Manda Island, Lamu Archipelago, Kenya
Manda Bay is one of the many unspoilt, idyllic islands within the romantic 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 retreat for both families and honeymooners.
With 12 cottages flawlessly designed and in-keeping with local landscape, five of the rooms are set right along the seafront with the other rooms set in-between and slightly behind. With five doubles and the rest twins, two cottages can be modified to accommodate triple beds. Each cottage has a large ceiling fan and refreshing showers inside the ensuite bathrooms.
The Cuisine at Manda Bay naturally features a marine flavour, freshly caught tuna, Mangrove Crab and Prawns are a Manda Bay delicacy! We also cater for any special requests and flexible mealtimes can be arranged to fit in with guest’s individual requirements. Romantic candle lit dinners can be bought straight to you cottage veranda so you can enjoy total privacy - ideal for honeymoons and wedding anniversaries!
Manda Bay offers guests a chance to relax and unwind from the pressures of the real world, but for the more adventurous type the variety of activities is abundant. Guests can choose from Deep Sea fishing in search of the Marlin and Sailfish, windsurfing, water skiing 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.
New at Manda Bay for 2007 / 2008 is the swimming pool set between the bar area and the sea as well as 4 new luxury beach-front cottages.
DESTINATION
Manda Bay is located on the North-Western tip of Manda Island, one of the many unspoilt, idyllic islands to be found in the romantic Lamu archipelago. It lies in calm inshore waters on a long sandy protected beach.
With miles of soft white sand, fascinating creeks and small islets to explore, it makes a perfect retreat for both family groups and honeymooners alike.
For centuries this has been a calling point for the Arab dhow traders – a safe haven where time stands still and nature is allowed to take its natural course without the interference of the modern world.
ACCOMMODATION
In keeping with the local landscape and artisans the accommodation consists of twelve cottages constructed from local materials. Seven rooms are set right on the seafront and five are set in-between and slightly behind on higher ground. With seven doubles and five twins, families can also utilize two of these rooms adapting them to a comfortable triple layout. All the rooms have large ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms.
Aside from your private cottage there is a central dining and bar area featuring locally crafted Lamu furniture and a separate living space. Both areas overlook the calming Indian Ocean Sea and are furnished with locally crafted Lamu furniture partnered with a selection of relaxing cushions. The Perfect location for a peaceable sundowner after another tough day in paradise.
THE EXPERIENCE
Manda Bay is owned and run by Andy and Caragh Roberts and Fuzz and Bimbi Dyer.
When you arrive at Manda you step into their world - they run the lodge with such passion and enthusiasm that you can't fail to get caught up in it. In the morning at breakfast they will talk you through the activities on offer, be it deep-sea fishing, waterskiing, windsurfing, kayaking, dhow-cruises, or bush-walks. In the evenings the Andy and Fuzz take care of the sundowner drinks (in the beach-front bar or on the dhow) whilst Caragh and Bimbi take care of arrangements for dinner. Dinner is usually eaten on long tables, dinner-party style although couples and groups can eat on their own. And after dinner, digestifs are served in the bar, guaranteeting a sound night's sleep.
Cuisine naturally features a marine flavour - freshly caught Tuna, Mangrove Crab or Prawns are the order of the day, but individual needs and flexible mealtimes are designed to fit in with guests requirements.
The wishes of all guests whether it be soul restoration, relaxation or more adventurous activities, are carefully considered and offered by some of Kenya’s finest hosts. Exploring nearby mangrove creeks and long-left ruins, visiting the many islets or deep sea fishing for the elusive Marlin or Sailfish are just a few of the many explorations to be taken. Marine life abounds with regular sightings of Dolphins, Turtles & the occasional Humpback whale. Families find Manda Bay most welcome since with gently sloping beaches and easy, safe snorkelling the water is warm, gentle and clear.
Having its own private, fully fitted 60 foot traditional dhow – Utamaduni – it is possible to arrange longer 2/3 day cruises exploring the uninhabited islands of this fascinating archipelago. Please enquire for details.
Activities Available
Deep-sea fishing, fly-fishing, waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, kayaking amongst the mangroves, dhow-cruises, dolphin and whale spotting, bush-walks, visits to local villages and Swahili ruins. Scuba-Diving by prior arrangement. Kitesurfing by prior arrangement only. Please enquire for details.
RATES 2007
USD $400 mid season, USD $450 high season.
Rates per person per night, all inclusive.
High Season (1st Aug – 30th Sept / 21st Dec – 1st Jan)
Mid Season (2nd January – 9th April 07 / 1st June – 31st July 07 / 1st October – 23rd December 07)
RATES 2008
Beach Front Cottages USD $490 mid season, USD $550 high season.
Sea View Cottages USD $470 mid season, USD $530 high season.
Please enquire for single rates and children rates.
High Season (1st Aug – 30th Sept / 21st Dec – 3rd Jan)
Mid Season (4th Jan – 14th April / 15th July – 31st July 07 / 1st Oct – 20th Dec)
RATES INCLUDE
full board accommodation, soft drinks, beer, house wines, local spirits, bird walks/drives, windsurfing, laser sailing, kayaking, sundowner cruises on the dhow, local airstrip transfers, limited laundry service.
EXTRAS/ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT EXTRA COST
snorkelling, water skiiing/wakeboarding, banana/donut rides, trip to Takwe Ruins, fishing (skiff), half day/full day deep sea fishing, overnight fishing, watermelon dhow trip, mirfat dhow trip with picnic lunch, half day or full day dhow charter Utamuduni, overnight dhow charter, transfers from Lamu and to Kiwayu and Kipungani, Air Charters and Scenic Flights, champagne and luxury spirits, massages.
Closed from 15 April - 14 July.
BOOKINGS, AVAILABILITY AND FURTHER INFORMATION
email info@extreme-safari.com
FURTHER IMAGES OF MANDA BAY
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Images © Manda Bay and © Craig Rogers, Extreme Safari 2007
