Location
Approximately 60 min flight from Lilongwe, 20 min from Chintheche Inn, 90 min from Mvuu Wilderness Lodge and 35 min from Chelinda Lodge.
Highlights
- The honeymoon chalet with its incredible views is tucked away on its own private island.
- Walking or biking around the island is a must. The local population is legendary both for its friendliness and thus a simple unescorted stroll around the island perhaps with a few cold drinks and snacks is a wonderful experience where one can stop off to swim en route, engage the locals in conversation and visit the cathedral and the lively market nearby.
- The waters around the lodge are both safe and clear and swimming and snorkelling are on offer - some of the best snorkelling on the island is right at the lodge (snorkels and masks are provided). Alternatively there is a rock swimming pool right by the bar.
- The lodge has its own NAUI accredited instructor and excellent dive equipment and can offer casual dives as well as a range of instruction.
- Waterskiing, tube riding and wake snaking are offered as well as fishing trips and the lodge has a small wooden skip for sailing journeys around the island.
Facilities
The facilities available at Kaya Mawa include:
- Dining room and bar under cover,
- Swimming pool and sundeck,
- Water sports centre and wireless internet.
Meal Basis:
Full board accommodation including certain activities.
Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation:
The Kaya Mawa offers 10 en-suite chalets in total consisting of 7 double-bedded cottage, 1 honeymoon chalet and 2 Family cottages. Each cottage has a private terrace with direct access to the water.
Activities:
Activities at Kaya Mawa are plentiful and varied for guests to enjoy. Although many of the guests choose to make relaxation their main activity, there are other activities to keep guests busy:
Walking / Biking
Walking or biking around the island is one of the activities that one cannot miss. Guests can take leisurely strolls around the island and even stop off to swim en route. Likoma is 100% safe and the local population is legendary both for its friendliness and its curiosity-a simple unescorted stroll around the island perhaps with a knapsack full of cold drinks and a few snacks is a wonderful experience-you can stop off to swim en route, engage the locals in conversation and visit the cathedral and the lively market nearby.
A visit to the cathedral is one of the highlights. St Peters Cathedral, which was built at the turn of the century by Universities Mission to Central Africa is a remarkable building which measures more than 100 meters.
The crucifix above the pulpit is made out of a branch of the tree under which David Livingstone’s heart is buried.
The choir stalls are caved out of soapstone with elaborate decoration. The sun shining through the large stained glass cast a beautiful light.
Swimming & Snorkelling
The waters are crystal clear throughout the year and the snorkelling is among the best in Lake Malawi — snorkels and masks are provided. The beaches are beautifully sandy and swimming is safe. Alternatively there is a rock swimming pool right by the bar.
Other watersports
Other water sports on the island include: diving, motorised water sports such as Waterskiing, tube riding and wake snaking, sailing safaris (the lodge has a small wooden skip for journeys around the island) and kayaking. These are subject to an additional fee.
Lake Malawi has over a 1000 species of fish, many endemic to the lake, more than all the freshwater species in Europe and North America combined.