Private, peaceful, and thoughtfully designed to allow you to properly relax.
Location: Located on the western edge of Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, Pure Likoma offers a rare kind of escape - remote but reachable, wild yet welcoming. It's the sort of place you arrive at by boat or tiny plane, brushing over miles of clear, glittering water before stepping into an easy rhythm of barefoot days and star-filled nights. The setting really is breathtaking but not showy: golden sands and vast views across one of Africa's great lakes. What we love most is the balance - it feels truly off-grid, but you are still close to the heart of island life, with its vibrant culture and friendly community just a stroll away.
Rooms: There are just six en-suite bedrooms, spread between two thoughtfully designed private houses - one set high among the trees, the other right on the sand. Both feel like stylish, self-contained homes rather than hotel rooms, with plenty of space, honest materials, and local craftwork woven into every detail. Expect handmade furniture, natural textures, and windows that pull in the light and lake views. There is nothing generic here - it's calm, curated and quietly luxurious, with all the comfort you'd want but none of the fuss. Whether you're a couple looking for a retreat or a family wanting space to spread out, the setup works beautifully.
Amenities: Pure Likoma has been created with care and intention, and it shows in the details. Both houses have their own pools, shaded terraces, and breezy indoor-outdoor spaces where you can truly relax - whether that's a quiet morning coffee overlooking the water, or a lazy lunch cooked for you by the private chef. You will find books, board games, paddleboards, and good wine stocked in the fridge. Wi-Fi is available, but most guests naturally switch off. There is also full solar power, fresh island produce, and a lovely local team who look after you with warmth and ease. Everything is in place, but nothing is overdone - it's hospitality that feels both relaxed and refined.
Activities: Days on Likoma unfold at your own pace. Start with a swim straight from the shore, or take a paddleboard out across the shallows before breakfast. Later, there is snorkelling off rocky coves, kayaking along the coast, or visiting the lively market in Mbamba Village. One highlight is a visit to St Peter's Cathedral - an extraordinary building with a fascinating colonial history. You can also walk or cycle to viewpoints across the island, or take a boat trip at sunset with a chilled G&T in hand. It's all low-key and low-impact, but never dull - just the right mix of nature, culture and freedom to explore.
Sustainability: Sustainability at Pure Likoma isn't a checklist - it's the foundation. The property runs entirely on solar power, and water is drawn and filtered locally. Buildings were constructed using island materials wherever possible, and the team works closely with the Likoma community to provide jobs, training, and income opportunities that extent well beyond tourism. From supporting local farmers to reducing waste, every decision is made with long-term impact in mind. This is a place where responsible travel feels natural - not forced - and where your stay directly supports a brighter future for the island and its people.
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Best places to stay in Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi Trip Inspiration
When to go to Malawi
Find out the best time to visit Malawi with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a good time for bird watchers, migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere flock to Malawi's National Parks. The rains are in full flow with impressive thunderstorms lighting the sky across the country regularly - many lodges around the shores of Lake Malawi will be closed during this time.
February
Rain continues to pour regularly in February. The bird watching is incredible particularly in the high altitude Nyika National Park with many flowers blooming carpeting the lower plateaus.
March
In March the weather is still somewhat unsettled with regular rains, these diminish as the month goes on. Birders will be in paradise, young birds are spreading their wings for the first time preparing for their epic journey back to the Northern Hemisphere.
April
Rains begin to subside, the sun starts to shine and temperatures increase. Wildlife viewing is good, observers can watch animals emerge across Liwonde National Park. In particular antelopes are in rut and visitors to Malawi's National Parks can experience incredible clashes between rival males.
May
Days become sunnier and cooler during May. Wildlife viewing is at its best due to less vegetation and the animals gathering together around waterholes.
June
June days are long and sunny, but it's Malawi's winter and the temperatures drop significantly at this time of year. The evenings and mornings are very cold in the highland regions, with log fires lit. The dry season means animals congregate around the Shire River in Liwonde National Park for easier access to water and rich green vegetation - large numbers of elephants can be present at this time of year due to dwindling water levels.
July
July is a perfect time to visit Malawi, skies are clear there are less mosquitoes and there's virtually no rain. Although its high season, most of the National Parks won't be crowded despite the spectacular sightings of larger elephant herds - often reaching into the hundreds!
August
In August the weather warms, with daytime peak temperatures averaging around 30°C, whilst night time averages rise to 10°C. If you want to experience large wildlife herds, this is the time of year to visit. Water is diminishing and spaces at watering holes are becoming limited leading to increasing tensions between the animals. It's an amazing time to enjoy the delights of Lake Malawi's azure waters, with temperatures perfect for watersports or relaxing in the sun lakeside.
September
Night time temperatures rise rapidly, whilst daytime averages remain in the mid 20°Cs. With clear skies and dry vegetation concentrations of animals are still great but starting to dwindle in comparison to July and August. Lake Malawi is popular this time of year, the increased wind conditions make it perfect for an afternoon sail.
October
October is a humid month, temperatures regularly rise above 40°C and night times are increasingly warm. If you want to witness the world's largest antelope, the eland, can often be seen as they start regrouping for their breeding season - with herds reaching into the hundreds it makes for an awe inspiring sight.
November
The green season, November witnesses the first few storms of the rainy season arriving. It marks the arrival of the many migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere.
December
In December the rains become more regular, with thunderstorms occurring every few days. With lush green scenery animals can be difficult to see because of the thick vegetation and the abundance of water. But birders will have an amazing time witnessing the incoming flurry of migratory birds.
Speak to a Malawi expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
Ben
