A quirky paradise, Kaya Mawa (meaning “maybe tomorrow”) is situated on a rocky outcrop on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. Constructing the lodge has clearly been a labour of love, as it has been cleverly designed and built to incorporate boulders from the island both large and small.
The ten thatched chalets are scattered about the lodge – some reached by a rope bridge or wooden walkway, some reached across the beach and others tucked into the side of the outcrop. Each chalet has been designed to blend in with the surrounding area, and each has a walkie-talkie radio for guests to use to order room service, or plan activities. (Read more about the chalets …)
Kaya Mawa's well stocked main bar, with its wooden decks and swimming pool sits on top of the outcrop and is a great spot from where to view the sunset over the lake.
Perhaps the lodge's greatest asset is the beach, which is a fairly secluded curving stretch of very clean, pale golden beach about 200m long. The sand here is reminiscent of crushed coral; like large granulated sand – so beach shoes are a good idea. We're told that a shaded outside deck is planned, near the middle of the beach.
Activities on offer include snorkelling (a bag containing snorkel, mask and fins is in each room), kayaking of various sorts, trips round the island and cycling (on excellent bikes). A well-stocked activity centre on the beach houses well-maintained dive kit (ten new complete sets of diving kit have been bought recently), as well as spare snorkels and fins. The managers are all keen divers with many years experience. (Read more on the diving …)
Non-motorised activities are generally included in the rate here, whilst diving and anything that requires a motor (like distant fishing expeditions) are usually charged for as an extra cost locally.
Kaya Mawa is very involved in the life of this island, and while I was here the Island played host to a dance competition, the Malipenga. This was held on a beach barely 500m from the lodge, and the most of the staff went down to watch – along with any guests who wanted to join them. It was fascinating and great fun to watch!
The staff really make Kaya Mawa superb – enthusiastic and helpful, nothing is too much bother. For example, I spent my birthday here in September (2007) and they organised a special dinner, a huge chocolate birthday cake, all the staff came and sang Happy Birthday!
The lodge managers have three friendly, small mongrel dogs which are occasionally seen around the lodge; they don't pester people, but did seem to make good playmates for a child when we last visited.
In conclusion … the atmosphere at Kaya Mawa is one of complete relaxation and indulgence – and there's no real schedule here at all. You do what you want, when you want to do it ... and nothing happens too fast! If you visit, then allow yourself at least three or more nights to enjoy the place, and up to a week would be fine.
Central facilities: On arrival in reception, you find a large curio shop beside the office which sells batiks from Zambia, local crafts, wooden carvings and useful items such as camera film and sunscreen.
A stone path leads up to the main area of the lodge: a large bar with wooden decking outside, incorporating a small and quite secluded little plunge pool. Above this is the large dining room, with wide windows overlooking the lake. Breakfast is usually eaten here, whilst the venues for lunches and dinners often vary. At the back of this dining room is a sitting area with a selection of books and games; the comfortable sofas here have bases made from rock and moulded concrete.
Directions: The lodge is best reached by flight charter from Lilongwe – one hour's flight. The Illala Ferry is too erratic and unreliable to be recommended.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: When last we visited, the food at Kaya Mawa was the best that we had in the country. The staff made an extra special effort on the first night, which was my birthday!
For Breakfast there was always a selection of cereals, yoghurt and a bowl of fruit salad. Cooked breakfast orders were taken by the waiter, and served with toast and a fresh pot of tea or coffee. It was all good and freshly done.
Lunches were served in the main bar area and on the terrace – and we only had lunch once during our stay, which was a delicious quiche served with rice and a good selection of salads.
Dinner is usually served by waitresses, and not a buffet. On our first night, the main course was a superb melt-in-the-mouth pepper steak with roasted vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes. This was followed by an enormous chocolate birthday cake with candles, which was accompanied by the sound of the Kaya Mawa staff singing 'Happy Birthday'.
On the second night, a wonderfully sticky honey and mustard chicken stuck in my mind (I requested the recipe!), followed by some excellent strawberries and cream.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Room service is available and can be requested by radio!
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are not included at Kaya Mawa.
Special interests
Beach Breaks: Idyllic island lodge in the middle of Lake Malawi
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Beach Breaks
Diving & snorkelling: Lake Malawi offers some of the best freshwater snorkeling and diving in the world. There are plenty of brightly-coloured, and often endemic “cichlid” fish; the lake is always warm and the currents are usually moderate. Being an island, Kaya Mawa is a particularly good spot for aquatic life – and dives from the shore and jetties are possible.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Diving & snorkelling
Traditional Cultures: Likoma Island is home to local villages as well as the lodge. Village tours with a guide can be arranged, or you can take a map of the island and just set off – on foot or by bike – depending on how much you'd like to explore. We found the locals very friendly when wandering around on our own!
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Traditional Cultures
Children
Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Age restrictions: There is no age restriction at Kaya Mawa although it is suggested that children above the age of five years will appreciate the island.
Activities: The lodge can offer special meals for children.
Equipment: Single beds can be provided for children.
Generally recommended for children: Recommended for children above the age of five.
Notes: Due to the lodge being surrounded by water, and having large boulders and high walkways, children must be supervised at all times.
Central communications
Power supply: Combination of power - The electricity goes off at 11pm, which is when the solar power can be used
Communications: Email and internet are available for guests to use – the lodge is a wireless hotspot. The lodge also has fairly good mobile reception.
TV & radio: None
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is a hospital on the island. Medivac can easily be organised to Lilongwe and then to SA. All the managers are fully first aid trained.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: There are unarmed night watchmen at night.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers outside the rooms and in the common areas – in addition the guests are given walkie talkies.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: There is an extra charge for this but it is a speedy service – clothes are collected in the morning and returned during the afternoon or early evening. There is a laundry list in the rooms
Money: There is a safe in the central office and guests are welcome to leave their valuables/documents.
Accepted payment: Visa credit cards are accepted, as is cash for: US dollars, UK sterling, euros and SA rands. Clients can also make a bank transfer from the office.
A stunning place to finish
Although Kaya Mawa initially seemed somewhat crowded (!) after the tranquility of Nkwichi, it was just another great venue.
The staff, and James and Susie in particular, were exemplary in ensuring ...
Very tranquil place with good hospitality
We had a very peaceful saty at Kaya Mawa - James, Diana, Craig and Suzie all worked hard to ensure all our needs were met.
Diana in particualr went out of her way to ensure my dietary needs were me...
Useful links...
We want you to understand more about Kaya Mawa. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Lodge homepage This is Kaya Mawa's homepage on the site of Wilderness Safaris - who currently market and run it.
