This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
FROM US$3,430-US$4,480

Peacock Cichlid Safari

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.

Peacock Cichlid Safari: Day-by-day

More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Peacock Cichlid Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.


Day 1

Starts: Lilongwe International Airport

On clearing customs, you'll be met by a local representative for your onward journey.

Day 1

Lilongwe to Likoma by light aircraft & 4WD

Your light aircraft will be waiting on the tarmac just a short walk from the airport, ready for the hour's flight across the sparkling waters of Lake Malawi to Likoma Island. From the airstrip, the drive to Kaya Mawa takes around 10–15 minutes, passing through a village on the way.

Kaya Mawa
Days 1-5

Kaya Mawa

4 nights
Full BoardLikoma Island, Malawi

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.

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.

"We shall definitively go again!"

B familyfromSwitzerland

Arrived 17 Sep 2022, 7 nights

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. See our full report on Kaya Mawa

96%
27 reviews of Kaya Mawa by travellers since August 2007

Activities

Boat trip

Cultural excursion

Kayaking

Mountain biking

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Watersports

Day 5

Likoma to Lilongwe by 4WD & light aircraft

During the 10–15-minute drive from Kaya Mawa to the small airport, enjoy your last rural views of Likoma Island before boarding your light aircraft for Lilongwe. The flight of about an hour takes you south-west over Lake Malawi, landing in time for you to make your onward connections.

Day 5

Ends: Lilongwe International Airport

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa