Manda Bay, Kenya

Manda Bay is a jewel on the Kenyan coastline. Its empty beaches, clear blue seas and quiet, simplistic nature leaves every guest relaxed and happy. This small boutique lodge located on the tip of an unspoiled, idyllic island encourages you to kick off your shoes and enjoy barefoot luxury in palm thatched cottages and open living spaces. Perfect for couples and families. With a host of activities and miles of beach, its unlikely you’ll be missed if you want to head out to fish these rich waters.

A world class billfish destination

Manda Bay is known for its fabulous fishing in the ocean waters that surround the island. An experienced crew use Manda Bay’s own boat, a 33 foot Lochin sport-fisher, called “Cheza” to fish their home waters, in which you will find striped, black and blue marlin together with our prime target, Indo-Pacific sailfish and a host of other pelagic species.

The sailfish season kicks off in September and runs through until April, with huge numbers of fly rod size fish arriving to feed in the food rich waters surrounding Manda. The striped marlin along with their larger cousins, the blue and black marlin run earlier in the year to join in on the banquet of baitfish which congregate around these waters. As far as other pelagics go, tuna, dorado, wahoo and barracuda are around throughout the year but more common during August to May.

There is also the chance to lock horns with the night feeding broadbill swordfish, which some say is pound for pound the strongest fish that swims.

A secluded location, quiet beaches, pools and watersports

Manda Bay is a private lodge on Manda Island in northern Kenya’s Lamu archipelago. Furnished with traditionally made local furniture there are 11 large Beachfront Rooms, five Palm Rooms that overlook the ocean but are set back a little further and six smaller Garden Rooms. All rooms have large windows to catch the breeze, fans and en-suite bathroom. The veranda, with swing bed and sitting area, is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view.

The neighbouring island of Lamu is a 20 minute boat-drive and its ancient town, now a world heritage site, is a popular place to visit. The food at Manda embraces all the rich flavours not only of the sea but also the culture of both Swahili and European tastes. All the sea food is delivered fresh to the door by local fishermen and by the lodge’s own fishing boats, allowing guests are to sample their own catch. Fresh fruit, salads and vegetables are either grown at the lodge or flown in by air. The lodge is more than happy to cater for vegetarians, children and special diets with prior notice.

“I snuck out most mornings to have a crack off the beach before the family woke up and had some great success with small trevally. Later in the week I caught some fantastic tuna and wahoo off one of the boats. the family loved it and I got to fish!” P.O. – UK

Northwest tip of Manda Island, in the historic Lamu archipelago

Manda Bay is a private lodge, situated on Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago. The island is surrounded by beautiful white beaches, most of which are fringed with large coconut trees – a truly idyllic setting.