The Secluded Beauty Of Likoma Island

Likoma is the larger of two inhabited islands found in Lake Nyasa, which is also known as Lake Malawi. The 9th largest lake in the world, at 560km long, 80km wide and up to 700m deep, Nyasa forms the eastern border between Malawi and Mozambique. The lake’s fresh water is crystal clear and contains a greater variety of indigenous fish species than any other lake in the world.

While Likoma lies only a few kilometres from Mozambique, and is entirely surrounded by Mozambican territorial waters, it belongs to Malawi. This is because the island was colonised by Anglican missionaries spreading east from Malawi, rather than by the Portuguese who colonised Mozambique.

With breathtaking views of the mountains and wilderness of Mozambique, Likoma today remains almost untouched since its discovery by these Scottish missionaries. The island supports a population of about 9,000 people whose main economic activities include fishing and agriculture.

There are several unpaved roads running a handful of cars, but walking is the only practical transport. A notable feature of the island is its cathedral, St. Peter’s, in the main town, which is built of stone and is of considerable size. Its construction began in 1903.
Most of the island is covered in grassland and is dominated by ancient Baobab trees. At its Southern tip lies a crescent shape beach of fine golden sand surrounded by Mango trees.

This area is also home to the Kaya Mawa Lodge; translated from Chewa, the local dialect, Kaya Mawa (maybe tomorrow).
The Lodge was built by hand in partnership with the local community and it imaginatively incorporates luxury and simplicity while staying true to the natural beauty that surrounds it.

The Lodge consists of seven exclusive cottages hewn out of the granite headland.
There is also a honeymoon suite located on its own private island, which is accessed by the longest suspension bridge in Malawi.

Each of the Lodge’s hideaways boasts a giant, four-poster bed, a private terrace with water access, a sunken stone tub for bathing and en-suite loo with a view.
Construction by local craftsmen using a combination of teak, mahogany and local materials has ensured that every cottage is unique.

Meanwhile, the Lodge’s restaurant is situated high up in order to catch the breeze and offer guests a magnificent 360-degree view.

Likoma and Kaya Mawa is an excellent base for boat safaris and water sports of every kind. The enormous number and variety of fish living in Lake Nyasa makes it a particularly unrivalled spot for fresh water snorkelling and scuba diving.