Some photography assignments feel less like work and more like stepping into a dream.
Photographing Kaya Mawa Lodge, a stunning boutique beach lodge on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, was one of those experiences.
As a travel and hospitality photographer who has spent many years exploring Africa with my camera, I’ve been fortunate to photograph incredible landscapes, safari lodges and remote destinations across the continent. Yet Kaya Mawa stands out as one of the most peaceful and magical places I have ever photographed.
From golden sunsets over the lake to the relaxed rhythm of island life, every moment spent here felt like a reminder of why travel photography is such a privilege.
Lake Malawi: Africa’s “Lake of Stars”
Lake Malawi is one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural treasures.
Stretching over 560 kilometres, this vast freshwater lake forms part of the Great Rift Valley and is shared by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. Its calm waters, sandy beaches and crystal-clear visibility create an environment that feels almost ocean-like, yet the lake itself is entirely freshwater.
Often referred to as the “Lake of Stars”, the name comes from the lanterns used by fishermen at night, which appear like a constellation of stars shimmering across the water.
By day, the lake reveals another remarkable feature — it is home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world. Among them are the famous cichlids, colourful freshwater fish that have made Lake Malawi a paradise for snorkellers and scuba divers.
For travellers looking for somewhere truly unique in Africa, Lake Malawi offers something rare: a destination where wildlife, culture and tropical relaxation exist side by side.
Discovering Likoma Island
Kaya Mawa sits on Likoma Island, a beautiful granite island covering just 20 square kilometres in the northeastern part of Lake Malawi.
Despite being surrounded by Mozambican waters, the island belongs to Malawi and retains a wonderfully authentic and peaceful atmosphere.
Life on Likoma Island moves slowly.
Small sandy paths connect fishing villages and local homes. Traditional wooden boats glide across the lake. Palm trees sway gently in the warm breeze.
There is a calm and simplicity here that immediately puts visitors at ease.
One of the island’s most surprising landmarks is St Peter’s Cathedral, an enormous Anglican cathedral that seems almost improbably large for such a remote island. It stands as a reminder of the island’s missionary history and adds another fascinating layer to the character of Likoma.
Photographing around the island offered endless inspiration — from local fishermen preparing their boats to everyday village life unfolding under the warm Malawian sun.
Kaya Mawa: A Boutique Beach Lodge in Malawi
On the white sandy shores of Likoma Island sits Kaya Mawa, a multi-award-winning boutique lodge that feels both luxurious and wonderfully unpretentious.
Kaya Mawa welcomes honeymooners, families and groups of friends looking for a relaxed island escape.
The lodge’s name comes from the Chichewa and Nyanja phrase “Kaya Mawa,” meaning “maybe tomorrow.”
That philosophy perfectly captures the spirit of the place.
Life here unfolds at a gentle pace.
Guests spend their days swimming in the clear waters of Lake Malawi, enjoying spa treatments, snorkelling over colourful fish or simply relaxing on the beach as the sun slowly drifts across the sky.
Dinner might be served by candlelight under the stars, while the sound of the lake quietly laps against the shore nearby.
Sustainability and Community at the Heart of Kaya Mawa
What makes Kaya Mawa particularly special is its deep commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.
The lodge was built by local craftsmen and has always prioritised responsible tourism and ethical trade.
Today, Kaya Mawa is proud to be Malawi’s first resort run entirely on renewable energy, demonstrating that luxury hospitality can exist in harmony with the surrounding environment.
Many of the lodge’s community initiatives are run through the Likoma Island-based charity, the Kaya Mawa Trust, which supports local education, healthcare and small businesses.
For visitors, this means that staying at Kaya Mawa is not just about enjoying a beautiful destination — it is also about contributing to the wellbeing of the local community.
Photographing the Lodge: Architecture and Design
From a photography perspective, Kaya Mawa is a dream location.
The lodge is discreetly positioned within a secluded bay, where the buildings blend naturally into the surrounding granite rocks and sandy beaches.
Each of the 11 Houses and Rooms has its own unique character, yet all share the same design philosophy: to feel completely integrated with the natural environment.
Whitewashed walls, exposed stonework and open spaces allow the interiors to flow effortlessly into the surrounding landscape.
Many of the suites feature private decks, plunge pools, courtyards and dining areas overlooking the lake.
Photographing these spaces involved capturing not only the architecture but also the atmosphere — the warmth of the sunlight on the stone walls, the gentle movement of the water beyond the deck and the quiet feeling of privacy that each space offers.
From Safari Bush to Beach Paradise
What made this assignment particularly special for me was the contrast with many of my other African photography shoots.
In recent years I’ve spent a lot of time photographing safari lodges deep in the African bush, from the floodplains of Botswana’s Okavango Delta to the sweeping savannas of Tanzania. Those landscapes are dramatic and wild, filled with earthy tones, golden grasses and the thrill of wildlife.
Kaya Mawa offered something completely different.
Here I found myself photographing a lodge perched on the soft sandy shoreline of Lake Malawi, where the palette shifted to light, pastel tones, turquoise waters and sun-bleached granite rocks. The gentle beach atmosphere created a wonderfully relaxed visual style that felt worlds away from the dusty safari tracks of the bush.
For a photographer, this contrast was a joy. The soft light reflecting off the lake, the pale stone architecture and the bright blue water created a dreamy colour palette that made every frame feel fresh, calm and uplifting.
Capturing Life at Kaya Mawa
Beyond the architecture, much of my photography focused on capturing the experience of staying at Kaya Mawa.
That meant documenting everything from:
- the beautiful guest suites and interiors
- relaxed beach scenes along the shoreline
- the lodge’s culinary creations and dining spaces
- friendly staff welcoming guests
- activities on the lake such as kayaking, snorkelling and diving
One of my favourite moments was diving into the warm freshwater of Lake Malawi and seeing the vibrant cichlid fishthat inhabit the lake.
The water here is incredibly clear, and exploring beneath the surface reveals an entirely different world of colour and movement.
New Year on the Shores of Lake Malawi
During my time at Kaya Mawa I was lucky enough to be there over New Year’s Eve, which brought an extra layer of magic to the island.
As the sun set over Lake Malawi, guests gathered along the beach to celebrate.
Later that evening, fireworks lit up the sky above the water, reflecting across the lake in a spectacular display.
Standing on the sand with the warm air, the calm water and the distant glow of lanterns on fishing boats, it was one of those moments that felt truly unforgettable.
The Magic of African Sunsets
Sunsets in Africa are always extraordinary, but the sunsets over Lake Malawi have a special kind of serenity.
As the sun dips toward the horizon, the lake turns shades of gold, pink and deep orange.
The air cools slightly, the light softens and everything slows down.
For a photographer, it is one of the most beautiful times of day.
Capturing the lodge at sunset — with the water reflecting the fading light and the silhouettes of boats moving across the lake — created some of my favourite images from the entire shoot.
The Spirit of the Lake of Stars
Lake Malawi is often called the “Lake of Stars”, a name inspired by the lanterns used by fishermen that sparkle across the water at night.
The name has also inspired one of Africa’s most unique cultural events: the Lake of Stars Festival, an internationally renowned music and arts festival held on the shores of the lake each year.
The festival brings together musicians, artists and travellers from around the world to celebrate music, creativity and Malawian culture against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Malawi.
Even outside the festival season, there is something magical about evenings by the lake. As the sky darkens and the first stars appear overhead, the gentle glow of fishing lanterns begins to dance across the water — a quiet reminder of why this extraordinary place captured its poetic name.
Travel Photography Across Africa
Assignments like this are a reminder of how fortunate I am to combine photography with travel.
So far I have travelled to over 70 countries, including 20 countries across Africa, and every destination offers its own stories and perspectives.
From photographing luxury safari lodges in Botswana to documenting NGO projects in Madagascar and boutique island lodges in Malawi, each place brings a different energy to the work.
Africa continues to inspire me endlessly.
Its landscapes, people and cultures create an incredible canvas for storytelling through photography.
Discover Kaya Mawa Lodge
If you are looking for a unique and luxurious place to stay in Malawi, Kaya Mawa Lodge on Likoma Island offers an unforgettable experience.
Combining breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality and a commitment to sustainability, it is a destination that truly captures the spirit of Lake Malawi.
You can find out more about the lodge through Green Safaris, who operate Kaya Mawa and several other beautiful properties across southern Africa.
More Travel & Safari Photography Across Africa
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to photograph lodges, conservation projects and communities across Africa. You may also enjoy these stories from other destinations:
- Photographing Jao Safari Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta
- NGO Photography in Madagascar: Documenting Education in Diego Suarez
- Safari Lodge Photography at Mvuu Safari Lodge in Malawi
Each destination brings its own energy, landscape and stories — and I feel incredibly lucky to explore them with my camera.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaya Mawa and Lake Malawi
Where is Kaya Mawa Lodge located?
Kaya Mawa Lodge is located on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s largest freshwater lakes. The island lies in the northeastern part of the lake and is part of Malawi.
What makes Kaya Mawa special?
Kaya Mawa is known for its boutique luxury, stunning beach setting and strong commitment to sustainability and community projects on Likoma Island. The lodge combines beautiful architecture with a relaxed island atmosphere.
Can you swim in Lake Malawi?
Yes. Lake Malawi is one of the few large African lakes where swimming is safe in many areas. The water is warm, clear and freshwater, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
What wildlife can you see in Lake Malawi?
While Lake Malawi is not a traditional safari destination, the lake is famous for its incredible diversity of cichlid fish, many of which are found nowhere else on earth.
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