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Kaya Mawa

Lake Malawi, Malawi

Photo: Green Safaris · Source ↗

Fully inclusive

Sailing, Snorkelling and 10 more

10 rooms

Standard Rooms, Nkhwazi, Mbamba and 4 more · Sleeps up to 32 guests

All ages welcome

Family rooms available

By air

15 min from Likoma Island

Wi-Fi in rooms

Solar power

From about A$1,740

per room / night

Overview

About Kaya Mawa

Kaya Mawa sits among the rocks and sandy beaches of Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. Its individually designed rooms and houses suit couples and families, with lake-facing outdoor spaces and private pools in selected accommodation. Days revolve around the water: snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing are included, alongside birding and a tour of the community garden. The beachfront lounge offers a place to unwind, while the spa sits on a rocky outcrop linked to the beach by a boardwalk. Local craftsmanship shapes the interiors, including pieces made by Katundu artisans from upcycled materials.

“A good fit for couples and families who want a lakeside break with plenty to do, from included snorkelling and sailing to time in the beachfront lounge.”
Why we love it · Explore Africa

Best for

HoneymoonersFamiliesLeisureBirders

Known for

What you can expect to see

Birdlife

Lake activities and island birding make Kaya Mawa a relaxed freshwater retreat.

Your stay

What's included

Included

  • Sailing
  • Snorkelling
  • Kayaking
  • Paddle boarding
  • Birding
  • Chef’s tour of the community garden
  • Secret lookout spot
  • Live sundowner music
  • E-mountain bike safari
  • Laundry
  • Private deck in selected rooms
  • Private plunge pool in selected rooms
  • Birdwatching
  • Live sundowner music

Optional extras (at a cost)

Diving, spa treatments, waterskiing, wakeboarding and vehicle island drives cost extra. Around-the-island boat tours are also paid excursions. Sunset cruises also cost extra.

Facilities

Comforts and facilities

At the property

  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Public WiFi

In your room

  • Wi-Fi in your room
  • Safe
  • In-room WiFi

Rooms

Where you sleep

Sleeps up to 32 guests

  • Standard Rooms4 at the property · Lake views, Safe, In-room WiFi
  • Nkhwazi1 at the property · Extra single bed available · Private infinity pool, Private deck, Safe, In-room WiFi
  • Mbamba1 at the property · Extra single bed available · Private plunge pool, Private deck, Safe, In-room WiFi
  • Ulisa1 at the property · sleeps 3 children · Three single beds, including a hanging bed · Two bedrooms, Shared bathroom, Outdoor seating area, Beach access, Safe, In-room WiFi
  • Yofu1 at the property · sleeps 2 children · Two bedrooms, Shared bathroom, Outdoor seating area, Beach access, Safe, In-room WiFi
  • Madimba1 at the property · Private plunge pool, Private deck, Sitting area, In-room WiFi
  • Mainja1 at the property · Two en-suite bedrooms, Private plunge pool, Private deck, Bar fridge, In-room WiFi

Activities

Things to do

Getting there

How you'll arrive

  1. Likoma Island
  2. 15 min transfer
  3. Kaya Mawa
How you arrive
By air · 15 min from Likoma Island
Transfers
Fly by charter to Likoma Island, then take a 15-minute road transfer to the lodge. Boat access is also available; there is no road access to the island.

Good to know

Before you book

Children
All ages welcome. Family rooms available
Accepted currencies
USD
Power
Solar power

When to go

Best time to visit

  1. January: Green season
  2. February: Closed
  3. March: Green season
  4. April: Green season
  5. May: Good
  6. June: Best time to visit
  7. July: Best time to visit
  8. August: Best time to visit
  9. September: Best time to visit
  10. October: Good
  11. November: Green season
  12. December: Green season
  • Best time to visit
  • Good
  • Green season
  • Closed
Month-by-month notes

Jan

Green season

Wildlife: Rainy season; seasonal closure begins in mid-January.

Rainy season; seasonal closure begins in mid-January.

Feb

Closed

Wildlife: Closed for the seasonal break.

Closed for the seasonal break.

Mar

Green season

Wildlife: Seasonal closure continues until mid-March; rainy-season conditions follow.

Seasonal closure continues until mid-March; rainy-season conditions follow.

Apr

Green season

Wildlife: Rainy season; underwater visibility dips.

Rainy season; underwater visibility dips.

May

Good

Wildlife: Dry season, with cloudless skies and calm water.

Dry season, with cloudless skies and calm water.

Jun

Best time to visit

Wildlife: Dry season; best diving visibility.

Dry season; best diving visibility.

Jul

Best time to visit

Wildlife: Dry season; best diving visibility.

Dry season; best diving visibility.

Aug

Best time to visit

Wildlife: Dry season; best diving visibility.

Dry season; best diving visibility.

Sep

Best time to visit

Wildlife: Dry season; best diving visibility.

Dry season; best diving visibility.

Oct

Good

Wildlife: Dry season, with cloudless skies and calm water.

Dry season, with cloudless skies and calm water.

Nov

Green season

Wildlife: Rains bring lusher vegetation; underwater visibility dips.

Rains bring lusher vegetation; underwater visibility dips.

Dec

Green season

Wildlife: Rains bring lusher vegetation; underwater visibility dips.

Rains bring lusher vegetation; underwater visibility dips.

How we judge each month
  • Best time to visitAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
  • GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
  • Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Details checked October 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.