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Overview
Ideal Destination For
- Beach
- Special Interest
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Kaya Mawa
Kaya Mawa, which translates as “maybe tomorrow”, is located on the beautiful Likoma Island in Lake Malawi amongst the naturally-formed boulders, white sandy beaches, lush vegetation, Baobab tree forests and Mango trees. Kaya Mawa offers a variety of luxurious accommodation, all with spectacular views of the beach or lake, and all offering an incredibly unique, private island experience. From the standard chalets to the sprawling family houses with private beach and pool, you are spoilt for choice. There are a range of activities on offer here including electric quad-biking around the Island, sailing and snorkelling.
Why we like it here
There is a spectacular variety of luxurious rooms.
Kaya Mawa has its own private beach location.
All houses have private pools.
Guests are offered a range of water sports, as well as PADI-certified scuba courses
The lodge is eco-friendly.
A large portion of the lodge is decorated by up-cycled waste that was designed by a community project called Katundu.
Guests can unwind at the spa which is in a private chalet, surrounded by water.
Their award-nominated kitchen prides itself on serving fresh, healthy and innovative dishes using organic produce.
Things to be aware of
Access to the Island is by plane.
There is Wi-Fi in the office only, not in the rooms.
There is no air conditioning.
Where we are situated
Pairs well with
Pumulani
With friendly personal service and stunning views over Lake Malawi, Pumulani is the perfect African beach lodge. Pumulani means “rest well” in the local Chichewa language, and that’s exactly what’s on offer here – the chance to unwind in a beautiful and tranquil setting. Accommodation consists of ten villas: four twin, four king, one honeymoon and one family villa. Each of the villas has a large bedroom, which opens out onto a private deck where early risers can enjoy the morning’s first rays. The bathroom also offers spectacular views and comes equipped with a bathtub, double shower and double washbasins. There is a spacious lounge area, which offers further comfort for those wishing to relax in the villa.
There is an infinity swimming pool on the lower terraced deck. Three raised walkways with steps lead off from the central area to the villas, and down to the beach and a second infinity swimming pool. Guests can relax on the sandy beach or enjoy an elevated view of the lake from the pool area. Activities include waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, walks in the hills, sunset cruises on a hand-built dhow, snorkelling and diving. Underwater activities reveal a remarkable diversity of fish, especially considering Lake Malawi is home to more native fish species than any other lake in the world.
Why we like it here
Guests will be warmly welcomed by local children waving and smiling as your aircraft comes to land.
The lodge overlooks the beautiful Lake Malawi or “lake of stars” – a World Heritage Site.
Pumulani is the only lodge located in Lake Malawi National Park with its fascinating birdlife.
The lake is a great place for adrenalin junkies and water enthusiasts.
Enjoy stargazing into the exceptional night skies.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast while sailing on a traditional dhow.
Things to be aware of
The lodge has a lot of stairs and is not suitable for people with mobility issues or wheelchairs.
There is no Wi-Fi, but there is telephone reception.
Bottled water is available throughout the lodge and in your personal fridge. Tap water has been put through a filtering system and is safe for brushing your teeth; however we recommend that you consume only bottled water.
The lodge is only open from April to the first week of January.
Lake Malawi, known locally as Lake Nyasa, is the country’s most prominent feature and undeniably the focal point for Malawi’s tourists. Lake Malawi’s vast size, its warm fresh water and its gorgeous surrounding beaches make it a mecca for those seeking a year-round location to swim, scuba dive, snorkel, waterski, sail, kayak, parasail or simply potter about in boats.
At the southern end of the lake is the Lake Malawi National Park and, as the waters and fish are protected here, the lake is a veritable aquarium of tropical fish. The park encompasses the sandy beaches and granite islands of Malawi’s Cape Maclear peninsula. This UNESCO World Heritage Site earned its place on the list not only for its exceptional natural beauty, but also because of its outstanding example of biological evolution and biodiversity conservation.
Inside the park the scenery is scintillating. Steep hills carpeted with trees tumble down into the deep blue water of the lake, while the shoreline is punctuated by islands, bays and large granite boulders. The clarity of the fresh water and the great abundance of marine life make it ideal for snorkelling and diving, while the absence of currents ensures it is wonderful for swimming, sailing, kayaking and other water sports.
The tropical waters of the lake are teeming with hundreds of fish species, including the colourful cichlids, and as a result snorkelling or scuba diving is very popular. Look out for the base of the lake which has the appearance of a moonscape, with large craters measuring up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) in diameter. These unusual structures are made by the dominant male Malawi cichlids and serve as their rather grand courtship arenas.