Manda Bay

About Manda Bay

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Manda Bay is on one of the many unspoilt, idyllic islands within the Lamu archipelago, situated on the northwestern tip of Manda Island. The lodge lies in the calm inshore waters on a long sandy protected beach. Surrounded by miles of palm fringed silky white sandy beaches and intriguing creeks, Manda Bay is the perfect getaway retreat.

There are 16 cottages (11 beach front and 5 sea view) flawlessly-designed and in keeping with local landscape. 9 of the rooms are set right along the seafront with the other rooms set in-between and slightly behind. Each cottage has a large ceiling fan and refreshing showers inside the ensuite bathrooms. They also have their own verandahs.

The cuisine at Manda Bay naturally features a marine flavour, freshly-caught tuna, mangrove crab and prawns are a Manda Bay delicacy! There is a large dining room but on most nights dinners are taken outside under the stars.

Manda Bay offers guests a chance to relax and unwind from the pressures of the real world, but for the more adventurous the variety of activities is abundant. Guests can choose from deep sea fishing, windsurfing, laser sailing, mangrove trips, cultural visits, kayaking, waterskiing and scuba diving to name a few. With regular sightings of dolphins, turtles and the occasional Humpback whale the marine life excels. Guests can enjoy safe snorkelling in the warm, gentle and clear waters. Spa treatments and massages are also offered, and there is a gorgeous swimming pool. Gme drives and scenic flights are also offered here and the lodge has its own airstrip. There is a network of tracks and roads through the acacia woodland and sightings have included bushbuck, buffalo, mongoose, porcupine and dik dik. Bushbabies and genets are often seen around the lodge at night.

Fair Trade / Responsible Travel:
The lodge supports a small school on Manda Island which has up to 70 children. It has suffered from a lack of funds from the government and local administration so as part of the lodges’ contribution to the community they are helping with construction and funding. One of the projects has been to get the guttering and water tanks useable to collect rain water during the wet season, they are also building an admin block and modifying some classrooms. Manda Bay has also been researching and drawing up a proposal for a mobile boat clinic to help local villagers.

Read about Tribes' eco-rating system

Highlights and information

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Highlights

Miles of unspoilt tropical palm-fringed sandy beach at your doorstep.
Great for watersports, snorkelling and marine life including dolphins and whales.
Access to Lamu Town - a UNESCO world Heritage Site.
The lodge's private, fully fitted 60foot traditional dhow makes it possible to arrange longer cruises to explore this fascinating archipelago.

Situation

Manda Bay is situated on the northwestern tip of Manda Island - one of the many unspoilt, idyllic islands within the Lamu archipelago.

Activities

Windsurfing and laser sailing; snorkelling; waterskiing; kayaking; creek, deep sea and saltwater fly-fishing; excursions to Lamu Town; cultural visits; dhow cruises; massage.

Facilities

All cottages have ceiling fans and a private verandah overlooking the Indian Ocean. There is central dining / bar area as well as a separate lounge; a games room and a swimming pool.

Child policy

Children of all ages can be catered for.

Open

Closed mid-April until mid-July.

Best time

The weather by and large is hot days, warm nights with medium humidity. The long rains normally fall between April and June while the milder short rains fall in November.

Inclusions

Windsurfing; laser sailing; snorkelling; kayaking; sundowner cruises on the dhow.

Meals

Full board including house wines, beer and soft drinks.

Pricing guidelines for Kenya

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £400 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Kenya combines well with Tanzania or Uganda.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week safari using small good quality lodges or tented campsBetween £2000 and £3000
2 week safari using small good quality lodges or tented campsBetween £4000 and £5000
2 week safari and beach holidayBetween £3000 and £4000
1 week on Lamu IslandFrom about £1500+