Our take
Manda Bay is a laid-back luxury lodge located on the remote Manda Island in the Lamu Archipelago, offering a barefoot beach escape where the Indian Ocean meets coastal wilderness. With its blend of tropical charm and secluded serenity, the lodge is ideal for travellers seeking privacy, simplicity, and natural beauty in equal measure.
Manda Bay is a boutique lodge located on the tip of an unspoiled, idyllic island in Lamu’s archipelago. Here, you kick off your shoes and enjoy simplistic beauty in palm-thatched cottages and open living spaces. Offering beautiful accommodation, informal pampering and barefoot style. All the buildings are in keeping with the local landscape and are constructed using driftwood and local building techniques.
We recommend Manda Bay selectively according to season, routing, room availability and the experience offered by the other stops in your itinerary.
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A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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01
Accommodation
Manda Bay has 22 ensuite rooms, and each room is an individual cottage constructed with local materials in traditional coastal style with palm thatch roofs and woven matting covering. The Beach Front rooms are situated right on the seafront and have stunning sea views. The Palm Rooms are set back slightly, though still with views of the ocean, and the Garden rooms are simpler and set back further.
02
Food & drink
Dining is relaxed and flexible, with fresh seafood, local produce and Swahili-influenced flavours appearing regularly. Meals may move between the main dining space, the beach, garden or a private villa setting; dietary requirements should be shared before travel.
03
What to do
Whether it be sitting by the pool, paddleboarding down the mangroves, sleeping on your bedroom hammock or walking down the beach at low tide, you won't get bored. here. The water sports toy box is full here and you can also enjoy a drive to see the resident herd of buffalo in their infamous blue Range Rover. Lamu town is only 20 minutes by boat allowing you to experience this UNESCO world heritage site. Room Types • 11 Beach Front Rooms (recommended) • 5 Palm Rooms • 6 Garden RoomsActivities • Kayaking • Paddle boards • Windsurfing • Sailing boats • Island tours • Water skiing • Snorkelling • Deep-sea fishing • Motor boat tours
Good to know
This property can work for selected family itineraries, but room configuration, minimum ages and private-vehicle requirements vary. We confirm the right arrangement before proposing it.
Manda Bay is a laid-back luxury lodge located on the remote Manda Island in the Lamu Archipelago, offering a barefoot beach escape where the Indian Ocean meets coastal wilderness. With its blend of tropical charm and secluded serenity, the lodge is ideal for travellers seeking privacy, simplicity, and natural beauty in equal measure.
Room layouts, activity schedules and facilities can change. We reconfirm the relevant details for your dates before booking.
Continue exploring
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We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
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