Manda Island

Travel Guide

A beach with a thatched-roof swing bed.
A wooden bridge surrounded by dense green foliage.
A sunset over a beach with a person standing in the water.
A red kayak on a sandy beach by a calm river with trees and palm trees in the background.

Stay in Manda Island to enjoy sun-soaked beaches, rich history, and local traditions in a charming coastal setting.

Manda Island is an ideal destination for beach and culture travelers. You can relax at Manda Beach, enjoy the sun, and take in the surrounding scenery. Nearby, Shela Beach offers another option for beachgoers. For a glimpse into the region's history, visit the historic Lamu Fort, which is also located nearby. Additionally, Pate Island is known for its cultural tourism, providing opportunities to explore local traditions and heritage.

Take time to wander the neighborhoods around Manda Island, each with its own character. Nearby, Lamu is known for its rich cultural experiences and offers attractions such as the German Post Office Museum and the Lamu Museum. Shela, another nearby area, complements this with its own beach and cultural experiences. These areas provide a blend of historical insights and opportunities to engage with local customs.

The best time to visit Manda Island depends less on temperature, which remains warm and fairly constant throughout the year, and more on rain. May tends to bring heavier rainfall, so planning your visit outside this month may enhance your experience. Throughout the year, you can expect a warm climate, making it suitable for beach and cultural activities.

The Majlis Hotel

The Majlis Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Ras Kitau Bay Manda Island
$559 nightly
The price is $660 total per night from Nov 12 to Nov 13
$660 total
Nov 12 - Nov 13
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Manda Island. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Manda Beach and Shela Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"Absolutely lovely property."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2026

The Majlis Hotel
Shanti Sands 2 BR Beach House  with Pool on Manda Island, Lamu - Kenya

Shanti Sands 2 BR Beach House with Pool on Manda Island, Lamu - Kenya

Lamu County Lamu County
$328 nightly
The price is $343 total per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
$343 total
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Manda Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Manda Beach and Shela Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Paradise
"An amazing peaceful place. We spent 2 nights here just enjoying doing nothing except swimming, sunset walks along the beach and watching the birds and other animals."

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

Shanti Sands 2 BR Beach House with Pool on Manda Island, Lamu - Kenya
Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view

Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view

Lamu Lamu County
$340 nightly
The price is $391 total per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$391 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this cottage in Manda Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attractions Manda Beach and Shela Beach are located nearby.
Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Shanti Sands 2 BR Beach House  with Pool on Manda Island, Lamu - Kenya

Shanti Sands 2 BR Beach House with Pool on Manda Island, Lamu - Kenya

Lamu County Lamu County
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Manda Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Manda Beach and Shela Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Paradise
"An amazing peaceful place. We spent 2 nights here just enjoying doing nothing except swimming, sunset walks along the beach and watching the birds and other animals."

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

Shanti Sands 2 BR Beach House with Pool on Manda Island, Lamu - Kenya
Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view

Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view

Lamu Lamu County
Stay at this cottage in Manda Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attractions Manda Beach and Shela Beach are located nearby.
Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view
Kizingitini Suite

Kizingitini Suite

Shela Lamu County
Stay at this apartment in Lamu. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Shela Beach and Manda Beach are located nearby.
Kizingitini Suite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Manda Island attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Manda Island?
The best time to visit Manda Island is from July through September, when the climate is typically mild and pleasant. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering warmer weather. This period can be ideal for travelers looking for a more relaxed experience.
What is Manda Island known for?
Manda Island is known for being home to the scenic Manda Beach, perfect for coastal relaxation. Travelers can also explore the historic Takwa Ruins, offering a glimpse into the island's past in Kenya. This destination provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage for those seeking a unique experience.
What is a good itinerary length for Manda Island?
A good itinerary length for Manda Island is one to two days to explore key highlights like Manda Beach and the historic Takwa Ruins. For a more relaxed trip, travelers might enjoy three to four days, allowing extra time to soak in the beauty of Manda Beach and delve deeper into the history of Takwa Ruins.
What are the top things to do in and around Manda Island?
Manda Island offers travelers natural beauty and historical insights to discover:


Can I book a refundable hotel in Manda Island?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Manda Island by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Manda Island with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Manda Island trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Manda Island?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Manda Island can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Manda Island trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Manda Island trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Manda Island trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Manda Island trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Manda Island?
If it's your first trip to Manda Island, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Manda Island hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Manda Island hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Manda Island

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