Friends, escape to Likoma Island, where turquoise waters meet palm‑fringed shores. Tiny yet captivating, this Malawi gem hides cozy lodges, community spirit and leisurely hikes.
Remote nature and warm welcomes combine for an off‑grid retreat free from crowds. Pack plenty of cash, curiosity and a sense of adventure.
Hotels
Lodging on Likoma ranges from family‑run cottages to eco‑boutiques. Peak season (February–April) fills rooms quickly, so reserve 3–6 months ahead. Rates span $25–$350 per night, covering dorm beds and luxury villas alike. Each option includes sunrise views, homemade meals and friendly island hospitality.
These are the most popular ones:
Blue Gum
Blue Gum Cottage sits on the western shore, available from $80 per night. Hosted by John’s family, it offers reliable Wi‑Fi, a private chef cooking local specialties ($15 per meal) and spacious lake‑view verandas. Shared living spaces and hammocks foster camaraderie among guests.
Ulisa Bay
Ulisa Bay Lodge commands a sandy cove on the northeast coast. Doubles start at $120 per night, including breakfast and sunset dhow cruises ($20). Chalets feature en suite bathrooms, thatched roofs and direct beach access. Evening bonfires and star‑gazing set a relaxed pace.
Kaya Mawa
Kaya Mawa is an eco‑luxe retreat of villa suites from $350 per night. Solar power, curated artworks and private plunge pools blend with Malawian cuisine at $40 per dinner. Guided nature walks and cultural talks deepen understanding of island life.
Pure Likoma
Pure Likoma repurposes wooden boats into seven waterfront chalets from $150 per night. Each features open‑air bathrooms overlooking the lake and artisanal furnishings. Complimentary snorkeling gear and guided sunset paddles ($10) showcase the island’s aquatic wonders.
Hiking
A 7 km loop circumnavigates Likoma in roughly 2 hours, passing fishing villages and forested ridges. Download offline Maps before power outages strike. Trails lack signage, so follow well‑worn paths or hire a local guide at $15 for a 3‑hour trek, coating soles in red‑earth dust.
Museum
The tiny “museum” on Cathedral Hill charges $5 per entry. Exhibits include traditional tools and carvings with brief captions. Beyond artifacts, a hidden bandstand beneath jacarandas makes an idyllic picnic spot far from beach crowds.
Cathedral
Likoma Cathedral, built in 1911, opens daily from 8 AM to 5 PM for a $2.50 bell‑tower climb. Metal ladders wind above bronze bells to a rooftop panorama of endless water. Climbers should know their limits—sections lack handrails and involve steep rock work.
Markets
Weekly supply ships revive Chipyela Market every Wednesday. Stalls sell grilled maize (maindi) for $0.60, fresh mangoes at $1 per kilo and local snacks. Corner shops stock cold soft drinks at $1 and basic toiletries. Haggling is expected and part of the experience.
Beaches
Sandy coves fringe every shoreline, all free to explore. Mango Drift Beach offers rental sunbeds at $5 per day, while secluded coves near the lighthouse remain empty even at noon. Early mornings bring glass‑flat water ideal for meditation, with only palm shadows as company.
Snorkeling
Lake Malawi’s clear shallows teem with colorful cichlids. Gear rental runs $5 per day; guided half‑day tours cost $15 and include masks, fins and safety vests. Bronze‑green fish swirl around submerged rocks and tree roots, creating a freshwater reef unlike any ocean dive.
Chizumulu
A 30‑minute public boat ($3 one‑way) links Likoma to tiny Chizumulu Island. Day‑trippers can explore in 4 hours, visiting sandy beaches and local homestays. Tenayu Lodge offers overnight stays from $60 per night, pairing cultural meals with hammock‑lined verandas. Or you can stay at Mango Drift Lodge for $10–$15 per bed or 20–$30 per basic beach chalet.
Travel
From Nkhata Bay, the MV Ilala ferry (twice weekly, $25 one‑way) anchors offshore; local skiffs shuttle passengers to shore for $2. The Likoma Express speedboat runs three times weekly ($40 each way) and posts schedules online. Charter flights to Likoma Airport begin at $200 per seat in emergencies.
Transport
Walking is the island’s main mode—end‑to‑end takes 75 minutes. For longer hops, boda‑boda motorbike taxis charge $2–$3 per ride. Local fishing boats also ferry small groups between beaches ($5). Always agree fares before boarding to avoid surprises.
Amenities
No ATMs or currency exchanges operate on Likoma—bring enough kwacha or USD for your stay. A small clinic handles minor ailments; major care requires evacuation to the mainland. Daily power cuts last 2–4 hours; most lodges provide backup generators. Mobile data arrives on eSIMs only.
Conclusion
Likoma Island blends off‑grid tranquility with authentic Malawi culture. From boutique lodges to hidden coves, each discovery rewards those who venture off the beaten path. Friends, which sunrise veranda or secret cove will spark your next adventure? Pack light, roam freely and let Likoma’s quiet magic unfold.
