This is the easiest island to get to, since it's just across the channel from Lamu. Almost every one takes a half-day trip to the Takwa ruins at the head of Manda creek. A dhow trip to Manda island cost an average of around kshs1500, shared by however many people you can gather.
Sometimes (but not always) this includes a barbecued lunch, so settle this issue before you leave. You can also get there by motor launch, which isn't as romantic but will give you a little more time at the site before the tide gets too low for boats to negotiate then the creek.
Sights and activities in Manda of Lamu Kenya
The extensive Takwa ruins (adult/child Kshs 200,100) are the remains of an old Swahili city that flourished between 15th and 17th centuries. At this peak , there were at least 2500 people there but the town was inexplicably abandoned 17th century and the people moved to Shela. The sight is maintained by the national museums of Kenya and the ruins include the remains of about 100 limestone and coral houses, all aligned towards Mecca.
The largest structure is the Jamaa Mosque (Jamaa means Friday) which is well preserved and includes a pillar tomb unusually situated atop the mihrab. Also there is a tomb dating back to 1683(1094 by the Islamic calendar).the settlement is surrounded by the remains of a wall and huge baobab trees dot the site.
Just off the north east cost of Manda is Manda Toto Island, which offers some of the best snorkeling possibilities in the archipelago. The only way to get there is by dhow, and you need a full day to get there and back from Lamu, boat owners typically charge around Kshs 700 per person if there is a group of four or more, masks and snorkels are provided.
Across the channel from Shela is Manda Beach, which has fine sand and is home to Manda Beach Club, where you can get a chilly Tusker or something fancy with a little umbrella in it. Shuttle buses leave from new Lamu Palace Hotel at 10 am (Kshs 600 one way), returning at 6.00 Pm. You can also hire a boat from Peponi hotel.
Sleeping in Manda Island of Kenya
The only standard place to stay is the campsite adjacent to Takwa, but few people stay here because the facilities are minimal. Contact the Lamu bookings, information and transport.
Blue Safari Club
(Per person US$300-400) on the northern end of the island is this intimidating exclusively resort, only accessible by boat. Rates include activities and transfers and you can also arrange a luxury sailing cruises from US$325 per person.
Air tickets & Flights to Lamu Kenya's Manda Island
The trip to Manda from Lamu takes about 1 12 hours by boat and can only be done at high tide because the inlet is too shallow at low tide. You may well have to wade up the final stretch, sot wear shorts. Since you have to catch the outgoing tide. Your time at Takwa will probably not be more than an hour.
It's possible to walk to Takwa ruins form the airstrip, but its around 5km and the path isn't properly cleared. A boat transfer to t he airport costs Kshs 100. Peponi Hotel and Kijani House in Shela offer tours to Takwa for around Kshs1200 per person.
Robert is a tour expert in East Africa Kenya travel. He is a director of a Kenya tour operator company and degreed in tourism management. For more Blah on Lamu Kenya Africa Vacation Island see:
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