Manda Island beach resort in Lamu, Kenya

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per accommodation per night (sleeps 2)

Location:Manda Island, LamuSee map here

More info:£50 per person, family Banda from £130 per night, Treehouse accommodation £150 per night. Please note that we are closed for May and June

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Responsible tourism

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.

Most of the residents on Manda do not have a boat, there is nothing on Manda apart form their homes and our business so we provide a free ferry service to Manda residents. Locals get a discount in the restaurant, if they need coal, paraffin, water, milk etc we always give it to them. We also have a volleyball net up on the beach where the locals come every evening and play, they really like it when guests join in too. There are various projects on Lamu island which we have contributed funds to such as the local school fund. I have recently built a small school for my daughter and hope it can grow and educate more kids in the area.

In addition:

There is no fresh water on Manda Island, the used water from showers and sinks is all re-used on the garden.
Fruit and veg waste is given to the donkeys, we burn paper, use bottles that can be returned to wholesalers.
All buildings are locally designed and natural local materials so we blend into the landscape.

We buy all produce from the local market and shops, all fish from local fisherman.
We offer cooking lessons and give the profit to our chef.
We arrange walking excursions and give all money to the two local brothers who know the island best.

The Impacts of this Trip

As there are no cars on the island transport is by boat and we encourage guests to use local boat providers for short "taxi" trips and longer day trips sailing and snorkeling. We suggest local guides and cafes in Lamu town.

We have 15 staff from the local area and we provide good salaries, food and accommodation and pay service charge. Some staff have training which we highly encourage.

100% of our furniture and building materials are made in the area and I encourage guests to buy local products.

Environment

Community

The Impacts of this Trip

Climate

2 Reviews of Manda Island beach resort in Lamu, Kenya

4.5 out of 5 stars

SHOW

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2017 by David King

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The place is relatively small and isolated making it ideal for a quiet getaway. That said, Pizza and Film night on a Friday brings people from all around to share some time together. Great Pizza too. We got to do Yoga (Fri, Sun, Tue and Fri) whilst there.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Embrace local culture. Day trips to the ruins, Shela, Lamu are all worth doing. It is eco so be prepared. Fresh water is limited so the mantra "if its yellow, let it
mellow, if its brown flush it down" is gospel.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes. Staff work long and hard and goods are relatively cheap and worth buying. Everyone is very friendly.. Solar power, rain water harvesting, grey water
reuse all contribute to less impact on the environment whilst helping staff get some benefits.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Great relaxing holiday. There may have been solar panels on the bandas and buildings but I also felt fully recharged afterwards.

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2016 by Gaynor Sharp

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Being in a very special part of Africa, with an amazing host.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

I would highly recommend the resort. It is very eco friendly with solar
panels, bio soap and Rachel even collects rain water. The food is so fresh and an
excellent standard of cuisine. It is very difficult to describe the sense of calm the place has, with one's own Banda ( coconut leaves cabin) with garden area
with chairs and table and a double swinging chill out swing bed, allowing gentle amounts of the sun through. The whole place has a beautiful ambience and is quietly very efficient. I travelled alone and felt extremely comfortable and it
was very safe and secure. It is beautifully situated in an unspoilt environment and there are a number of water based activities on offer too-
paddle boarding, kite surfing, sunset dhow rides etc. The bar/ eating area allows amazing views of the beautiful sunsets through the acacia trees. One can also take a short boat ride and visit the lovely village of Shela and also take a tour of the interesting small town of Lamu. On the day I left there was a yoga class at 5, followed by the showing of a French movie... I was sad to leave and will certainly return. The staff were very kind as were all of the other locals I met. Highly recommended.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes the owner of the resort is very eco friendly and encourages everyone to
support this initiative. She employs many local people and some have worked for her for more than 12 years.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Absolutely brilliant Rachel was a perfect host and I will return.