On the white sandy beaches of Likoma Island sits Kaya Mawa, a boutique lodge that welcomes honeymooners, families and friends for an indulgently carefree getaway.
Meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’ in Chichewa/Nyanja, the ethos of Kaya Mawa is in its name. Relaxed lakeside living is woven into the style, luxury and comfort of its Houses and Rooms. Dinner by starlight, massage therapy at our spa, and snorkelling in turquoise waters – it’s just another blissful day at Kaya.
Built by local hands and as Malawi’s first resort run solely on renewable-energy, Kaya Mawa is firmly grounded in sustainability, community empowerment and ethical trade.
Our Story
While each of the 11 Houses and Rooms have distinctive flair, all are designed to fit naturally into the bay’s rocks and sand. The white-washed or exposed stone interiors open out to lake and beach views, with some suites enjoying a private deck and plunge pool or even terrace, courtyard and dining areas.
Open 1 April - 5 Jan 2023.
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Malawi is fondly known as the Warm Heart of Africa for its friendly people and sunny days, which you find in abundance on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. This is one of the world’s deepest lakes and its freshwater teems with aquatic life, including 400 species of cichlid fish.
ExploreOur room was situated right on the beach, built in local materials, and had everything we needed... including a spectacular view! If you want get-away-from-it-all relaxation in an environment where everybody is pleased to have you there and with a service that reflects this, then Kaya Mawa is for you. - Tracybuz
We work closely with local people in building healthcare, education and sustainable livelihoods within Likoma as well as protecting Lake Malawi’s precious ecosystem. We would love to have you join us in building a better future for our community, wildlife and environment.
Get InvolvedWe love a healthy balance of relaxation and adventure at Kaya Mawa. Kickback with a cocktail on the beach, grab a mask and snorkel to explore the world beneath the lake surface or sail across the lake at sunset.
View AllIndulge in the best of both worlds by combining a Zambian safari adventure with the beachside relaxation of Lake Malawi. Join us at Shawa Luangwa Camp in the predator playground of South Luangwa or Ila Safari Lodge in the game-rich wilderness of Kafue.
Love letters on leading travel platforms are the best motivation. They give us the confidence we need to continue creating magical experiences for travellers as well as sustaining and developing our communities and wildlife.
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Most Romantic Places In The World
Leading Hotel In Malwai 2013, 2014 & 2020
Most Romantic Safari Property & Best Safari Cuisine 2018
6 African Islands You Have To See
30 great African adventures for 2021
Runner Up in Best Location & Best Design 2018
Go And Do Good
Explore the pristine waters of Lake Malawi in an underwater adventure, no matter your skill level. The only requirement? To leave the water with a bunch of great memories! No need to bring your own goggles, snorkel and fins as each House and Room at Kaya Mawa has its own snorkelling gear.
Laze on the beach, while enjoying a gorgeous lake view and a picnic basket filled with the day’s creation from our award-winning kitchen team. Think homemade bread and hummus, with a fresh salad and grilled fish, and washed down with a glass of South African wine, Mozambican beer or a cocktail with gin distilled here in Malawi.
Grab a kayak and paddle before setting off to explore the waters and other parts of the island beyond our bay. Watch as colourful fish flash in the clear water below you and look out to the Mozambican coastline beyond. The only sounds are those of nature – birds calling to each other and waves lapping against the kayak’s bow – and you leave the water feeling rejuvenated.
Enjoy the warmth of the sun on your back and the cool breeze blowing off the water as you glide across the lake on one of our stand-up paddle boards. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a pro because you will soon be balancing, paddling and having fun, all at the same time. Paddle along the shoreline, enjoying the beauty of the beach from a different perspective.
Head out into the forests to spot some of the island’s colourful birdlife or simply enjoy what feathered friend comes to visit while sipping your morning coffee. Likoma is home to over 100 different birds species, including huge colonies of white-breasted cormorants, black-shouldered and yellow-billed kites, and four types of kingfisher. And the cry of an African fish eagle is a sound you can never grow tired of.
Visit our reforestation project that is made up of six community-managed tree nurseries that have planted 1200 seedlings to establish a continuous planting cycle for years to come and build awareness around conservation on the island.
Meet the talented local artisans at the Katundu Workshop who create beautiful home décor pieces – often using recycled materials – which generate a sustainable income for their families.
Learn how our Sponsor an Island Child programme drives access to education for children in secondary school and university, supporting their development and future success within Malawi and beyond.
