FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
1. What is the best time to visit Manda?
The most beautiful time year for clear turquoise waters for snorkelling and fishing and dry, hot weather is from November - April. (25º-33º Celius)
Low season and the more comfortable and cooler months are June - October. ( 23º - 28º Celius). We expect brief rain showers, rougher waters as well as sediment from the Tana river in the south. This makes it unsuitable for snorkelling.
Manda Bay is closed for the month of May.
2. How can we get to you?
You will have to get a domestic flight from either JKIA International Airport or the domestic Wilson Airport in Nairobi or from Moi International Airport in Mombasa. All domestic flights land at Lamu Manda Airport. The lodge has a small airstrip for private charter flights. Our Nairobi office can help you to book flights to Manda Bay.
If you arrive at Lamu Manda Airport, you will be met by us and transferred to the lodge by boat, approx 30 minutes. If you arrive at our own airstrip, you will be met by car and transferred to the lodge which is a short 3 minute drive.
3. What happens if our flights arrive before check- in time of 12 noon ?
If your flight arrives early morning and you arrive prior to check in, you are welcome to come over and make use of the day. We will check you in as normal once the rooms are free. In the meantime you will have access to a washroom to change and shower if need be. All extra meals and beverages taken prior to check in will be charged to your room.
4. Do you have air conditioning in the rooms?
No - We do not have air conditioning in any of the rooms. All rooms are open and have no glass or shutters but curtains for privacy. There are overhead fans inside the mosquito net.
5. Can we charge phones and cameras and what power supply do you have?
Yes - All plugs and sockets are 220-240volt Square 3 pin socket power points in all the rooms. We recommend guests bring converters and universal plug adaptors.
6. Can we have our children with us in the room?
Yes - we have 2 family sized rooms ( room 11 and room 7) and we can always add extra beds into the standard rooms if you’d rather have your children in the same room as you.
7. Do you have a 1/2 board Rate?
No, we do not.
8. Do you have Malaria?
Malaria is endemic on the Kenyan coast so there is an effective risk all year round, although being remote the risk is very low. With correct prophylactics, and sensible use of insect repellents, chances of catching malaria are minimal.
9. Do you have mobile signal and wifi?
Mobile phone service is fairly good though the signal is better in the bar and dining area that the bedrooms. WiFi is available throughout the lodge though it is not high speed.
10. Do you have an ‘Al a Carte’ menu?
No - Breakfast is a selection of of seasonal fresh fruit, homemade cereals and a choice of pancakes , continental or cooked English breakfast. Lunch is a selection of fresh organic dishes from locally sourced ingredients with a selection of fish, seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes and Dinner is a 3-course menu outside under the stars during fine weather. All food preferences and allergies are catered for with prior notice.
11. Can we invite friends/guests for lunch ?
Yes - with prior booking through the lodge manager and is subject to availability and space in the lodge. To book a meal at Manda Bay, please call the lodge manager: +254 (0) 11 2879128. The cost is $50/ Ksh 5,000 per person. All drinks are purchased from the bar and are not included in the meal price.
12. Where is your closest medical facility?
We have first aid medical equipment at the lodge and there is a small local hospital in Lamu. For serious medical emergencies, we will arrange air evacuation to a Nairobi Hospital. All guests are recommended to have comprehensive travel/medical insurance.
12. What are VISA and COVID entry requirements for Kenya?
A single entry tourist e-Visa must be obtained online. Recently, covid vaccination certification has been dropped but it is worth carrying a copy of your covid vaccination certificate if you have one.
