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Kaya Mawa
Lodge
- Lake Malawi
(5
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Location:
Likoma Island is the larger of two small islands situated
in the far north of Lake Malawi, on the east of the Lake
and very close to the Mozambique coastline. To visit the
island is to step back in time. Just 17 square kilometers
with one small dirt road and two 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. The
waters are crystal clear throughout the year and the
diving and snorkeling is among the best in Lake Malawi.
Kaya Mawa Lodge is situated on the south-western tip of
the Island at the head of a crescent-shaped bay,
surrounded by mango trees and ancient baobabs. Translated
as "Maybe tomorrow" in the local Tonga dialect, the lodge
uses the stunning natural surroundings of beach, rock,
island and lake to create a lodge of unique character,
imagination and very special ambience.
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Accommodation:
With no machinery available on the island, Kaya Mawa Lodge was built
entirely by hand, in partnership with the local community. It consists
of ten stone and teak-framed thatched cottages set into a granite
headland. There is a honeymoon house tucked away on its own private
island that is reached by boat or a wooden walkway. Each cottage faces
the lake and has a 7- by 6-foot mahogany four-poster bed, a shower, a
sunken stone bathtub and a loo with a view.
The view from the shower
in the honeymoon suite defies description. All the cottages have
private terraces with direct access to the water, and some can only be
reached by walkways built over the lake. The stunning setting of the
lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests
choose to make relaxation their main activity, but enough activities
are on offer to keep guests busy. Scuba, snorkeling, swimming,
sailing and visits to the local villages are part of the experience.
Day trips to Mozambique can be arranged. Access is by air or by boat. |
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Activities:
The
stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of
the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation
their main activity but enough activities are on offer to
keep guests busy.
Walking or biking around the island
This is one activity you simply should not miss. Likoma is
completely 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 filled
with 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.
Swimming and snorkeling
The waters around the lodge are safe and clearsome of the
best snorkeling on the island is right at the
lodge-snorkels and masks are provided. Alternatively there
is a rock swimming pool right by the bar.
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Diving
Lake Malawi has over a thousand species of fish, more than
all the freshwater species in Europe and North America
combined! Many of these are endemic to the area.
Activities Available:
1) Guided dives for those already qualified at 20
different dive sites around Likoma Island - for Open Water
1 to Advanced
2) Dive Taiwanee reef, an underwater mountain 7km off
Chizumulu, which rises from the depths (400m deep) to
within 6m of the surface.
3) Dive with the tropical fish catchers.
Not available:
1) Scuba courses |
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Motorized Watersports
Waterskiing, tube riding and wake snaking are offered as well
as fishing trips.
Sailing Safaris
The lodge has a small wooden skip for journeys around the
island.
Excursions to Mozambique
Longer trips by motor or sailing boat to the wonderful
beaches of nearby Mozambique can be arranged as well as overnight
trips to Nkwichi Lodge and the Manda Wilderness area. |
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Activities
The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of
the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main
activity but enough activities are on offer to keep guests busy:
-Walking or biking around the island
-Swimming and snorkeling
-Diving
-Motorized Watersports - Waterskiing, tube riding and wake snaking are
offered as well as fishing trips.
-Sailing Safaris - the lodge has a small wooden skip for journeys
around the island.
-Excursions to Mozambique - longer trips by motor or sailing boat to
the wonderful beaches of nearby Mozambique can be arranged as well as
overnight trips to Nkwichi Lodge and the Manda Wilderness area.
Suggested daily activity schedule
As this is not a game destination the activity schedule each day is
very flexible. Some guests like to keep active all day long, some want
to do nothing but relax on the beach and most want a balance between
the two. Each day we chat to our guests and find out what they want to
do from the activities available and then choose the correct schedule
for them.
Meal schedule
Breakfast is usually between 07h00and 08h00 and comprises fruits,
cereals, juices, tea, coffee and Full English with choice of eggs.
Lunches between 12h30 and 13h30 - usually light with fresh salads,
quiches, fruit etc.
Dinners are 3 courses and served around 20h00.
Meal times are totally flexible and are set around activities-not the
other way around.
Electricity and water
During daylight hours the lodge has mains electricity and
this changes to solar lighting in the evening. The hot water system is
from wood burning boilers-this wood comes from Mozambique and is an
income generating community project. The suppliers earn income and
this goes towards the upkeep of reforestation woodlots.
Extras payments
Extras can be paid for in either US$, Euros, South African
Rand, British Pounds or Malawi Kwacha cash. There are no credit card
facilities.
Flying times
Based on a Cessna 206 or similar, the flying times to and
from Likoma are approximately as follows:
Lilongwe: 60 minutes
Chelinda Lodge Nyika: 35 minutes
Mvuu Lodge: 90 minutes
Drinks
Drinks are not included in the tariff and need to be paid for on
departure.
Laundry
Laundry is free of charge and can usually be delivered back the same
day.
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Rates: |
16 June 08 to 5 Jan 09 |
6 Jan to 31 May 09 |
1 June to 30 Nov 2009 |
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Per Person Sharing
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USD 295
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USD 320
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USD 350
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Single Supplement
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USD 75
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USD 150
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USD 150
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African Safari
Consultants
TOLL FREE 1-866-733-4263
(1-866-SEE-GAME)
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