Luxury on the Lake

Luxury on the Lake is a relaxing break staying in two attractive propeties on Lake Malawi, one on Likoma Island and the other on the Mozambique side of the lake. You have four nights in each place, to give you time to relax and explore these different locations. Lake Malawi is the ninth largest lake in the world and its fresh water is crystal clear.

Kaya Mawa is set on the southern tip of Likoma Island. With just seven cottages and one honeymoon suite (on it's own rocky 'island'), this is a peaceful place to stay and unwind. The cottages are set well apart and each has a private terrace and all have direct access to the beach. There is a central plunge pool with views over the lake. The lodge has been sensitively built around huge boulders and you can snorkel and swim right from the shore. Explore Likoma Island by foot or mountain bike with it's colourful slave trade history and local culture. There are very few cars on Likoma so the pace of life here is very slow.

Nkwichi Lodge accommodates a maximum of fourteen guests and is located on one of the most beautiful points on the lake. The seven chalets are all individually designed and offer spacious accommodation. Relax on your private veranda and enjoy the gentle breeze from the lake. As well as enjoying the beachfront location guests can also go on walks of varying durations, go bird watching, sailing, canoeing and cruise on the lodge's private dhow.

This trip makes a great add-on to a Zambia Safari in South Luangwa.

Trip information

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Included

Return flights from Lilongwe to Likoma Island, return boat transfers from Likoma Island to Nkwichi Lodge, 8 nights accommodation on full board basis, non-motorised watersports, cycling and guided walks at Kaya Mawa, Manda Wilderness fees at Nkwich Lodge.

Not included

Internationbal flights, visas, yellow fever certificate (needed for Mozambique), travel insurance, drinks, tips.

Best time

All year. The lake is best for snorkelling during Oct - Feb as this is the calmest time of year. Can be windy Jun - Jul.View Mozambique climate chart

Getting there

Lilongwe airport has daily connections with Nairobi and most days with Johannesburg and Lusaka.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Sunny
- Heavy rain
- Heavy rain
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Rain
- Sunny

Min Temp

- 15
- 15
- 15
- 10
- 5
- 0
- 0
- 5
- 10
- 10
- 15
- 15

Max Temp

- 30
- 30
- 30
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- 25
- 23
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- 30
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- 30

Explore Lake Malawi's crystal-clear waters.
Remote locations offering tranquility and relaxation.
Range of watersports including swimming, snorkelling and dhow cruises.
Great opportunites to visit remote rural communities
Likoma Island and its fascinating history

Itinerary

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Duration: 9 days/8 nights

Day 1 Arrive in Lilongwe, where you are met and put on the short flight to Likoma Island. You are transferred to Kaya Mawa. Settle in to your cottage and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and slow pace of life.
Day 2 Your first full day on Likoma Island. You may want to take it easy and enjoy the lake views from your private terrace or take a dip in the infinity plunge pool. There are opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The food at Kaya Mawa is excellent and there is a well-stocked bar for that essential cold drink.
Day 3 Today you may opt to venture further afield. Explore the island on foot or by bike, meeting local people, or try waterskiing or tube riding on the lake. You can do as much, or as little, as you like!
Day 4 On this your last full day on Likoma Island, you might want simply to relax by the pool or on the beach. Alternatively you may choose to visit Likoma Cathedral, take a fishing trip or a sailing safari, all of which can be arranged by the staff.
Day 5 You will be transferred by boat to Mozambique. After going through immigration you will be taken to Nkwichi Lodge. Dinner tonight is enjoyed on a rasied platfrom with great views over Lake Malawi.
Day 6 Enjoy the comforts of Nkwichi Lodge. Set on a fine, sandy beach, you'll soon feel at home here. Lake-based activities include swimming, snorkelling, diving and kayaking. The lodge also has its own catamaran and a dhow, so sailing trips are another option.
Day 7 Today you might want to take part in a visit to the local community. The lodge arranges a variety of such trips and it may be possible to visit a local village, school and farm and meet with the people there. Another option is game watching in Manda Wilderness Reserve, where you might see elephant, sable, leopard and a variety of birds.
Day 8 Your last full day at Nkwichi. You have the choice of all the activities outlined above, but you may decide that you just want to take it easy and lie in the hammock on your veranda enjoying views of the lake and soaking up the soothing atmosphere.
Day 9 You will be transferred by boat back to Likoma Island for you flight to Lilongwe, where the trip ends.

Pricing guidelines for Malawi

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Malawi combines well with Zambia.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week holiday /safari staying in quality accommodationBetween £1800 and £3000
1 week stay at high quality lakeside lodges (including the islands)From about £2500 +

Malawi