Manda Bay Hotel – Barefoot Luxury on Kenya’s Northern Coast
Where Untouched Shores Meet Timeless Charm
As your boat drifts across the calm waters of Lamu’s archipelago, the silhouette of Manda Bay Hotel rises from the shoreline—white sand beaches, palm groves, and thatched bandas glowing golden in the sun. This secluded hideaway on Manda Island, opposite historic Lamu Town, is a sanctuary where the rhythm of tides replaces the rush of time.
At Manda Bay, life is delightfully simple: kick off your shoes, feel the sand between your toes, and embrace barefoot luxury. It’s the kind of place where you can wake to birdsong, sail into turquoise seas, and watch sunsets turn into star-filled nights, far from crowds and city lights.
For many travelers, Manda Bay is the perfect complement to a Kenya safari and beach holiday offering tranquility and romance after the thrill of the Masai Mara fly-in safari
Location & Setting
- Where: Northern Kenya coast, on Manda Island, across from Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Getting there: Daily flights from Nairobi and Mombasa to Lamu Airport, followed by a short boat transfer to the lodge.
- Setting: Private, family-owned lodge with 2.5km of private beach and panoramic views over the Indian Ocean.
- Perfect for: Couples seeking privacy, families wanting adventure, or safari-goers looking to unwind by the coast.
For guests exploring Kenya’s coastal destinations, Manda Bay pairs beautifully with Diani Beach resorts Watamu’s marine paradise or even a Zanzibar beach holiday
Accommodation at Manda Bay Hotel
Accommodation
Each of the 22 bandas at Manda Bay is designed to blend rustic charm with comfort, letting the outdoors flow in:
- Beachfront Bandas – steps from the shoreline, these palm-thatched, open-fronted rooms invite sea breezes and ocean views.
- Garden Bandas – set back in tropical greenery, ideal for guests seeking shade and seclusion.
- Family Bandas – spacious layouts with multiple beds, perfect for children and groups.
Features include:
- Large king or twin beds with mosquito nets
- Locally crafted furniture and coastal décor
- Ensuite bathrooms with flush toilets and open-air showers
- Private verandas shaded by palms
- No glass windows—just open space, sea air, and a true Robinson Crusoe vibe
If you’re seeking similar boutique stays, compare with Alfajiri Villas, Diani for private villa luxury, or Kinondo Kwetu for a family-friendly boutique beach lodge. For a more resort-style experience, Serena Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa offers Swahili-inspired heritage on the coast.
Dining & Culinary Experiences
Food at Manda Bay reflects the bounty of the Indian Ocean and Kenya’s coast:
- Seafood Feasts: Freshly caught lobster, crab, prawns, and reef fish grilled over coals.
- Swahili Influence: Coconut curries, fragrant rice, and local spices.
- Alfresco Dining: Meals served on the beach, in the dining pavilion, or under the stars.
- Private Dinners: Romantic setups on the sand or jetty for honeymooners.
- Farm-to-Table: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs sourced locally.
Activities & Experiences at Manda Bay
Experiences
Ocean Adventures
- Snorkelling & Diving: Discover coral reefs teeming with marine life.
- Deep-Sea Fishing: Renowned for billfish, tuna, and dorado.
- Water Sports: Paddleboarding, kayaking, waterskiing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
- Sailing: Explore in traditional dhows or modern sailing boats.
Nature & Culture
- Birdwatching: Over 200 recorded species around Manda’s creeks and mangroves.
- Cycling & Nature Walks: Explore sandy tracks and hidden lagoons.
- Cultural Visits: Take a boat to Lamu Old Town, famous for Swahili architecture, carved wooden doors, and lively markets.
Relaxation & Wellness
- Hammocks strung under palms, a freshwater pool, yoga decks, and private massage sessions.
Why Choose Manda Bay Hotel?
- Authentic barefoot luxury – no pretension, just space, simplicity, and style.
- Exclusive setting – remote, quiet, and far from mass tourism.
- Adventure or serenity – whether you want to fish, sail, dive, or simply relax.
- Family-run ethos – personal service with a warm, welcoming touch.
- Ideal for safari & beach holidays – a perfect end to adventures in the Masai Mara, Laikipia, or Samburu.
Suggested Alternatives & Combinations
If you’re planning a Kenya coastal or safari journey, consider pairing or comparing Manda Bay with:
Kenya’s Best Beach Lodges
- Alfajiri Villas, Diani– private luxury villas with ocean views.
- Kinondo Kwetu, Diani – a boutique beachfront hideaway.
- Serena Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa– Swahili heritage meets modern luxury.
- Hemingways Watamu– chic and contemporary Watamu retreat.
Safari & Bush + Beach Itineraries
- Ngare Serian, Masai Mara– perfect for wildlife before relaxing at Manda Bay.
- Sarara Camp, Samburu– combine wild northern Kenya with the coast.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia– rhino sanctuary with luxury lodges.
Manda Bay Resorts Rates
Full Board Rates per person per night in US$ per night
| Beach Front | Palm Room | Garden Room | |
| Per person sharing | 466 | 440 | 300 |
| Per single | 540 | 510 | 330 |
| Per child 2- 12 years sharing | 380 | 320 | 220 |
Notes:
- Seasons:-Christmas 21 Dec-4 Jan 2026: Rest of Year % Jan-20Dec 2026
- Conservancy Fee:-Adult US$ 50 and Child US$ 20 one time
- All Inclusive Supplement: Adult US$ 300 ChildUS$150 per night
- Christmas Supplement:Adult US$ 110 Child US$ 8
- CONSERVANCY FEES:-Manda Bay lies within a wildlife conservancy on Manda Island and has introduced a Conservancy Fee for 2025. The Conservancy Fees contribute to the ongoing rehabilitation and growth of the wildlife conservancy’s land and marine based projects for guests to enjoy during their stay.
- SAFARI SUPPLEMENT: The Safari Supplement can be added in advance.
- INCLUDED: House Wines & Spirits, One Lamu Boat Trip with Local Guide and Museum Entrance Fee, Water Sports, and Snorkelling.
- EXCLUDED: All Fishing, Dhow Excursions, Cellar Wines, Premium Spirits.Per Adult Per Night : $300 | Per Child Per Night : $150 | Children Under 5yrs : $0
- RESIDENT RATES :-Available provided the reservation is made within 45 days of arrival. Contact us for resident rates. Exclusive Use of the resort(46 guests):-Us4 20,000|US$27,000 at Christmas:Addition guest USS$ 350
2026 Manda Bay Resorts Rates
Full Board Rates per person per night in US$ per night
| Beach Front Rooms | Garden Rooms | Palm Rooms | |||||||
| Low | Mid | High | Low | Mid | High | Low | Mid | High | |
| Per person sharing | 466 | 513 | 536 | 300 | 440 | 484 | 505 | ||
| Per single | 540 | 594 | 621 | 330 | 330 | 350 | 510 | 561 | 587 |
| Per child (6- 17 years sharing) | 380 | 418 | 513 | 220 | 320 | 352 | 483 | ||
| Extra Bed for Under 18 Years | 300 | 300 | 318 | N/A | 300 | 300 | 330 | ||
Seasons
- Low Season: April 1 – 30 / June 1 – 30 / September 1 – 30
- Mid Season: July 1 – 31 / November 1 – December 19
- High Season: January 7 – March 31 / August 1 – 31 / October 1 – 31
- Festive Season: December 20 – January 6,2027
- CLOSED: May 1 – 31
ONE-TIME CONSERVANCY FEE PER STAY 2026:Adult US$ 50: Child 6-Uder !8 Years US$ 20: UDEr 6 Years Free
Safari Supplement
- INCLUDED: House Wines & Spirits, One Lamu Boat Trip with Local Guide and Museum Entrance Fee, Water Sports, and Snorkelling.
- Excluded: All Fishing, Dhow Excursions, Cellar Wines, Premium Spirits.Per Adult Per Night : $300 | Per Child Per Night : $150 | Children Under 5yrs : $0
MANDA BAY RATE DETAILS
Ages at time of stay:
- NO CHARGE for ages 0 – 4 years old at time of stay.
- CHILDREN PRICING applies for ages 5 – 17 years old at time of stay.
- ADULT PRICING applies for 18 years old and above at time of stay or children in a single room.
- CHILDREN SHARING OWN ROOM (9 – 18 YEARS OLD):-This rate applies for children sharing a twin room. Single children in their own room will pay the single per person rate.
- CHILDREN EXTRA BED IN ROOM (UNDER 18):We can accommodate a max. of 2 extra beds for children sharing with parents in Beachfront and Palm Rooms, whilst the Garden Room are double occupancy only due to the size.
Conservancy Fee:
- Manda Bay lies within a wildlife conservancy on Manda Island and charges a one-time
- Conservancy Fee of $50 per adult per stay and $20 per child per stay. Children under 5 years old are not charged. The Conservancy Fees contribute to the ongoing rehabilitation and growth of the wildlife conservancy’s land and marine based projects for guests to enjoy.
Rooming Information
- Manda Bay has 11 Beachfront Rooms, 5 Palm Rooms and 9 Garden Rooms.
- Room 7 (Palm Room) is a two-bedroom Family Cottage.
Check In/Out time: Check-In: 12PM / Check-Out: 10AM.
Minimum Stay:-We require a 2 night minimum stay throughout the year. Over Christmas Season a 5 night minimum stay is required.
Book Your Escape
At Manda Bay Hotel, time slows to the rhythm of the tides. Whether you dream of fishing at dawn, sailing into sunset, or simply lying beneath a palm with a good book, this secluded retreat offers a barefoot luxury experience unlike any other.
Combine your stay with a Kenya safari or extend your adventure to Zanzibar—either way, Manda Bay is the perfect ending (or beginning) to your East African journey.
Gallery
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