About Kaya Mawa
Kaya Mawa is a beautiful lodge, a perfect example of barefoot luxury. But it’s much more than that…
It’s the kind of place where you just melt effortlessly into your surroundings and never really want to leave. Whether you’re enjoying all the various water sports like kayaking, diving and kite surfing, indulging in a spa treatment overlooking the lake or just chilling on the beach with the lovely lodge Labrador, Keira, it has a fabulous relaxing vibe.
The gorgeous rooms are designed for lingering, each one unique and quirky, built into the rocks with whitewashed or exposed stone walls, or directly on the beach and made of eucalyptus poles.
The bar, lounge and dining area reflect the local character, with old dhows as sofas and plenty of bright blue and coral upholstery. The food here has won many awards and it’s hardly surprising – every meal seems to make the taste buds sing.
If you do one activity, visit the nearby Katundu artisan workshop, which provides many of the artworks and soft furnishings in the lodge and was set up by its former owner to empower local women. Kaya Mawa also works closely with local people here in healthcare, education and conservation of the lake.
Our view
We've long known about, and visited, Kaya Mawa – but it's only in 2011 that it's really excited us. It's always had 200m of lovely golden sand and amazing water, now it also has some really high-spec rooms, lovely furnishings and excellent food. If Malawi has never appealed to you before – this, at long last, is compelling reason to visit!
Malawi expert
Accommodation
11 rooms & houses
Children
Good for any age
Open
16 March to 14 January
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Kaya Mawa
27 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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Peacock Cichlid Safari
4 days • 1 location • 1 country
LILONGWE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Snorkel in Lake Malawi’s famously clear fresh water, relax on the beach and explore Likoma Island from the award-winning Kaya Mawa. A chilled luxury add-on to end your safari.
Visiting Likoma Island
US$3,600 - US$4,480 per person
Hyena Safari
11 days • 4 locations • 2 country
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Mix relaxation and adventure on a safari combining the South Luangwa with Victoria Falls and the beaches of Lake Malawi. These three locations are among the most iconic in southern Africa.
Visiting Livingstone, South Luangwa and 1 other area
US$9,490 - US$11,910 per person
Kaya Mawa: Our full report
Beside the implausibly clear waters of Lake Malawi, Kaya Mawa's rooms are widely spread around a golden beach ...
... and the two headlands that bound it. It has been designed imaginatively, with many rooms fitted carefully into the rocky headlands and having direct access to the lake.
Until recently Kaya Mawa wasn't fulfilling its potential. Its founders had done well to get any lodge up and running on such a remote island (it took five years to build!), but it needed some fresh energy and to move beyond the meaning of its name, 'Kaya Mawa' – 'maybe tomorrow' in the local Nyanja language.
It was good news that in 2009 James and Suzi Lightfoot took charge of it. They clearly have ideas, energy and resources, and Kaya Mawa is now starting to live up to its amazing location. Since then Kaya Mawa has had a very sensitive makeover – with lighter colours and much more style – and a great new, central lounge and dining area has been built beside the beach.
Kaya Mawa's 11 rooms and small houses are scattered around; several lead onto the beach, whilst others are tucked into the rocky headlands, and one is even reached by a wooden walkway. Because they're all so different and individual, we've created a different page and slide-show here for each one:
- There are four 'standard' rooms at Kaya Mawa. None are large inside, but all have en-suite bathrooms and king-size beds (two can be converted to twin-beds if desired). All of them make the most of outside space, with a deck for sunloungers and access to the lake to swim.
- Ngani is 100m from the main lodge and other rooms, very separate and secluded, on a small rocky 'island' beside Ngani Beach.
- Mbungu, , Khuyu and Msekwa all face the main bar and beach.
- The lodge has three 'premium' rooms which are all more spectacular than the standard rooms. We think of these as 'suites' – but here we have stuck to the lodge's own terminology of 'premium rooms'. These are:
- Nkwhazi and Mbamba are both very large, and each has its own plunge pool.
- Makengulu is the magical inspirational 'honeymoon island'.
- Four houses are also part of the main Kaya Mawa lodge – and all are very different:
- Yofu House and Ullisa House are both on the beach and have a master bedroom and a twin-bedded room, which share a bathroom in the middle. They're ideal for small families with older children.
- Madimba House can sleep up to three people but is also known as the honeymoon house. Located at the far end of the beach the split level bedroom has a bathroom to one side and a small cosy lounge on the other. Out front is a private pool with sunloungers and a beautiful spot to relax with views over the lake.
- Mainja House, can sleep up to five people and has a secluded location with a great view. It has two en-suite bedrooms separated by a lounge with a log fire and minibar. In front is a private pool with sun loungers, private dining area and seating built into the rocks
- Totally separate from the main lodge, Ndomo Point House is a four-bedroom luxury villa newly built for 2011 which is about ten-minutes' boat ride away. This luxurious beachside retreat is a separate self-contained property, which we've mentioned in this list for completeness.
Tucked away in vegetation behind the beach is the lodge's office, which also has a small boutique/curio shop that sells fabrics, local crafts, wooden carvings and jewellry.
As well as a place to just switch off and relax, there are also many activities which can be arranged with the help of the lodge team, including:
- diving - the lodge has a PADI recognised dive centre with three on-site PADI instructors.
- snorkelling - a bag containing snorkel, mask and fins is in each room; the water's clear and many of the fish are very beautiful indeed. You can snorkel straight from the beach, or the room decks.
- kayaking is a great way to explore, and the lodge has a handful of double kayaks. Given the number of fishermen around, this can be an interesting cultural activity also!
- cycling will give you an insight into the interior of island, and the lodge has mountain bikes in excellent condition. When dry the tracks are good and cross- easy, undulating terrain and very little other traffic around. And lots of the islanders cycle, so it's a way to blend into the local communities.
- quad-biking is also possible, and the lodge has a handful of these for exploring the island. It even uses a larger, converted 'quad-bike' to transport guests and luggage to/from Likoma Island's airport.
- cruises on a motorised wooden fishing boat (owned by the lodge) make a great way to end the day!
- Next year the lodge is planning to branch out into kite surfing, with an on-site instructor.
On a populated island, Kaya Mawa has always been close to the community, and virtually everyone employed at the lodge is from the local community. The lodge has a track record of strong community ties – and most recently Suzie Lightfoot has started up Katundu Textiles, which is making a good name for itself producing contemporary textiles (beaded linen textiles and beach linen) which fit in with a stylish beach lodge – whilst creating local employment and taking a very ethical approach to employment on the island.
Geographics
- Location
- Likoma Island, Malawi
- Ideal length of stay
- 4+ nights
- Directions
- Nearer Mozambique than mainland Malawi, the lodge is reached most easily from the mainland by an hour's flight from Lilongwe. It could also be reached using Danforth yachting, or we can organize an approach via Mozambique.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On all of our visits to Kaya Mawa in the last few years, the food has been consistently excellent.
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. They extended beyond a full English breakfast to options like 'Eggs Benedict', and it was all very good, very fresh and well presented.
Lunches are often served in the main bar area and on the terrace – and are typically something like a fish fillet, or quiche, served with an inventive selection of salads. We loved the basil hummus with crisp bread followed by chicken in a Thai dressing and rice with roasted vegetables.
Dinner is usually served, not a buffet, and there are a couple of choices. On our last visit we ate outside on the beach and started with broccoli cream soup with paprika, which was very good. Main course was an excellent fillet of beef, cooked to order, with red wine jus, maple syrup carrots and Dauphinoise potatoes. For dessert, home-made banana ice cream was served between brandy-snap wafers, with a trickle of chocolate amarula sauce. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes
- Drinks included
- No drinks are included
Special interests
- Beach holidays
- The waters of Lake Malawi are implausibly clear, great for diving and especially snorkelling – which you can do straight from Kaya Mawa's golden beach. This is one of the best spots for a relaxing beach holiday on the lake.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Malawi
- 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.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Malawi
- Cultural Experiences
- Likoma Island is home to local villages as well as the lodge. Village tours with a guide can be arranged, or you just set off on foot or bike by yourselves. The community involvement is excellent – Katundu Textiles, started by Kaya Mawa, employs many local people.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Malawi
- Walking
- From Kaya Mawa, on Likoma Island, you can take a gentle stroll through the village to visit the cathedral. Either walking alone, or with a locally arranged guide, Kaya Mawa is good for some light walking in Malawi.
- See ideas for Walking in Malawi
- Luxury
- Kaya Mawa is a luxurious lakeside lodge with eleven rooms, all different in size and style. One room even occupies its own island. All are built out of local stone and furnished with locally crafted furniture and decorated with beautifully hand-made throws and cushions.
- See ideas for Luxury in Malawi
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is no age restriction at Kaya Mawa although it is suggested that it's best for children above the age of about five years old.
- Special activities & services
- The lodge can offer special meals for children.
- Equipment
- Single beds can be provided for children. Have cots, but have not yet got high-chairs (that said, with a little bit of notice, they could get one made!)
- 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.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Kaya Mawa uses the mains island power, which comes from large generators. Then they have their own generator back up too. So there is always power and guests can charge batteries in their rooms. There isn’t quite enough power for a hairdryer though, so if you want to use one let the lodge know and they will run a back up generator for you.
- Communications
- Email and satellite internet are available for guests to use – the lodge's office is a WiFi hotspot. The lodge also usually has fairly good mobile reception.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Kaya Mawa pump water from the lake for washing. Their drinking water also comes from the lake, but goes through a vigilant purification process before consumption. Bottled water is always available on request.
Sustainability
Community support is never a maybe tomorrow matter
Guests staying at Kaya Mawa can expect a pace of life that is perfectly described by lodge’s name: ‘Maybe Tomorrow’. While the lodge atmosphere is relaxed, the approach to sustainability is not - Kaya Mawa is involved in numerous conservation and community projects, with one of the key missions of Kaya Mawa being to offer constant support for local community development projects.
In 2006 the lodge created a community workshop on Likoma Island, Katundu Textiles, where local women design and produce arts and crafts from recycled materials such as wooden beads, coconut husks and shells. On an island with a population of 9,000 people, who survive mainly from farming and fishing, the workshop works to empower women and provide employment in an area where possibilities are limited. The workshop has grown to become Likoma’s third largest employer, and currently offers a workplace for 26 adults.
The lodge’s community involvement is ongoing, and includes providing fresh water to the villages, and assisting in the schooling of over 1,000 children. Kaya Mawa has also opened a community-farming project, aimed at providing locals with alternative food sources and offering them the chance to sell the excess to lodges and at the local market.
See more great sustainability projects in Malawi
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a hospital on the island, suitable to relatively minor ailments. Medivac can easily be organised to Lilongwe and then to SA – and the island's airstrip is tarmaced, although not useable at night. Most of the managers are fully first-aid trained.
We're advised by the lodge that they don't know of a single recorded case of Bilharzia being contracted anywhere on Likoma Island – by either anyone either in the community, or staying or working at the lodge. Certainly the aquatic environment is mostly rocky rather than reedy. The lodge's first owners swam in the lake here for many years, and were regularly tested for Bilharzia, and always tested negative. - Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- 24-hour unarmed watchmen employed by the lodge.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the kitchen.
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included in the rates. Clothes are collected in the morning and usually returned by the next morning.
- Money
- There is a safe in the central office and guests are welcome to leave their valuables/documents; smaller safes are available and can be put in the rooms on request.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa, Mastercard and Amex credit cards are accepted; when we last visited in May 2011, there was a surcharge of 4.5% for credit card payments.
Malawi KW, US dollars, UK sterling, Euros and SA rands are accepted as cash.
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Kaya Mawa's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kaya Mawa.
Other lodges in Likoma Island
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
When to go to Likoma Island
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kaya Mawa in Likoma Island
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Malawi in January
January is the middle of the rainy season in Malawi. You can expect heavy rain for a few hours most days with some occasional flooding. It is generally hot and wet, with temperatures reaching over 30ºC.
The landscape is green and lush and the air crystal clear. In the game reserves the thick bush can restrict animal sightings, making game viewing more challenging. With the abundance of water available the wildlife disperses and is no longer concentrated around water sources. However, many species give birth at this time of the year and it is a great time for birding.
Although the majority of the safari camps are open at this time, most of the beach lodges along the lakeshore close in mid January.
- Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
- Many animals are with young & birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Bush lush & green; animals dispersed so game viewing more difficult
- Air is clear & dust-free, which is great for photography
- Majority of lakeside beach lodges are closed second half of January
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Malawi in February
February is generally the wettest month and still the heart of the rainy season, with dramatic thunderstorms interspersed with sunny spells.
Expect some flooding and the ground to be waterlogged. The thick bush still affects game viewing on land, and walking safaris are limited, but game viewing by boat on the swollen Shire River, in both Liwonde National Park and Majete Game Reserve, is a highlight. Birdlife is also at its most spectacular at this time of year.
Visitor numbers and costs at the few open camps are low. Most of the beach lodges remain closed, with only one or two open all year.
- Peak of the rainy season with thundershowers most days
- The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Good for photography but poor game viewing
- Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
- Majority of lakeside beach lodges are still closed
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Malawi in March
The rainy season is nearing the end in Malawi. The thunderstorms become fewer with sunnier days, but you can still expect some rain most days. March is one of the last of the summer months with temperatures still around 25–30ºC most days.
On safari the thick bush still restricts game viewing and walking safaris are limited too, with the larger animal species being quite elusive. On the plus side, migrant birds make the most of the abundant insect life. This time of the year is also great for keen photographers with the vivid green landscape and clear, dust-free air.
The beach lodges are also starting to open again around mid-March, following the rainy season.
- Expect to experience some rain most days
- The bush feels alive, with birdlife still a highlight
- Good for photography but game viewing remains poor
- With few tourists, rates generally at their lowest
- Beach lodges now open from mid-March
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Malawi in April
April is a month of change in Malawi. The days start to cool down, rainfall decreases, and summer turns into autumn as the dry season approaches. Temperatures drop to around 25 ºC during the day with the evenings becoming cooler.
This is the tail-end of the green season and, after five months of rain, the landscape remains green and lush, with game viewing still a challenge. However, the birdlife is still great, and the improving weather attracts more visitors to both the bush and the beaches along the Malawi lakeshore.
- The temperatures are cooling down but still expect the odd rain shower
- Start of the dry season with mostly clear and sunny days
- Bush still green & lush: good for photography but not for game viewing
- Very few visitors, and still one of the cheapest times to visit
- The lakeshore beach lodges are now all open
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Malawi in May
May is the end of summer and the first month of the dry season. There may still be the occasional shower, but clear sunny skies are becoming the norm. As winter approaches, daytime temperatures drop to a comfortable 20–25 ºC, but at night they’re down to around 10ºC, so warm clothing is advisable for early- morning game drives.
As the rain disappears the landscape starts to dry out. Although the vegetation is still thick, the game viewing starts to improve and walking safaris becoming more reliable. Birding is still excellent, too. Around the lakeshore, temperatures can be significantly warmer, making beach holidays popular at this time of the year. Yet visitor numbers remain low, making May one of the most cost-effective times to visit.
- Start of the dry season with mostly clear & sunny days
- Temperatures are mild along the lakeshore so good for a beach stay
- Bush still green & lush but game viewing improving
- Good for photography & great birdlife
- Very few visitors, & still one of the cheapest times to visit
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Malawi in June
June is entirely in the dry season, and – along with May – can also be one of the coldest months. With no rain, clear skies and temperatures dropping to around 20–25ºC during the day, the nights can be cold, reaching around 10ºC. Warm clothing is advisable for early-morning and late-afternoon game drives.
The landscape remains lush, but the bush starts to die back significantly, bringing a marked improvement in wildlife viewing. This, along with cooler temperatures, makes June ideal for walking safaris. Temperatures around the lakeshore tend to be significantly warmer, so June is another popular month for beach holidays with higher visitor numbers.
- Well into the dry season with sunny days & cool temperatures
- Thick bush is dying back, & game viewing improves
- Increased visibility & cool weather perfect for walking safaris
- Mild temperatures along the lakeshore: good for a beach stay
- June is still low season : a popular time before high season starts
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Malawi in July
July is the middle of the dry season in Malawi, with temperatures starting to pick up towards the end of the month. This makes July a good time for both safaris and beach holidays. Expect it to be pleasant during the day but still cold at night, especially at high altitude such as Nyika Plateau; blankets and hot water bottles are often provided on safari.
As the vegetation dies back, animals start to congregate around perennial water sources, making this one of the best times of year for game viewing.
July is also the start of high season and all the camps increase their rates to make the most of the improving game and the start of the international holiday period.
- Warm dry days with crisp cold nights
- Significantly improved game viewing
- No limit on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a plus
- Temperatures along the lakeshore ideal for beach and watersports
- Approaching peak season, so significant increase in costs
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Malawi in August
August is well into the dry season with game concentrated around water sources and the safari season approaching its best. The landscape is changing from green to brown and the air is becoming drier and dustier. There is also a lot of smoke in the air as burning of trees and vegetation is prevalent in Malawi, so this isn’t the best time for photography.
Later in August the temperatures start to pick up, but early mornings and late evenings are still cooler – particularly out on open game drives where warm jackets, gloves and scarves are recommended. August is one of the most popular months. Pleasant weather and good game viewing attracts lots of visitors, and costs are correspondingly high.
- Warm dry days with crisp cold nights still the norm
- Game viewing at its best
- No limits on walking safaris, with pleasant temperatures a bonus
- Lakeshore temperatures remain good for beach and water sports
- Still peak season, with attendant high costs
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Malawi in September
This is the most popular time of the year for a safari. There has been no rain for months and temperatures are starting to increase, making morning and evening game drives more comfortable. Daytime temperatures are now above 30ºC and evening temperatures relatively mild.
Game viewing is at its best with the animals concentrating around the reducing water sources, making wildlife interactions more common. With the increasing heat the air becomes more hazy, reducing photographic opportunities and distant views.
This is a good time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. Costs, though, are high, and camps can be booked up months in advance.
- Dry & hot during the day with clear skies & warm nights
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Dust & smoke creates a haze; not great for photography
- Temperatures along the lakeshore perfect for beach and watersports
- Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Malawi in October
This is the last month of the dry season: the start of summer with temperatures peaking over 40ºC during the day and hardly less than 20ºC at night. This makes early-morning and late-evening game drives more comfortable but can be terribly hot during the day and makes walking safaris very challenging.
The landscape is very dry and brown, so not ideal for photography, but game viewing remains at its best. With the lack of water the animals are all vying for the best spot to drink without being preyed upon.
October is the perfect time to finish a safari with some relaxing time along the Malawi lakeshore. It is still peak season, though, and costs remain high.
- Dry, hot days with clear skies; warm nights
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- The haze from dust & smoke is not great for photography
- Warm lakeshore temperatures still good for beach & watersports
- Peak season; camps are expensive & often full well in advance
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Malawi in November
November marks the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season. Temperatures continue to increase with humidity building as the rains approach, which can be any time during the month. Be prepared for spectacular thunderstorms and short sharp showers.
After the first rains the bush springs back to life and wildlife disperses, making game viewing harder. Birding, though, is on the up – and with the air washed clean, photographic opportunities improve.
The first week or two are a good time to travel as the camps have reduced their rates and rains may not have started in earnest. However, while all the camps and beach lodges remain open some of the airstrips may become waterlogged, making road transfers more practical.
- Typically the start of the wet season; very hot & humid
- Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
- Greatly diminished game viewing once the rains arrive
- A good time for photographers & keen birders
- Lower rates at camps and beach lodges, with fewer visitors
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Malawi in December
December is the first full month of the rainy season, with daily thundershowers expected, interspersed with sunny spells. Temperatures are around 30ºC with high humidity.
After a few weeks of rain, the abundance of standing water causes animals to disperse and the bush becomes thicker and greener, reducing visibility for game viewing. Conversely, this is when many animals produce their young, and is a great time for birdwatching. The rain also clears the air of dust and smoke, making it much more favourable for keen photographers.
December is still a good month to be along the lakeshore provided you don’t mind the afternoon rain showers.
- Very hot & humid
- Increased chance of heavy rain as the month progresses
- Opportunities for game viewing decrease with the arrival of the rains
- A great time for photographers & keen birders
- Rates at camps & beach lodges fall, as do visitor numbers
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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