Where will you stay on your safari?

Coast

Manda Bay

Manda Bay Girls on the beach Manda Bay dinning The dhow Utamuduni at sunset

Manda Bay is a small boutique resort, on the northern tip of Manda Island, in the Lamu-Kiwayu archipelago. Located on a secluded peninsular close to Lamu but far enough away from the bustle to enjoy the quiet seclusion and privacy. Surrounded by magnificent coral gardens, empty beaches and indigenous woodland, the resort is a glorious destination for both active and leisurely holidays,.

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 availability of wonderful, fresh seafood and tropical fruit dictates most of the menus at Manda Bay, which is renowned for its delicious fresh from-the-sea dishes, accompanied by exotic fruits and vegetables of the African tropics, intermingled by the subtle flavors and spices of the Swahili culture.

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.

One of the most romantic and memorable experiences at Manda Bay is a sun set sail on Utamaduni, a beautiful 60-foot sailing dhow. Utamaduni is the Kiswahili word for culture and Lamu's master-boat builders, in the time-honored style of the East African coast, built Utamaduni in 1992.

She carries a full compliment of eight experienced crew who operate the ship under sail through the waters, which were opened to world trade by the invention of the dhow and its unique lateen rig. She is one of the two largest single mast dhows now operating on the East African coast.

Thanks to Manda Bay for text and pictures.