Manda Island is located immediately north of Lamu Island across a wide channel
Manda Island is located immediately north of Lamu Island across a wide channel. In fact, the main airport, although only really a grassy strip and small open "terminal", is on Manda and you reach Lamu itself via a motor boat or local dhow.
Manda has developed a great deal over the last few years as a result of interest from European investors and the wide stretch of once empty beach facing Shela Village is now an uncomfortable mixture of titanic villas and small local beach-hut style lodges. It's very pleasant to take a boat across from Lamu and enjoy a walk and a swim but be wary of the nasty sand flies on this beach at certain times of year which tuck in if you sit around too long and can leave a nasty itchy bite that doesn't disappear for days.
On the northern side of Manda is a luxury lodge, but other than that, the island is mainly empty or occupied by a few local villages. The Takwe Ruins lie on the sea-facing side of the island and are interesting to walk around.
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At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
