Kaya Mawa - Malawi - The Classic Safari Company

Romantic lake and beach-side location

Kaya Mawa Lodge is located on the southern tip of Likoma Island, Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi stretches nearly 600kms from north to south and up to 80kms in width and is Malawi’s most prominent feature. Likoma Island, situated in the far north of Lake Malawi, is the larger of two small islands found here.

Kaya Mawa Lodge was built entirely by hand, in partnership with the local community. It consists of seven stone and teak framed thatched cottages set into a granite headland. All the cottages have private terraces with direct access to the water and some can only be reached by walkways that are built over the lake.

Activities at Kaya Mawa are plentiful and varied: walking or biking around the island is one of the activities not to be missed. 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.The waters are crystal clear throughout the year and the snorkelling is among the best in Lake Malawi. The beaches are beautifully sandy and swimming is safe.

Other water sports on the island include, diving, motorised water sports, water skiing, tube riding, sailing safaris (The lodge has a small wooden skip for journeys around the island) and kayaking. The lodge has its own PADI accredited instructor and excellent dive equipment and can offer casual dives as well as a full range of instruction (at an additional cost).

You will love

Barefoot luxury at its best
Arabic African chic in style
Snorkelling & sailing
Tropical fish & stunning birdlife
Seamless service & hospitality

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Sunset over Lake Malawi, reflecting vibrant orange and yellow hues on calm waters, framed by silhouettes of distant islands and lush greenery, highlighting the natural beauty surrounding Kaya Mawa Lodge.

Kaya Mawa Lodge cottage nestled among lush greenery and granite rocks on Lake Malawi, featuring a thatched roof and private terrace by the water.

Spacious sitting room in Kaya Mawa Lodge with stone walls, teak furniture, and large windows offering views of Lake Malawi, featuring natural light and a relaxed atmosphere.

Secluded deck at Kaya Mawa Lodge overlooking Lake Malawi at sunset, featuring comfortable loungers, natural decor, and a tranquil coastal view.

Smiling children from the local community near Kaya Mawa Lodge, showcasing joy and connection to the Lake Malawi environment.

Cozy outdoor lounge area at Kaya Mawa Lodge featuring colourful cushions, lanterns, and views of Lake Malawi's shoreline at dusk.

Kayak on sandy beach by Lake Malawi at Kaya Mawa Lodge, showcasing tranquil waters and natural beauty.

Pebble terrace with two wooden sun loungers overlooking Lake Malawi at sunset, reflecting Kaya Mawa Lodge's tranquil and luxurious atmosphere.

View of Kaya Mawa Lodge on Likoma Island, featuring thatched cottages surrounded by lush greenery and sandy beach, overlooking Lake Malawi and distant mountains.

Luxurious bedroom at Kaya Mawa Lodge featuring a king-sized bed with draped mosquito netting, natural stone walls, large windows with views of Lake Malawi, and elegant decor elements.

Infinity pool at Kaya Mawa Lodge overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Malawi, featuring decorative flowers and rocky shoreline, embodying barefoot luxury and natural beauty.

Luxurious interior of a Kaya Mawa Lodge cottage featuring a king-sized bed adorned with rose petals, stone walls, and large windows overlooking Lake Malawi, with a private terrace and guests relaxing by the water.

Table set for a luxurious lakeside dining experience at Kaya Mawa Lodge, featuring elegant glassware and floral decorations, with a tranquil view of Lake Malawi and a boat in the background.

Kaya Mawa Lodge beachfront seating area at dusk, featuring colorful cushions, lanterns, and views of Lake Malawi, highlighting the lodge's luxurious and serene atmosphere.

Woman lighting a lantern at a beachside dining setup in Kaya Mawa Lodge, with tables set for guests and the lodge's rustic architecture in the background, showcasing the lush surroundings of Lake Malawi.

Two kayakers paddling in clear waters near Kaya Mawa Lodge on Likoma Island, showcasing adventure activities available at the lodge.

Aerial view of Kaya Mawa Lodge on Likoma Island, featuring handcrafted stone and thatched cottages surrounded by turquoise waters and lush greenery, showcasing the lodge's unique location and natural beauty.

Local fishermen and community members on the shores of Lake Malawi, surrounded by traditional wooden canoes and lush vegetation, reflecting the vibrant culture and lifestyle of Likoma Island.

Luxurious bedroom at Kaya Mawa Lodge featuring a spacious layout, soft linens, and floral decorations, with a stunning view of Lake Malawi through open curtains, embodying barefoot luxury and African chic style.

Kaya Mawa Lodge cottages with thatched roofs and private terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and a large baobab tree, on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Handcrafted thatched cottage at Kaya Mawa Lodge on Lake Malawi's Likoma Island, surrounded by granite boulders and lush greenery, showcasing barefoot luxury and natural beauty.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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