Manda Bay

Location: Lamu

On the Lamu archipelago is Manda Island, and on the north-western tip of Manda Island lies Manda Bay – a stunning and exclusive resort offering informal luxury and total seclusion.  Popular with families and honeymooners alike, this resort is place for a quick weekend getaway, or for a week of unbridled rest and relaxation.

All buildings at Manda Bay are constructed using local materials and taking inspiration from traditional coastal décor and architecture.  The palm-thatched roofing, woven matting and airy, neutral colour scheme all add to the charm of Manda Bay's sixteen cottages.  Each one features large beds with flowing mosquito netting, overhead fans, a mini-fridge and en suite bathroom facilities.  Eleven cottages are on the beach front, and five sit just behind in an elevated position.

Dining at Manda Bay is usually taken al fresco, to make the most of the morning breeze, the afternoon sun or the starry night sky.  Breakfast is very casual, serving fresh fruits, home made cereals, yoghurts and of course a range of cooked dishes.  Lunch is usually served buffet style in the dining room, on the pool or sometimes on Utamaduni – a 60-foot sailing jahazi,  Dinner is a three-course set menu.  Culinary emphasis at Manda Bay is on freshness and innovation, using fresh seafood and, where possibly, locally grown produce to create both eclectic European-Swahili dishes.  If desired, guests can even sample their own catch of the day at dinner!

On the waterfront there is a bar and lounge area where guests can take a cooling drink or a hot coffee.  There is also a lovely first-floor reading room, where guests can enjoy the calming view or read from the selection of novels and magazines.  

Manda Bay's infinity pool offers panoramic views across the bay.  Just adjacent to the pool is a games room and lounge, and there is also a sun-deck where guests can sunbathe, or a selection of swing beds and Lamu sofas where guests can seek shade.

There are a range of watersports on offer at Manda Bay, where guests can use the lodges own equipment under the guidance of the experienced instructor.  Guests can water-ski, wake board, knee board, air chair, wind-surf and, with prior arrangement, kite-surf.  For a simple thrill, guests can hold on tight and take a ride on the six-man banana boat.  For something more slow-paced, snorkelling is also a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Outside the sphere of watersports, guests can take game drives to water holes and through acacia forests, visits to Lamu town and excursions to see the ancient ruins of Takwa.

Photos of Manda Bay

There are a number of different activities you can do while staying at Manda Bay, some of which have been listed below:

• Snorkelling at the reef
• Kite Surfing
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Excursions
• Windsurfing
• Nature Walks
• Fishing
• Sailing
• Boat trips
• Game drives
• Dhow cruise
• Water-skiing
• Swimming

The above activities are subject to availability.

Tours to Manda Bay

We don't have any preplanned safaris to Manda Bay. We can, however, arrange custom tours and safaris which go to Manda Bay so feel free to e-mail us or visit our custom tours page.