Places to Visit in Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Northern Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Northern Africa, Africa

Likoma Island is a beautiful island within Lake Malawi in the Northern Region of Malawi, covering an area of 18 sq. km. It is the larger of two islands in the lake, another being Chizumulu and these two islands form Likoma District. Chintheche is the closest city to Likoma Island in Malawian side. Although having a great population density, Likoma Island is good in condition, attracting a group of tourists for sandy bays, swamps and rocky slopes. Likoma Island is also home to a substantial of amphibian, reptile and bird species. Likoma Island is geographically positioned between 12°04′ S latitude and 34°44′ E longitude.

How to reach Likoma Island?

There is no road link from the mainland Malawi to Likoma Island but it can be reached by ferry services MV Ilala steamer boat and dhows.

International tourists are suggested to take flights to Lilongwe International Airport first and then take bus or taxi from there to Nkotakhota, where ferry can be arranged to reach Likoma Island. Also sometimes flights fly between Lilongwe and Likoma, served by Nyassa Air Taxi that costs around $280 per way.

Due to its smaller size, the island of Likoma can easily be explored by walk.

Shopping and Food in Likoma Island:

There are food corners and shops are limited in number, so it is advised for visitors to bring daily usable items and other necessities from the city where they start journey.

Things to do in Likoma Island:

Bird watching
Walking
Island tours
Snorkeling
Diving

Places of interest in Likoma Island:

St Peter’s Church:

The St Peter’s Church is one of the identities of Likoma Island, which was founded by the Universities’ Mission to Central Africa in the end of the 19^th century. It is considered as one of the largest churches in Africa.

Chizumulu Island:

Chizumulu Island is an island situated in the Lake Malawi in the vicinity of the larger Likoma Island. The island is rich in vegetation, home to two large hills that are used by tourists as a trekking point. It can be accessed from Likoma Island by boat.

Mbamba:

Mbamba is a town on Likoma Island, known for its bustling market and Anglican cathedral of St. Peter. Visitors can purchase a verity of local specialties including fruits, handicraft products, and handmade clothes at traditional market in Mbamba.

Nkhata Bay:

Nkhata Bay is a city on the mainland of Malawi, holding a title of the 2^nd busiest resort on Lake Malawi. It is a popular ecotourism destination, holding many famous natural tourist attractions on the shore of the lake. There is also a dive shop, named Aqua Africa.

List of other places of interest in Likoma Island includes:

Kaningina Forest Reserve
Nkotakhota Wildlife Reserve
Kasungu National Park
Viphya Forest
Chichiri Museum
Nyika National Park
Mount Soche
Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve
Lake Chilwa
Liwonde National Park
Chongoni Rock Art Area
Lake Malawi National Park

Best time to visit Likoma Island:

Throughout the year is best, especially from May to November is the ideal time to visit Likoma Island in Malawi.

Accommodation options in Likoma Island:

Likoma Island houses around 10 standard accommodation centres including vacation rentals, hotels, BB and inns with upgraded features. Visitors can also find some camp sites on the island that are cheaper and provide all basic facilities. Some nice hotels in Likoma Island and Nkhata Bay are as follows: