Malawi

With its almost supernatural vibe, there is nowhere else on earth quite like Kaya Mawa. Hidden away on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, at Kaya Mawa you will be transported into a world of simple pleasures. Embraced by the warmth and hospitality of the enchanting Malawian staff you will enjoy timeless luxury and only the best of modern conveniences. “Kaya Mawa” translates as “Maybe Tomorrow”… the Likoma Island version of mañana… without the urgency. If all the relaxation is too much, your days can be filled with everything from stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, water-skiing, sailing and quad-biking; plus a full PADI dive school. And as the sun goes down on another perfect day enjoy a massage at the spa, nestled in the rocks on the lake, and have the last of your cares soothed away as you wonder to yourself “Shouldn’t I be leaving?…maybe tomorrow” Location Located on the southwestern tip of Likoma Island in the middle of Lake Malawi, close to Mozambique. The island is covered with mango trees and ancient baobabs and encircled by glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves The Area: To visit Likoma Island is to step back in time. Likoma Island remains almost untouched since its discovery by Scottish Missionaries at the end of the nineteenth century. The island measures just 17sq km with dirt roads and a few vehicles, the local people survive largely by fishing and rice and Cassava farming. The island has hundreds of huge baobab trees and a number of glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves. There are no hippos and Kaya Mawa tests regularly for bilharzia and results Accessibility How to Get There: Likoma Island is accessible by daily charter flights from Lilongwe (duration approx. 50 minutes) and 15-minute road transfer. Guests travelling from Botswana or Namibia could detour via Victoria Falls, simply flying to Kasama, then drive a little over an hour to Livingstone, take in the Falls for a night or two and fly from Livingstone to Likoma in half a day. From Namibia, there is the option to fly to Likoma via Lusaka. From Rwanda and Uganda, guests can leave Kigali or Entebbe first thing in the morning and arrive at Kaya Mawa by 3 pm the same day (connecting through Nairobi) Accommodation Each of Kaya’s eleven rooms, and private villa, is unique and offers something very special. Serene and secret decks for sunbathing or romantic dinners; secluded lakeside chalets with private lounges. You may find yourself showering under the stars, taking a midnight dip in your private pool or simply walking hand-in-hand after moonlit supper on the beach. Stone and teak-framed thatched accommodation including two family cottages and luxurious houses, ideal for honeymooners. 3 x Standard Rooms – Khuyu, Mbungu, Msekwa at the bottom of the rocky knoll with private decks and direct lake access. 2 x Family Houses – Ulissa & Yofu are also at the back of the main beach under the shade of a baobab or mango tree. Both family houses have a double and a twin/triple room, an interconnecting bathroom and outside chill out areas. 4 x Premium Rooms – Nkwhazi, Ngani, Mbamba & Makengulu offer lake views from sleeping areas and verandahs. Either a private island or one of two rooms perched high up a rocky knoll with a private pool. 2 x Houses: – Madimba House – Private house, with sitting room, views across the lake and private infinity pool and at the far end of the beach for added privacy. Mainja House – Private two-bedroom house, with sitting room and rock plunge pool. Ndomo Point House – 4 bedrooms and 3 en-suite bathrooms. Pool, private Climate / Seasons: Great year-round destination. Best climate can be experienced from late Apr to Nov, with June to Aug being the coolest months (20-25 degrees during the day) and the remainder of the year often experiencing higher temperatures of 30-37 degrees. The months of Dec to Apr are the rainy season, however rains often tend to fall in the evenings. Responsible Tourism: As an integral part of the community from the outset, Kaya Mawa has been involved in support and development within the community. They have been involved in numerous different projects, from piping water to the villages to the development of education programs. Image Gallery

Malawi, a landlocked country in south-eastern Africa, is defined by its topography of highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi. The lake’s southern end falls within Lake Malawi National Park – sheltering diverse wildlife from colourful fish to baboons. Lake Malawi or the Lake of Stars is the southern most of Africa’s Great Rift Valley lakes. The shoreline is strewn with rounded granite boulders and lorded over by towering baobab tree. Malawi is celebrated as the “Warm heart of Africa” so it’s no surprise that along it’s shores, perhaps inspired by all this beauty with the most friendliest people you will ever meet. With it’s large living spaces and views and a spectacular infinity pool, Pumulami is a captivating place to unwind after a safari and absorb the gentle spirit of Malawi and it’s great lake. Pumulani means “ place to unwind”. The flora and fauna surrounding the lodge is amazing. It is a bird watchers paradise with over 300 different bird species. A popular combination is a walk along the trail heading through the hills, finishing at a secluded beach and kayaking back to Pumulani along the shoreline of the National Park. Mountain biking is equally popular. Accessibility There are daily flights on SAA from Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. From Europe: There are daily flights on Kenya Airways via Nairobi; and daily flights on Ethiopian Airways via Addis Ababa. Flights arrive in Malawi around midday, Malawi’s two international airports in Lilongwe and Blantyre have been recently upgraded and are pretty efficient and welcoming.By Road – 2 hrs 50mins drive (207kms) from Lilongwe to Pumulani Flight – 40Minute flight from Lilongwe / Blantrye to Monkey Bay Airstrip Airstrip transfer time: 20 minutes from Monkey Bay Airstrip to Pumulani Location Situated on the Nankumbu Peninsula on the southern shores of the lake, bordering Lake Malawi National Park. Accommodation The ten villas are situated in such a way that they blend in completely with the natural surroundings and all feature grass roofs to reflect the heat, providing the ultimate in space, design, comfort and privacy. Each villa has its own distinct character. The villas consist of a bedroom, sitting area and bathroom with double showers, double basins and toilet. The bedroom and sitting area open out on to an elevated deck. The sitting area has a coffee/tea corner and a small fridge for cool drinks. The main area with restaurant and bar is set high above the lake with magnificent views. Meals are served either on the beach, in the gardens or in the restaurant. Image Gallery

The lodge has eight superb chalets, each with spacious living quarters and private viewing deck. Of the chalets three are double, two are twin, one is a honeymoon chalet and there are two family chalets. Each chalet has en suite bathroom with double basins, bath and shower. The main area has a pool and dining area under the stars. Majete Wildlife Reserve is a vast region of mature woodland and granite hills, picturesque river valleys and dense forest. It is home to the elusive black rhino, along with elephant, buffalo, nyala, sable, eland and hartebeest. Four leopards were reintroduced in 2011/12 as part of a pioneering conservation project. Undiscovered by tourists, Majete is a true wilderness where every trip into the bush with our team of experienced guides will feel like an adventure. Surrounded by 7,000 hectares of private concession, Mkulumadzi enjoys an idyllic location at the confluence of two rivers shaded by giant leadwood trees. It is the perfect combination of splendid isolation and first-class facilities. Location Mkulumadzi Lodge is situated in Southern Malawi, set on a lush riverbank within Majete Wildlife Reserve. Accessibility There are daily flights on SAA from Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. From Europe: There are daily flights on Kenya Airways via Nairobi; and daily flights on Ethiopian Airways via Addis Ababa. Flights arrive in Malawi around midday, Malawi’s two international airports in Lilongwe and Blantyre have been recently upgraded and are pretty efficient and welcoming.Flights – 40 Minute flight from Lilongwe to Blantyre Road – Transfer from Chileka Airport to Mkulumadzi is approximately 2hrs drive (91,6kms) Image Gallery