Kaya Mawa

Kaya Mawa is located on the south-western tip of Likoma with its private sandy beaches, in the middle of fresh water Lake Malawi. Rooms and houses are designed with an individual flair inspired by Swahili décor and statement pieces from local artisans. It is a gorgeous and colorful hideaway for off the beaten path and authentic beach escapes, where couples and multi-generational families can go snorkeling and diving in the very heart of Africa.

Rooms: 11

Opening year: 2004

Last renovation: 2022

Sustainability:

• Established a community-run tree nursery in every village throughout Likoma Island. Each nursery site aims to plant 2,000 trees, totalling 24,000 trees per year

• Built by local hands and as Malawi’s first resort run solely on renewable-energy
• The Foundation initiated Clean Up Likoma, with the intention to work together with key community influencers and government to reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste and rubbish on the island in Lake Malawi

Community interactions:

• High achieving and disadvantaged students from Likoma Island are sponsored throughout their secondary schooling, with many of the stipends provided to students co-sponsored by guests visiting Kaya Mawa. Over 100 students were sponsored last year, and the focus is not just on education but also on improving each child’s health and personal growth
• Cooperating with Katundu workshop, where single mothers or ladies caring for orphaned children create awe-inspiring design pieces out of recycled glass and metal
• Opened Likoma community garden where women are training in farm management skills, working with the environment and small business management

Certifications: in progress

 Management: international owner, local management