Manda Island Travel Guide: Top Sights in Kenya, Tours & Travel Advice

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Manda Island- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Kenya; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 6 hours

Manda Island, part of the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Once sparsely populated due to its lack of fresh water, the island is now home to luxurious residences and boutique resorts, making it a peaceful retreat. Manda is known for its pristine beaches, but it also holds significant archaeological interest, particularly the ancient ruins of Takwa, which date back to the 9th century. These ruins, once prosperous ports involved in the ivory trade, were abandoned in the 19th century due to water scarcity. Visitors can explore these historic sites while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The island also serves as the main airstrip for the Lamu Archipelago, with the Manda Bay Lodge offering stunning views of the northern coastline. Manda Island can be accessed by ferry from Lamu, and its warm, sunny climate makes it a great destination year-round, with the dry months from June to December being particularly ideal for beachgoers.

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Reviews of Manda Island

Cece Siago

5
Reviewed: 2020-11-10

Beautiful place. Very secure. Good for holiday makers. Great hotels and food. Tou will enjoy the boat rides from between Islands. One of the best places in Lamu county. You enjoy the sunset and great scenery
Sejal Vagani

5
Reviewed: 2019-11-18

excellent worth going to see the birth of the turtles...amazing place beautiful sunsets
Lamu Islamic Trust Fund (Lamu Islamic Trust Fund)

3
Reviewed: 2019-03-11

Manda Island is where Lamu Airport exists for now. It's larger than Lamu but it is not built up like it sister but in its southern part there are many luxury hotels. And there is one of the ancient town of Takwa its ruins still being visited and studied.
ABUTWALIB MOHAMED

5
Reviewed: 2018-05-17

The greatness of the place is known once you go around that place, apart from its amazed beach and its resorts, the island has a very beautifull but hidden old village called Taqwa Ruins, that place is so amzing and even when you hear about the story of that place. It too has beautifull and private beach.😍
Monika Solanki

3
Reviewed: 2017-08-29

Beautiful beach, did a evening dhow. Some nice hotel s on the island.