Lamu island property is placed amid bowed coconut palms bowed, acacia trees and tamarind trees whispering gently in the breeze. All rooms are open to the elements of nature in that they overlook the sandy beaches, the cool sea breeze wafts into them and a clear view of the ocean is visible.
Visible from Manda is the Island of Lamu in the distance, Shela village and dhows serenely gliding past. Cars are not available on both Lamu (the oldest town in east Africa) and Manda, only donkeys and boats, both an experience in themselves.
This is also a strategically placed base from which to explore the local panorama and also experience the interesting culture of Lamu town kenya and its people. Take a trip to Lamu Island and walk through the corridor like ancient streets classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
At sunset you can savour the awe-inspiring African sunset while listening to the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean caressing the beach. Manda’s special attraction is its freshly caught seafood like Tuna, Crab, Lobster, Prawns, red snapper and squid.
Manda Bay Resort is a petite lavish private hotel is tucked away on the exclusive Manda Island in northern Kenya’s Lamu archipelago. This is the ultimate ‘get away from it all’ secluded comfort if you are looking to recharge, be pampered and self-indulged. Manda Bay Resort is made up of 16 roomy Swahili chalets with huge wooden beds, huge walk-in mosquito nets and plush en-suite bathrooms. 5 of these chalets are situated on sand dunes while the rest are on the ocean front.
But if all you want to do is to sit back, soak up the sun, luxuriate and just unwind, Manda will be the perfect ambience. Its breakfast in bed you want? You’ll get it. Drinks while you swing on the hammocks under the shade of the Acacia trees? They will be served by the most welcoming stewards you’ll see around. When they are asleep, Legend has it that they smile even. Don’t miss the pancakes and fruit salad with fresh coffee or tea made from local spices that are served at breakfast. A basil and tomato omelette may suffice if you’re starving after taking a morning swim.
Manda Bay resort also boasts of a baobab tree house. It’s almost heavenly to be unwinding in bed on a baobab tree while watching an array of colourful birds flying by set on the backdrop of villages on the dunes of Lamu Island. If you love bird watching, Manda is the place to raid.
Things to do in Manda Island include;
Windsurfing: The area around Lamu and Manda offer idyllic prospects for windsurfing. It’s almost guaranteed that the wind will pick up at noon resulting in conditions just right for windsurfing. Lessons and equipment are available. Kite surfing is also increasing in popularity.
Fishing: If you love fishing then you can indulge your senses and fish from the beach. As if that is not enough, voyages can be organized to the open ocean either on a dhow or on a modern speedboat with all the state of the art apparatus. Anything you catch can be cooked as per your instructions to the lamu beach house chefs.
It is a trouble-free and safe place for children of all ages to see the underwater world. Snorkelling trips can also be organised to a bigger reef which is an hour’s boat ride away.
Walking: If you take a 10-minute walk along the shoreline you will find yourself where the open ocean meets the island of Manda. Along the way it is possible to see the colonial history of Lamu district evident in the ruins with rusty cannons inside. It’s unlikely you will meet another person on this rugged stretch of coast.
Other activities on offer include water skiing, scuba diving, trips to Lamu and cycling.
Dhow trips: Sailing in delightfully hand crafted dhows is the time honoured mode of transport along the east African coast. Sailing through the channel between Manda and Lamu is a superb way to relish the African sunset.
Manda Bay Resort is a petite lavish private hotel is tucked away on the exclusive Manda Island in northern Kenya’s Lamu archipelago. Visible from Manda is the Island of Lamu in the distance, Shela village and dhows serenely gliding past. Cars are not available on both Lamu (the oldest town in east Africa) and Manda, only donkeys and boats, both an experience in themselves. Windsurfing: The area around Lamu and Manda offer idyllic prospects for windsurfing. Walking: If you take a 10-minute walk along the shoreline you will find yourself where the open ocean meets the island of Manda.