Likoma Island

Infobox Islands
name = Likoma Island


image caption = View of Lake Malawi
image size =
locator

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native name =
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location = Lake Malawi
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archipelago = Likoma Islands
total islands = 2
major islands = Likoma, Chizumulu Island
area = 18 km²
highest mount =
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country = Malawi
country admin divisions title = Region
country admin divisions = Northern Region
country admin divisions title 1 = District
country admin divisions 1 = Likoma
country admin divisions title 2 =
country admin divisions 2 =
country capital city = Likoma
country largest city = Likoma
country largest city population =
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population = 9,000
population as of =
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Likoma Island is the larger of two inhabited islands in Lake Nyasa (as known in Malawi but known elsewhere as Lake Malawi) the smaller being the nearby Chizumulu island which together make up the Likoma District. Both these islands lie just a few kilometres from Mozambique, and are entirely surrounded by Mozambican territorial waters, but belong to Malawi. They are therefore exclaves of Malawi. This came about because the islands were colonised by Anglican missionaries spreading east from Malawi, rather than by the Portuguese who colonised Mozambique.

Likoma is serviced by an airstrip and can be reached by plane from Lilongwe or by steamer from the port of Nkhata Bay on the mainland of Malawi. Smaller boats including dhows cross the strait between Likoma and Chizumulu, and also between Likoma and Cobwe in Mozambique.

The island supports a population of about 9,000 people. Their economic activities include fishing and some agriculture. The island must import most of its food, however. There is electricity on the island, but only until 10pm when it is usually switched off to save generator fuel. There are several unpaved roads running a handful of cars, but walking is the only practical transport. A notable feature of the island is its cathedral in the main town, which is built of stone and is of considerable size. Its construction began in 1903. There is a hotel on the island called Kaya Mawa as well as a backpackers hostel called Mango Drift. Mango Drift is a beautiful place however if you want to see the island it is a very long walk from anything. There are a few clean and comfortable guesthouses in the main town of Mbamba.

The island is covered mostly by grassland, but has large numbers of baobab trees. Mango trees are also present. [cite web|url=http://www.go2africa.com/malawi/central-lakeshore/likoma-island/|title=Likoma Island|accessdate=3, 3, 2007]

References