Likoma Island is located in the middle of Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa and the 5th biggest in the world. The lake includes two inhabited islands: Likoma Island and Chizumulu Island. The fauna here is a few of the densest and most numerous in the world, home to many fish species that can be highly prized in aquariums for their splendor.
Likoma Island stretches 8 kilometers and presently has a population of approximately 9,000, in most cases living off fishing and agriculture. This is one of those locations that you fall in love with right away… The ochre-colored land, masses of baobab bushes, lengthy golden beaches, fishing nets being dried, small smiling villages, and an existence focused across the crystal-clear waters of the lake—it virtually is a blessing.
Map of Likoma Island
| Name | Likoma Island |
| Country | Malawi |
| District | Likoma |
| Coordinates | 12°04′S 34°44′E |
| Area | 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 |
| Population | 6,000~9,000 |
| Airport | Likoma Airport (LIX) |
History of Likoma Island
Although located inside Mozambique's territorial waters, Likoma Island is traditionally a part of Malawi.
In 1880, triggered with the aid of David Livingstone, Anglican missionaries established their headquarters there in Southern Africa. Following World War II, in the course of the boundary of obstacles in East Africa, the island reverted to Malawi (then Nyasaland, underneath British protection) because of the presence of this sizeable mission.
Things to Do on Likoma Island
Visiting St. Peter's Cathedral
St. Peter's Cathedral stands as one of every of Africa's grandest cathedrals. Erected by Anglican missionaries in 1903, it boasted excellent architectural fashion for its time! Serving as the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Malawi, it stands as a testament to the missionaries' religion.
We suggest scheduling your visit for a Sunday, as you will have the hazard of reveling in the church choir's spiritual hymns. Additionally, remember ascending the cathedral tower and adhering to safety measures for a wide-ranging view of the island.
Likoma's records intertwine significantly with the project of the University Mission to Central Africa (UMCA). Inspired by David Livingstone, they selected this sleeping island in the Eighteen Eighties as their headquarters, protecting themselves from the recurrent assaults via the Ngoni and Yao tribes from the south.
Between 1903 and 1905, they constructed a significant cathedral measuring over one hundred meters in duration and 25 meters in width, committed to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. Believed to rival the dimensions of Winchester Cathedral in England, it stands as one of Africa's most prominent cathedrals and a hallmark of Malawi's architectural history.
Cycling and Strolling on Likoma Island
Leave the cars behind, for on Likoma, we traverse on pedals! With barely any roads to talk of, it's both by foot or bicycle that we discover! It presents an exceptional opportunity for numerous strolls and bodily sports amidst this unique landscape.
The island is petite in length (8 kilometers in size) and offers easy ambles for leisurely exploration. Safety concerns need no longer stand up here; familiarity among all is ubiquitous, with radiant smiles greeting one at every turn.
The main village of Mbamba and its sprawling avenues embellished with colorful little stores beckon for a detour. Don't expect any traveler attractions; memento stalls are a rarity in these elements!
Enjoying Watersports at Lake Malawi
Would you want to spend a while by the lake? There are several water sports to partake in. Kite browsing, paddleboarding, sailing, and water snowboarding are just a few of the exciting alternatives to be had. With the lake's immaculate waters, don't hesitate to dive from the island and explore the marine life 20 meters below the floor!
All these watersports take place in the lake, and depending on the climate, the conditions can range from flawlessly calm to impressively wavy. Kite surfing is available from May to August.
Visit Katundu Studio
Katundu Studio employs around 40 people, including single moms in inclined conditions, to create fantastic ornamental items using natural and recycled substances. These portions are used at Kaya Mawa in addition to other resorts throughout the US and around the sector.
Glass shards are polished into grand chandeliers, corn fibers are woven, driftwood is converted into tables, and shells are embroidered onto linen or top-class Kenyan fabric… Everything is lovely, moral, and green.
During visits, the ladies can craft timber bead and shell necklaces in the studio, genuinely taking part in the experience!
Baobab Island
The abundance of baobab trees on Likoma Island is really super, contrasting with the diminishing numbers seen on the African mainland, whether in Zambia or Malawi. One contributing issue to their survival may be the absence of elephants to bite them down to the trunk top or uproot them entirely.
The island is likewise famed for its mango trees amidst a landscape of vivid scenery: colors of golden savannah and natural verdant veggies against a backdrop of cerulean skies evoke a palette paying homage to Frandor. Coastal edges, at times serrated by way of the machete, regularly yield to towering mountains cascading lightly into the azure expanse while stretches of pristine white sands… Provide a diversity to satiate every discerning taste.
How to Get to Likoma Island
You have the option to pick between a ferry or an aircraft to journey to Likoma Island. The island boasts an airport that comprises small planes departing from the capital town, Lilongwe. You can not forget the solutions:
By Ferry:
This is the preferred mode of transportation for locals wishing to leave the island. The Ilalla ferry crosses Lake Malawi twice every week, journeying from Cobue in Mozambique to Nkhata Bay in Malawi. This journey stops at Likoma and Chizumulu. The ferry journey to Likoma Island lasts for two days, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the serene splendor of the lake. Onboard, there are comfy cabins for dozing, along with a bar and eating place, making sure a satisfying journey.
By Plane:
Undoubtedly, this is the only and quickest manner to reach the island. Likoma has its airport, with day-by-day flights operated by Malawi Airlines. These brief-haul flights go away from the capital town, Lilongwe, and reach Likoma in only one hour. During this brief flight, vacationers can wonder at the translucent waters of the lake and the lovely scenery of the two nearby islands.
The charges for round-experience plane tickets vary drastically, ranging from $300 to $500 according to man or woman.
Hotels on Likoma Island
Kaya Mawa Lodge
Likoma is a secluded and tranquil island, ideal for unwinding and rejuvenating. Kaya Mawa Lodge masterfully blends luxury with relaxation, imparting a unique enjoyment from traditional motels. This destination is perfect for the ones searching for peace and a mature exploration of Lake Malawi. Prepare to immerse yourself in an authentic experience at this lodge, which eschews glitz for a greater herbal and neighborhood ambiance. The fixtures are made from regionally recycled substances, and the embroidery capabilities are shell designs. Villagers freely roam Kaya Mawa's seashore, interacting with tourists, while the body of workers is famed for their attentive care.
Every element is designed to make you sense at domestic! Moreover, most of the motel's 11 exquisitely adorned rooms overlook the seaside. Among those are three circles of relatives villas, every with two connecting rooms, and a "Master House" for larger groups, offering four bedrooms and a personal boat for activities.
The lodge boasts a lakeside spa and loads of water sports activities gadgets, allowing visitors to interact in kayaking, diving, tubing, water skiing, kite surfing, and paddleboarding, as well as seashore video games.
Finally, the delicacies here are not the most straightforward scrumptious but award-winning, imparting a numerous array of dishes. You can have the opportunity to dine on the lantern-lit beach and savor the surprising recipes. The menu includes appetizers, most important publications, and desserts, promising a pleasing revel in your taste buds!
Mango Drift and Ulisa Bay Lodge
For a more reasonable budget, you can also stay at the Mango Drift and Ulisa Bay Lodge, which offers small bungalows on a lovely beach. Although simple, they are enough to explore this wonderful island and delight all visitors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Likoma Island safe?
Visiting Likoma Island poses no significant risks, as all residents are acquainted with every different and warmly welcome visitors!
Water activities
Starting from the beach, you will soon come upon an abundance of marine lifestyles. Consider wearing appropriate aquatic shoes, as some areas function as small yet potentially hazardous rocks.
Health considerations
Like other areas of Malawi, Likoma Island is situated in a malaria-endemic quarter (despite the fact that the threat on the island is substantially lower than in different components of the country). Therefore, it is beneficial to carry a first-aid packet.