Escape to Paradise: Manda Bay Hotel Review 2025

MANDA BAY HOTEL REVIEW

Are you looking for accommodation for your vacation in the coastal region? A hotel that will give you a fun, safe, affordable, and unforgettable experience? Manda Bay Hotel got you. They have the best experience you will look forward to returning to in your next vocation.

Manda Bay Hotel is a beautiful getaway for families, honeymooners, solo travelers, friends, and couple dates, and everyone looking for a vacation getaway destination in the coastal region.

The hotel offers the best escape from the bustling and noisy city to an environment you can bond with nature. It is a step away from the beach, which offers white sand, coconut palms, acacia tortilis, and wildlife.

You can enjoy the warm weather of the coastal region in the palm-thatched cottages and the open beach living space. The hotel is a privately owned sanctuary; hence, your privacy and security are guaranteed.

Location of Manda Bay Hotel

Manda Bay Hotel is located on the northern tip of Manda Island, Lamu archipelago (this is a group or chain of islands) located in the Indian Ocean close to the northern coast of Kenya. The island lies between the towns of Lamu and Kiunga.

From Nairobi, you can use the commercial airline to Lamu, Malindi, or Mombasa with a safari link, Fly 540, Skyward Express, or East Africa. You can also use private charters that land directly at Manda Bay’s private airport, which is a short drive to the lodge.

No matter the means of transport you come with, the hotel has transport means to take you to the lodge. From Lamu Manda airport, you can enjoy a 30-minute boat transfer to the lodge with the scenic views of the ocean. From the hotel’s private airport, it is a 3-minute car ride to the lodge. 

Attractions near Manda Bay Hotel

Manda Island has Manda Town and Takwa, which are historical sites of great significance in the coastal region.

You will enjoy the Lamu Old Town, which is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. The town has maintained its tradition, with buildings made of coral stone and mangrove timber making it an interesting place to walk around.

The street will offer you features like the inner courtyard, verandahs, and carved wooden doors. Very interesting.

You will also enjoy Shela Village. This is a town that was once described as a ghost town but now is a town bustling with activities. There are numerous holiday homes and guest houses. These facilities stand facing the beautiful waterfront and jumble of narrow sandy streets. It gives the view of the ocean as far as your eyes can perceive.

On your way and during your stay in the Manda Bay Hotel, you will be around the serene environment of the ocean and the beach. Your daily scenic views will be the white beach sand and the scattered palm trees.

Check-in process at Manda Bay Hotel

The hotel has warm and welcoming staff who are ready to serve you the best way they can.

Check-ins are 12 noon and check-outs are 10.00 am. The hotel caters to all the inconveniences, like if your flight arrives before check-in or departs after check-out. You can utilize facilities here until your room is ready or before your departure time.

Quality of rooms in Manda Bay Lodge

Accommodation

I was thrilled by the cool rooms made with simplicity yet elegance. The rooms are made from wood, palm-weaved matting floors, and palm thatching.

The coastal region is a warm place, and the hotel has used eco-friendly remedies to keep the rooms cool and comfortable.

Every room has an oversized walk-in mosquito net, an overhead fan, a verandah, and chairs with a swing bed.

The hotel offers 3 types of accommodations: beachfront rooms, palm rooms, and Garden rooms.

• 1.      Beachfront Rooms

There are 11 beachfront rooms. They are a step away from the ocean. You will enjoy the water and the beach close to your room. This is amazing and convenient for full utilization of your vacation period. You can easily and safely access the beach at low tide.

Rooms features

The rooms have 7-foot beds in twin or king size. The room is spacious and can accommodate 1 or 2 extra beds for children.

You will enjoy: an ensuite bathroom, wardrobe, dressing table, information booklet, charging sockets (volts and 3 pins), and all personal utilities like two sets of towels per person, a beach towel, a basket to use in your stay here, and toiletries.

• 2.      Palm Rooms In Manda Bay

 There are 5 palm rooms, set a few kilometers from the sea on higher ground behind beachfront rooms.

There is a unique room, which is room 7; it is a family cottage. It has additional rooms and bathrooms. It can accommodate up to 3 children.

The rooms are cool and well-ventilated. You can also enjoy the sea breeze from this room and the beautiful views of the ocean.

Features of the room

The room has a 7-foot bed in twin and king size. The room can also fit 1 or 2 beds for children.

You will enjoy an ensuite bathroom, a wardrobe, a dressing table, an information booklet, sockets, a hairdryer, personal items like toiletries, two sets of towels per person, a beach towel, and a basket to use in your stay here.

• 3.      Garden Rooms

There are 6 garden rooms set centrally close to each other. The rooms were designed for teenagers to make family travel affordable.

This is a budget-friendly option. It is popular among families, fishermen who are out all day, and couples.

Features of the room

Ensuite bathroom, standard-sized twin or double divan beds, a wardrobe, information booklet, charging sockets, a hairdryer, clean drinking water, bathroom, toiletries, two sets of towels per person, and a beach towel.

Facilities and activities at Manda Bay Hotel

Facilities

• 1.  Outdoor Pool

• 2.  Access to the beach
• 3.  Free wi-fi
• 4.  Ample parking
• 5.  Business center and meeting rooms
• 6.  Full-service laundry

• 7.  A restaurant and a bar
• 8.  Spa services

Activities at Manda Bay Lodge

The hotel has a wide range of activities to enjoy with your family and friends on your vacation here. Your vacation will be well spent.

• 1.      Fishing

Inshore fishing

You will enjoy bottom fishing, trolling, and fly fishing. This is an activity suitable for all skill levels and ages.

The best fishing time is in the evening or morning because it is tide-dependent. May-October you can enjoy bottom fishing in the creek and October-April fly fishing and trolling.

Deep sea fishing

This type of fishing is from September to May.

The hotel offers ‘cheza’ a 33-foot sportfisher boat with a 230-hp engine.

You can choose a half-day ride or a full-day ride. The departing time is 6:30 am. For safety reasons, only children above 5 years are recommended who can swim.

The maximum is 6 guests per boat. This was the most thrilling adventure and a chance to explore further in the ocean.

• 2.      Watersport

Do you love watersports? The sports range from waterskiing to wakeboarding and snorkeling.

You can enjoy boating activities at Manda Bay like water skiing, banana rides, inflatable tube rides, and windsurfing.

• 3.      Walks

This was my favorite activity since I love exploring. U will visit Manda ruins, the ancient human settlement that dates back 10,000 years.

There is a beautiful contrast between the beach and the old coral building amongst enormous baobab trees and acacia woodland.

• 4.      Game drive and birdlife

In your game drive, you will enjoy wildlife like Galago bushbaby, white-tailed mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, hyena, genet cat, and leopards, which are seen mostly at dusk.

You can observe birds and take pictures of them.

Dining Options at Manda Bay Hotel

The dishes here are diverse, from local dishes to international dishes on request. You can enjoy your meal In the beautiful view of the ocean, a candle-lit setting or just a casual spread.

Manda Bay Hotel has a special offer of free breakfast. Breakfast is self-service with an option for a cooked English breakfast.

Lunch consists of fresh organic dishes, including fish, seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. You can also order any dish you wish to have.

Dinner gives a 3-course menu served outdoors under the stars in the fine weather.

You can have a special diet with prior notice.

Services at Manda Bay Hotel

Their staff are well trained; therefore, the services here are top-notch. They are attentive to details and fast in responding to the needs of the clients.

In case you come across something you do not like, be free to speak up so that your stay here can be good and seamless.

The staff are friendly and ready to help when needed.

Value for money

The services and diverse activities from indoors to outdoors were worth the money. The location of the hotel makes it the best place for a vacation, away from the bustling and noisy city. They offer safe and private beach access, which is a plus.

In every vocation, the top concern is your security, which is guaranteed here.

Compared to the Peponi Hotel in Lamu, the Manda Bay Hotel is cheaper with access to all the activities you can look forward to in a vacation. From indoor activities to outdoor activities.

Pros and cons of Manda Bay Hotel

My personal experience in the Manda Bay Hotel

My stay here was memorable; their services are excellent and fast responsive, making my stay seamless. My favourite experience was the chance to enjoy my personal space in the hammocks, enjoying the view of the ocean.

I spent the better part of my evenings here reading my book in the hammocks with the inspiring view. This is also a great place for meditation.

I love outdoor activities like deep fishing and the walk in the Manda ruins. I enjoyed exploring the island and its traditions, and the features of the buildings gave me an illusional experience.

The variety of dishes and seafood was my favorite. I looked forward to mealtime during my stay here.

Travel tips to Manda Bay Hotel

For transport and convenience, consider a flight to Lamu Manda Airport. From there, you can enjoy a 30-minute boat ride to the lodge. Another option is a flight to the hotel’s private airport, which is a 3-minute car ride to the lodge.

There are convenient transport means from the airstrips and airports to the lodge.

Rates and Policies of Manda Bay Hotel

CONCLUSION

If you are looking forward to a memorable stay on your vacation in the coastal region of Kenya, this is a place for you. Your experience will be overall, from enjoying a serene environment for meditation and reading books to outdoor activities.

The services are top-notch with value for clients. Share your experience here, ask any questions you may have, and book a stay to experience Manda Bay Hotel yourself.