. One is ideal for honeymooners, with its immense bedroom, mezzanine sundowners spot, and private bar. The other has two bedrooms and benefits from a Tanzania-style seating area and a private pool with amazing views! And each of the two family houses also offers two bedrooms, as well as a fantastic setting on the beach.

Totally separate from Kaya Mawa, on its own beach, is the completely private Ndomo House. If you’re visiting the lake as a group of up to eight travelers and looking for somewhere very special, this could be the option for you. The house has four bedrooms, three terraces, its own lounge and dining areas, a kitchen, and a plunge pool! For more information about any of the accommodation, please contact a member of the YZ team.

The communal facilities at Kaya Mawa are found on or close to the beach. There’s a rustically built yet beautifully styled open-sided and multi-leveled deck area on the pristine sands, nestling into the tree line. This contains the lounge, which features a variety of comfortable and colorful seating around coffee tables, and amidst explorer chests, lanterns, and pot plants. The dining area occupies this structure too – here, chic tables-and-chairs are set up in readiness for delicious meals. All special diets are accommodated with advance notice, and guests can also opt to dine al fresco. You’ll also find the well-stocked bar within the communal structure, with friendly staff members on hand to serve you. These interiors flow out onto welcoming verandas, and finally onto the beach. Behind the beach, there’s the curio shop, selling a great range of locally produced items. And slightly out to sea, within a little timber, stone, and thatch building, there’s the property’s spa, where you can request all sorts of relaxing and revitalizing treatments.

ACTIVITIES AT KAYA MAWA:

Kaya Mawa’s activity list is very impressive!

• Laidback beach time

  – The beach here is fantastic for sunbathing, reading, paddling, and swimming. It’s also the setting for a few watersports (see below).

• Diving

  – The lodge partners with local company Likoma Island Divers to provide a range of PADI courses and some thrilling explorations of the underwater world surrounding the island.

• Snorkelling

  – Another way of watching for wildlife beneath the surface of the water, this activity can offer an exciting introduction to Lake Malawi’s cichlids and other species.

• Sailing

  – Kaya Mawa owns three Lasers and one Laser 2. Guests set off from the lodge’s beach, either on a solo voyage or accompanied by an expert instructor.

• Kayaking and paddle boarding

  – Both kayaks and paddle boards are ready to use from the beach, enticing travelers to head off on a lake trip.

• Kite surfing

  – Likoma Island has its own kite surfing center. Equipment is available to rent for suitably experienced surfers, while beginners can take courses before giving this activity a go.

• Waterskiing and wakeboarding

  – Skis are available to fit watersports fans as young as 5 years old, and a trained instructor is on hand to offer helpful tips.

• Island walks

  – Likoma Island is breathtakingly scenic and well worth exploring on foot. Heading out from Kaya Mawa, you’ll enjoy sights such as the local cathedral, market, textiles workshop, and community projects. And you’ll receive a warm welcome from everyone you meet on the way.

• Mountain biking

  – This is a highly recommended activity for guests who wish to exert themselves on land. Bikes for all ages are available for hire.

• Quad biking

  – Alternatively, hop on board a quad bike and enjoy a guided tour of the island. This is the easiest way to see all the sights, and it is fun too.

• Football

  – This sport is very popular here, and every game has a great atmosphere. If you’re interested in watching a bit of local footie, Kaya Mawa’s staff members will be happy to let you know when the next match is on.

• Fishing

  – The island has a wealth of fishing spots, ideal for whiling away a morning or afternoon. Please note, fishing is offered on a catch-and-release basis only.