Luxury Malawi Holiday - Kaya Mawa Vacation Specials - one of the most incredibly beautiful island vacation spots in the world. Situated on the tiny Likoma Island, Lake Malawi and offering ideal family, honeymoon, or wedding vacations.
Rated by Condé Nast Magazine as one of the planet's ten most romantic destinations, Kaya Mawa is located on the south-western tip of Likoma Island in the middle of Lake Malawi, close to Mozambique. The island is covered with mango trees and ancient baobabs and encircled by glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves.
Kaya Mawa will surprise your senses in every way - from the beautiful location to the unique design of the chalets which are fantastic. Enjoy fabulous sunsets at the bar overlooking the lake and dine on the beach - ultimate luxury and beauty.
Kaya Mawa has many unique areas where dinners are served – on a beach; deck; platform or on the gazebo. An eclectic mix of simple and delicious international cuisine enjoyed at your own private surprise table.
Kaya Mawa will surprise your senses in every way - from the beautiful location to the unique design of the chalets which are fantastic. Enjoy fabulous sunsets at the bar overlooking the lake and dine on the beach - ultimate luxury and beauty.
Kaya Mawa has many unique areas where dinners are served – on a beach; deck; platform or on the gazebo. An eclectic mix of simple and delicious international cuisine enjoyed at your own private surprise table.
Lake Malawi has over 1000 species of fish, many endemic to the Lake, which is more than all the freshwater species in Europe and North America combined. Likoma is widely regarded as having the best diving on the Lake, both in terms of the diversity of fish species and their sheer abundance. With a vast array of colorful Cichlids, Mouthbrooders, Catfish up to two meters in length, and the occasional otter, Likoma is a beautiful dive location. Besides aquatic life, there are also spectacular underwater rock formations, swim-throughs, a 30-meter wall, and even a mysterious rock carving!
2023 Specials:
Book 5 - 6 nights at any or a combo of Green Safaris properties and get a 10% discount.
OR, 7 - 9 nights and get a 20% discount, or 10 nights or more to get a 30% discount.
OR, 7 - 9 nights and get a 20% discount, or 10 nights or more to get a 30% discount.
Or: Return Guest Special - 10% discount for repeat clients at Kaya Mawa.
Valid for all of 2023.
Plus:
Stay 4, Pay 3 - valid for stays until 30th April 2023
Honeymoon Special – The bride stays at half price of the below rates (not the above special rates).
Long stay Special: Stay 7 nights at Kaya Mawa (or combine with the other Green Safaris properties*) and get $400 towards the cost of your flights. Stay 10 nights or more and get $500 towards your flights or 12 nights or more and get $600 towards the cost of your flights.
*Green Safaris - Ila Safari Lodge (Kafue National Park), Chisa Busanga Camp (Busanga Flood Plains in the North of the Kafue National Park), Tongabezi & Sindabezi (Livingstone), and Shawa Luangwa Camp (South Luangwa National Park).
Included in the rate:
Fully inclusive of all meals, non-premium drinks, laundry, and limited Wi-Fi available in certain areas.
Included Activities:
Walking or biking around the island is a must. The local population is legendary both for its friendliness and thus a simple un-escorted 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, local school and the lively market nearby. Take a stroll to the local textile project, Katundu - www.katundu.net.
Optional Activities:
Diving - Kaya Mawa is also a PADI-accredited dive center with two in-house PADI dive instructors. The center is able to teach courses all the way from a 3-hour discovery dive to Dive Master. With some of the best freshwater diving in the world (both in terms of the diversity of fish species and their sheer abundance) and some 11 recognized dive sites nearby.
Water sports - Three boats available for wakeboarding, water-skiing, and kneeboarding.
Kaya Mawa has a qualified sailing instructor in-house, plus a water-ski instructor.
Quad biking.
Spa treatments.
About Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island, Malawi:
Translated as "Maybe tomorrow" in the local Tonga dialect, the lodge uses its stunning natural surroundings to create a getaway lodge of unique character, imagination, and a very special ambiance. Fully renovated with beautiful refurbishments.
Accommodation:
Stone and teak-framed thatched accommodations include 2 x family houses and luxurious houses. Kaya Mawa is ideal for honeymooners and families.
Mbungu
On the west side of the rocky knoll, Mbungu commands views along the beach and across to Chizimulu. Below the chalet and down a stone stairway is a private swimming bridge (with sun beds and an umbrella) with steps leading into the lake.
| 2023 US$ Normal Rates: Per person per night basis: |
Room/house description |
Green Season:
1st April - 31st July and
1st November - 22nd December 2023
|
High Season:
1st August - 31st October and 23rd December 2023 - 2nd January 2024
|
| Per person sharing |
Per person sharing | ||
| Standard Rooms (4) and Standard Family Units (2) |
Standard rooms at the bottom of the rocky knoll with direct lake access Family units on the beach |
390 | 595 |
| Premium Rooms and Pool Suites (4) | Either a private island or a room with spectacular views and a private pool | 450 | 660 |
| Madimba and Mainja House (2) | 2 Private houses, with sitting room views across the lake and private plunge pools. Mainja has two bedrooms. | 510 | 720 |
Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome. Cots are available for children aged 0 – 2 years.
Children of all ages are welcome. Cots are available for children aged 0 – 2 years.
Children under 4 years stay free of charge.
Children 5 - 12 pay 50% of the adult rate if sharing with two adults. Over 12 pay the adult rate.
40% single supplement applies in high season only.
Rates for Ndomo House (Exclusive Use for up to 8 guests):
Green Season: $3570
High Season: $5040
Green Season: $3570
High Season: $5040
Kaya Mawa and Ndomo House is closed from 3rd January - 1st April 2023
Included in the rate:
Fully inclusive of all meals, non-premium drinks, laundry, and limited Wi-Fi available in certain areas.
Included Activities:
Walking or biking around the island is a must. The local population is legendary both for its friendliness and thus a simple un-escorted 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, local school and the lively market nearby. Take a stroll to the local textile project, Katundu - www.katundu.net.
Mountain bikes are available for use.
The waters around the lodge are both safe and clear (free of hippos) and swimming and snorkeling are on offer - some of the best freshwater snorkeling in the world is right here (snorkels and masks are provided).
Kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing, and sailing (3 lasers and a laser 2)
The waters around the lodge are both safe and clear (free of hippos) and swimming and snorkeling are on offer - some of the best freshwater snorkeling in the world is right here (snorkels and masks are provided).
Kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing, and sailing (3 lasers and a laser 2)
Optional Activities:
Diving - Kaya Mawa is also a PADI-accredited dive center with two in-house PADI dive instructors. The center is able to teach courses all the way from a 3-hour discovery dive to Dive Master. With some of the best freshwater diving in the world (both in terms of the diversity of fish species and their sheer abundance) and some 11 recognized dive sites nearby.
Water sports - Three boats available for wakeboarding, water-skiing, and kneeboarding.
Kaya Mawa has a qualified sailing instructor in-house, plus a water-ski instructor.
Quad biking.
About Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island, Malawi:
Translated as "Maybe tomorrow" in the local Tonga dialect, the lodge uses its stunning natural surroundings to create a getaway lodge of unique character, imagination, and a very special ambiance. Fully renovated with beautiful refurbishments.
Accommodation:
Stone and teak-framed thatched accommodations include 2 x family houses and luxurious houses. Kaya Mawa is ideal for honeymooners and families.
Room Features:
Each cottage faces the lake with a large handcrafted bed and en-suite bathroom. All accommodation has private terraces most with direct access to the water.
Standard Rooms:
Each cottage faces the lake with a large handcrafted bed and en-suite bathroom. All accommodation has private terraces most with direct access to the water.
Standard Rooms:
Khuyu
Where the knoll meets the beach on the west side of the knoll with sweeping views of Lake Malawi. The closest room to the bar and restaurant, therefore; is ideally suited for the less agile (no steps).
Where the knoll meets the beach on the west side of the knoll with sweeping views of Lake Malawi. The closest room to the bar and restaurant, therefore; is ideally suited for the less agile (no steps).
Indoor toilet, combined bath/Shower with single vanity
Small covered lounge area outside with a view of the lake
Deck overlooking the water with sun beds and a shady umbrella
Small covered lounge area outside with a view of the lake
Deck overlooking the water with sun beds and a shady umbrella
It can be a double or twin room.
On the west side of the rocky knoll, Mbungu commands views along the beach and across to Chizimulu. Below the chalet and down a stone stairway is a private swimming bridge (with sun beds and an umbrella) with steps leading into the lake.
An Indoor toilet, combined bath/Shower with single vanity
Covered lounge area outside the main bedroom
Distance from restaurant: 90m (there are 35 steps to get into the room).
It can be a double or twin room.
Covered lounge area outside the main bedroom
Distance from restaurant: 90m (there are 35 steps to get into the room).
It can be a double or twin room.
On the western tip of the knoll, Msekwa is special. A favorite to many. Entering through an arched door you arrive at the top of some steep steps. The loo is here. As you go down the steps there is an outside shower and then a bath under the corner of a huge boulder. Reach the bottom of the steps and there is a sofa area leading out onto a deck over the lake and the entrance to the room. From the front of the room walk out onto a private swimming bridge (with sun beds and an umbrella) with direct access to the lake. Be warned this room is suitable for the more agile guest.
Separate Indoor toilet (upstairs from the room)
Outdoor shower & single vanity
Outdoor lounge area under the trees
Distance from restaurant: 120m (there are 35 steps to get into the room).
This room can only be a double.
Family Units:
Ulissa
The first family unit is set at the back of the beach. A spacious two-roomed house with an interconnecting bathroom. The main room is set towards the front of the house with a double bed looking down across the beach to the water, the second room has three beds, one of them hung from the roof! Outside under the shade is a comfy sofa area and dining area. Both lead out onto an expansive deck. (double + triple) Sand between the toes.
Yofu
The second family unit is nestled into the back of the beach hidden behind a mango tree. Leading off from a large wooden deck with two 'boat sofas' the main bedroom has half of an enormous dug-out canoe as a headboard and leads into the shared bathroom, which has a bath on the second floor making the most of the views out to the lake. The 'kids' room is decked out in beach style with a hammock strung in the corner. (double +twin)
The first family unit is set at the back of the beach. A spacious two-roomed house with an interconnecting bathroom. The main room is set towards the front of the house with a double bed looking down across the beach to the water, the second room has three beds, one of them hung from the roof! Outside under the shade is a comfy sofa area and dining area. Both lead out onto an expansive deck. (double + triple) Sand between the toes.
Yofu
The second family unit is nestled into the back of the beach hidden behind a mango tree. Leading off from a large wooden deck with two 'boat sofas' the main bedroom has half of an enormous dug-out canoe as a headboard and leads into the shared bathroom, which has a bath on the second floor making the most of the views out to the lake. The 'kids' room is decked out in beach style with a hammock strung in the corner. (double +twin)
Premium Rooms/Pool Suites:
Nkwhazi
On top of a rocky knoll at the east end of Kaya Mawa's main beach with stunning views out to Nkwhazi Island and then to the south of the Lake. At the front of the room are three private decks and an infinity pool.
Mbamba
Also on top of a rocky knoll, with 360-degree views. Out to one side of the room is a large deck with a plunge pool and lounging area. On the other side is an intimate dining area. Inside a large bed and snug area.
Makengulu
Want your own island? On a small rocky island, accessible across a wooden walkway and partly hidden by Bougainvillea is Makengulu. Leading through the room out onto a private terrace and then a wooden deck right over the lake. The walkway from the deck takes you further out over the lake and access via a ladder into the water.
On top of a rocky knoll at the east end of Kaya Mawa's main beach with stunning views out to Nkwhazi Island and then to the south of the Lake. At the front of the room are three private decks and an infinity pool.
Mbamba
Also on top of a rocky knoll, with 360-degree views. Out to one side of the room is a large deck with a plunge pool and lounging area. On the other side is an intimate dining area. Inside a large bed and snug area.
Makengulu
Want your own island? On a small rocky island, accessible across a wooden walkway and partly hidden by Bougainvillea is Makengulu. Leading through the room out onto a private terrace and then a wooden deck right over the lake. The walkway from the deck takes you further out over the lake and access via a ladder into the water.
Ngani
Set into the rocks on our second beach with views out to Mozambique. In front of the chalet is a small rock island that teams with water birds throughout the year. The Kacheri tree under which the chalet is built; houses a colony of weaver birds for some of the year. Ngani has a private deck with a ladder leading directly into the lake, a sitting area to the front, and a 'galley' style bathroom. (Double)
2 x Houses:
Mainja House
At the west end of Kaya Mawa's beach sits a grand house with views across the lake towards Mozambique, Malawi, and back towards the main lodge. Mainja is the bee's knees. Opening into a large bedroom with views straight across the lake over your own infinity pool. Archways to each side of the bed lead on to a huge double-ended bath on one side or a sitting room on the other, sun loungers and a dining table are out on your deck next to the pool.
Madimba House
Just on from Mainja House lies Madimba House. Madimba is a two-bedroomed house, both rooms are en-suite. Between the two rooms is a beautiful Tanzanian Style sitting area with a log fireplace and fridge full of cold drinks. Out to the front a private plunge pool right at the lakeshore nestled into the rocks. Madimba is ideal for a family, two couples holidaying together, or as a twin room (with a single supplement).
Ndomo House
Ndomo House was built for the owners and is a luxury family home on a lovely quiet cove overlooking Lake Malawi with stunning sunset views. The house comprises four bedrooms. Three of which are ensuite and the other a twin room ideal for children with a bathroom located right outside the door. Ndomo is ideal for those wanting complete privacy from the outside world, a great family home, or a magical escape for two (pay for 4).
Weddings / Honeymoons
Kaya Mawa is the perfect wedding destination with various locations for the ceremony and reception. The experienced and friendly staff can arrange and host unique weddings on the Island.
Kaya Mawa is ideal for honeymooners with a selection of accommodation offering privacy, views, and beach access.
Climate / Seasons
Great year-round destination. The best climate can be experienced from late April to November with June to August being the coolest months (20-25 degrees during the day) and the remainder of the year often experiencing higher temperatures of 30-37 degrees. The months of December to April are the rainy season, however, rains often tend to fall in the evenings.
Responsible Tourism
As an integral part of the community from the outset, Kaya Mawa has been involved in support and development within the community. They have been involved in numerous different projects, from piping water to the villages to feeding programs. For more information, visit www.malawidream.com
Katundu Textiles, founded & managed by Suzie Lightfoot, has been the backbone of the creation and design of all the soft furnishings for the recent refurbishment at Kaya Mawa. This involved staff training on-site to do welding, weaving, and produce superb textiles. www.katundu.net
The Area
To visit Likoma Island is to step back in time. Likoma Island remains almost untouched since its discovery by Scottish Missionaries at the end of the nineteenth century. The island measures just 17 sq km with dirt roads and a few vehicles, the local people survive largely by fishing and rice and cassava farming. The island has hundreds of huge baobab trees and a number of glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves.
How to get to Kaya Mawa:
Fly from Kamuzu international airport, Lilongwe to Likoma (we can have someone meet you and guide you through if you would like) by light aircraft. It's about an hour's flight from Lilongwe to Likoma with beautiful scenery all the way. For more information regarding flights and rates please get in touch and we can help to find the best option.
Water transportation; how about jumping aboard a 1956 converted steamer, the Ilala. Once you arrive in Lilongwe we can arrange for a vehicle to take you down to Chipoka, or Nkhotakota. From there the ferry can pick you up and bring you up to the Island. It's a 24 hour trip with a few stops on the way. It's how the locals get out to the island and is always an interesting experience. Be warned it is not the most reliable form of transport and it only visits the island once a week (departing Friday, arriving Saturday). Getting from Ila Safari Lodge to Kaya Mawa, via Lusaka or Mfuwe (South Luangwa) will take around one day (1 drive, 2 short flights, or 3 short flights).
Please note that your weight allowance on the light aircraft is 15kg and soft bags must be used.
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