Peacock Cichlid Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Peacock Cichlid Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Lilongwe International Airport
On clearing customs, you'll be met by a local representative for your onward journey.
Lilongwe to Likoma by light aircraft & 4WD
Your light aircraft will be waiting on the tarmac just a short walk from the airport, ready for the hour's flight across the sparkling waters of Lake Malawi to Likoma Island. From the airstrip, the drive to Kaya Mawa takes around 10–15 minutes, passing through a village on the way.
Kaya Mawa
Kaya Mawa is a beautiful lodge, a perfect example of barefoot luxury. But it’s much more than that… It’s the kind of place where you just melt effortlessly into your surroundings and never really want to leave. Whether you’re enjoying all the various water sports like kayaking, diving and kite surfing, indulging in a spa treatment overlooking the lake or just chilling on the beach with the lovely lodge Labrador, Keira, it has a fabulous relaxing vibe.
Kaya Mawa is a beautiful lodge, a perfect example of barefoot luxury. But it’s much more than that… It’s the kind of place where you just melt effortlessly into your surroundings and never really want to leave. Whether you’re enjoying all the various water sports like kayaking, diving and kite surfing, indulging in a spa treatment overlooking the lake or just chilling on the beach with the lovely lodge Labrador, Keira, it has a fabulous relaxing vibe.
The gorgeous rooms are designed for lingering, each one unique and quirky, built into the rocks with whitewashed or exposed stone walls, or directly on the beach and made of eucalyptus poles.
The bar, lounge and dining area reflect the local character, with old dhows as sofas and plenty of bright blue and coral upholstery. The food here has won many awards and it’s hardly surprising – every meal seems to make the taste buds sing.
"a beautiful setting on a lovely beach... the food was exceptional"
B & GfromCaliforniaArrived 28 Sep 2019, 4 nights
If you do one activity, visit the nearby Katundu artisan workshop, which provides many of the artworks and soft furnishings in the lodge and was set up by its former owner to empower local women. Kaya Mawa also works closely with local people here in healthcare, education and conservation of the lake. See our full report on Kaya Mawa
Activities
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Likoma to Lilongwe by 4WD & light aircraft
During the 10–15-minute drive from Kaya Mawa to the small airport, enjoy your last rural views of Likoma Island before boarding your light aircraft for Lilongwe. The flight of about an hour takes you south-west over Lake Malawi, landing in time for you to make your onward connections.
Ends: Lilongwe International Airport
