Despite its small size, Likoma Island in Malawi features St Peters cathedral, one of the largest churches in Africa.
Voted in the top ten 'Most Romantic Places in the World' by Conde Nast and in the Tatler top 101 Hotels in the World, most recently voted ‘Most romantic safari property’ by the Safari Awards and voted Best Beach Property in Africa in the Good Safari Awards. From the pristine white sandy beach, the stunning lodge is blended in with nature and the staff recruited from the local community, there is literally nowhere else like it…..
Likoma Island is the larger of two inhabited islands on Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s largest lakes. It is also one of the deepest lakes in the world and is the most diverse fresh water eco system on the planet as well as harbouring an estimated 1000+ fish species.
Where is Kaya Mawa located?
Situated on the stunning Likoma Island in the middle of Lake Malawi, set in the warm heart of Africa. Kaya Mawa, meaning Maybe Tomorrow, offers the ultimate beach destination in Africa, as an amazing escape in itself, before or after your safari elsewhere for complete relaxation and indulgence, or to enjoy a variety of unique water-sports.
The house is located on the South West corner of the island with uninterrupted views across to the neighbouring island. A year round sunset is a secret surprise, the only place on the island and as far as we know, the only place on the lake.
What sort of accommodation is available at Ndomo House Kaya Mawa?
Ndomo House has 4 bedrooms, three of which have their own bathrooms. The other has a bathroom located just outside the door. The house accommodates 8 people with access to your own private beach, kitchen and large living area. Your own plunge pool for the lazy days when the lake seems too far away.
Three large terraces, courtyard, outside dining and barbecue area, swimming pool and secluded beach. The house is fully staffed with a house manager, nanny, chefs, housekeepers, and watchmen.
When is the best time to visit Kaya Mawa?
What should I pack and bring with me?
Swimming attire, Hat, Shorts, T-shirts, Light pair of trousers, Light jumper (if you come in the cooler season), Sandals/flip flops, Prescription drugs, Toiletries bag, At least two good books, Spare glasses/sunglasses/contact lenses, Sunscreen protection, After sun if you forget the sunscreen!
Please note that your weight allowance on the light aircraft is 15kg and soft bags must be used. It is always advisable to pack in your hand luggage a change of clothes and anything you may require on a daily basis whilst away, just in case your luggage is misplaced en- route. It is advisable to make sure that you have full travel insurance whilst travelling in Africa.
What Activities are Available?
Kaya Mawa is partnered with Likoma Island Divers, a recognised PADI Resort. There are two in-house dive instructors who can cater for any skill levels and teach a full range of PADI courses, ensuring everybody can enjoy an underwater adventure during your stay.
Likoma Island, surrounded by the pristine waters of Lake Malawi, is widely regarded as having the best diving on the Lake, both in terms of the diversity of fish species and their sheer abundance.
Kaya Mawa offers three Lasers and one Laser 2 for you to enjoy, either sailing solo or with our instructor.
You will find Kayaks and paddle boards dotted around the beach for your enjoyment, so why not grab one and go on your own little adventure.
Kaya Mawa has the only kite surfing centre on Lake Malawi as far as we know. With all new Cabrinha equipment available to rent for those experienced boarders and an instructor who can run beginner courses. Kitting is seasonal so be sure to contact us to get the latest wind updates.
With an island as friendly as Likoma no guides are necessary, but are on hand should you wish. Wonder off and see where the road takes you, to the cathedral and the market, or the textiles workshop or one of the many community projects. It really couldn't be much easier and safer
With skis that fit ages 5+ and a trained instructor on hand to give handy tips and pointers to ensure you will be on your feet (or knees) in no time.
Fancy a bit of off road cycling? Then they have mountain bikes for all ages.
A much more leisurely way to take the island in is by quad bike, led by a guide you will be shown all the sights of Likoma without working up a sweat.
The boatmen were all fishermen in their past lives so know all the best spots to catch. At Kaya Mawa they promote a catch and release policy to ensure the populations keep growing.
The beach at Kaya Mawa offers you plenty of activities. From kayaking to sailing or just sitting on the sun lounges dotted around the beach you can find anyway to relax. Crystal clear and still in the mornings is a perfect opportunity to go snorkelling or water ski on the glassy water. On Kaya Mawa’s beach you can find the bar and restaurant where you have lunch and dine in the evenings.
An expert in cosmetic aromatherapy, DECLÉOR allows you to be in harmony with yourself and your environment, revealing the natural expression of your beauty and giving you radiant skin.
Why is Conservation, Community & Responsible Tourism so important at Kaya Mawa?
At Kaya Mawa they don’t believe its good enough just to claim they are ‘eco-friendly’. They take being green very seriously and strive to operate in the most sustainable way, using ‘green’ technology where-ever possible to reduce their carbon footprint. Next to their green ethos, they are dedicated to support conservation and community development.
They actively support many conservation projects around their lodges and have initiated several ground breaking community development projects, in which we will gladly involve you.
They are driven by their passion to preserve the most pristine areas of African nature, hence they do their utmost to operate all of their properties in the most sustainable way.
With conservation as one of our key missions, they have setup a dedicated organisation, the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation, which actively supports a variety of conservation organisations active in their areas.
They take great pride in educating you and where-ever possible actively involve you in these conservation related activities, whilst visiting.
They actively support a variety of local community development projects including:
They continue to support a community workshop at Kaya Mawa, to produce stunning art-craft from recycled materials.
The Foundation has supported the setup of a community farm, just outside the gate of the Kafue National Park in Zambia. The land has been provided by the local Chiefteness and the Foundation has sponsored the seeds, a solar powered irrigation system, tools and the training of 10 women from the local community in farming. It now produces most of the vegetables for Ila Safari Lodge and other organisations within the National Park. Hence decreasing the transport cost of getting vegetables from town and creating sustainable new jobs. The project started in 2016 and has the target to become completely self- supporting by 2020.
A Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a unique concept of travel in Africa. It introduces another dimension to a typical African safari, that of the beauty of the continent from the air. Accompanied and guided by experienced pilots who are also experienced safari guides a Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a truly memorable and exclusive experience.
Epic helicopter journeys exploring corners of Africa that few have been to or even ever heard of. We specialise in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo and Namibia. Our tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular mountains, valleys, forests and deserts, with a focus on ‘remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable’.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.
- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements
- Totally unique every time you travel with us
- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a good and an outstanding holiday
- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most
- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover
- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience
- Philanthropy is our philosophy
- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’
- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities
){kind=icon}
By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
Premium service from one of the world's most knowledgeable travel companies
24/7 contact number
Your holiday is fully protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018
Flight-Inclusive Bonding: We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number 7159
Flight-Exclusive bonding: Your holiday is further protected by our membership of ABTOT Membership Number 5197
Ndomo House Factsheet
