Kaya Mawa
Kaya Mawa is situated on the south-western tip of Likoma, the larger of two islands in the northern region of Lake Malawi. The island is small and sparsely populated, inhabited only by the local fishing community. Kaya Mawa is set on a crescent shaped beach, surrounded by mango trees and ancient baobabs. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
Accommodation is in stone and thatched cottages with hand-crafted king size beds. Each room has a bath and shower with hot water from solar geysers. The lodge has 11 rooms including three great options for families; two standard family chalets (Yofu and Ulissa) and a two bedroom house (Mainja). Just down the beach is Ndomo House which is a great option for larger families. All of the rooms have either direct lake access, or a private plunge pool. Some rooms have decks over the lake, and all have views to die for. At the end of the beach there is a beach bar, lounge and restaurant the perfect sun downer spot. Dinner is always under the stars and can be served wherever you like.
Yofu is nestled into the back of the beach partially hidden by a large mango tree. It has two separate bedrooms with a bathroom in the middle and sitting area outside sleeping a maximum of four. Ulissa is a beach chalet big enough for a family of five. There are two bedrooms with an interconnecting bathroom. The main bedroom looks down across the beach straight into the lake. The other room is perfect for children with two single beds and space for another that hangs from the roof leading out on to a shaded terrace. Mainja is a two bedroom house with a Tanzania style seating area in the middle. Mainja is ideal for a family break or even friends staying together. Additional beds can also be added to the twin room although for family groups larger that five, Ndomo House would be the best option. Ndomo House has four bedrooms and sleeps up to eight people, with access to a private beach, kitchen, large living area and plunge pool.
Eating & Sleeping
With a little notice child friendly meals are available at times to suit. There is no formal childcare provision although the housekeeping staff with childcare experience are happy to babysit whilst parents eat dinner or want to relax during the day. There is no charge however it is normal etiquette to give the babysitter a tip.
Activities
Likoma island is home to St Peter’s Cathedral, constructed at the end of the 19th century, the third largest cathedral in Central Africa. While swimming in the lake from the lakeshore is not recommended, if guests tire of relaxing on the beach, more energetic options including Laser sailing, kayaking, kitesurfing, waterskiing, ‘catch and release’ fishing, and scuba diving can be arranged. Lake Malawi has some of the best fresh water diving to be found anywhere in the world. Walking and biking around Likoma Island is a great way to experience the local culture, perhaps engaging with the locals at the lively market nearby or joining a game of football, and quad bike excursions are another fun way to explore the rugged landscape.
Specifically for children ….
• Island walks.
• Mountain bikes available to explore the island.
• Visit Katundu textiles.
• Snorkelling (range of sizes, equipment provided in room).
• Kayaking (single and double plus stand up paddle board).
• Sailing (depends on child size as to participation).
Activities at additional cost:
• Diving (minimum age eight).
• Wakeboarding, water ski-ing (children from age six subject to swimming ability).
• Knee boarding.
• Ringo.
• Sailing and water skiing lessons (minimum age for sailing five and minimum age for water skiing eight).
• Kite surfing ( board and instruction subject to availability so please request in advance).
