Regardless of the time of year you visit, Manda Bay, situated on the Lamu Archipelago, is one of the most delightful locations to stay on the entire East African coastline. It is almost impossible not to fall in love with the lodge on its isolated and private island and the family and staff that run it.

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General Info


Manda Bay is an exclusive boutique beach resort on the Lamu Archipelago of Kenya overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is one of the most delightful locations to stay on the entire East African coastline, catering for everyone from families to honeymooners, couples seeking to relax or those keen to exhaust themselves on the myriad of activities that are available. Renowned for its relaxed and casual ambience, the lodge offers gourmet seafood, water sports, deep-sea fishing and dhow cruises, all with a tasteful down to earth simplicity and style that epitomizes ‘barefoot luxury’. 

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The Fishing


The Eastern coast of Kenya has long been reputed for its excellent seasonal fishing for Billfish. Sailfish, Striped, Black and Blue Marlin, along with many other game fish, migrate through these waters in abundance.  During October & November the numbers of Sailfish present are outstanding, whilst Feb-March is the main Marlin season. Good days during the main Sailfish season can see tallies of 10 Sailfish released and although Marlin numbers will never attain those figures anglers will have very good prospects in Feb & March in particular.

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Bluewater Fishing


Manda Bay has a fully equipped blue-water fishing boats with an expert skipper and crew. The Cheza is a 33 ft diesel powered boat equipped with all the latest navigation, safety and satellite equipment and a very comprehensive range of fishing gear including both conventional fishing tackle and fly fishing rods.   Catch & Release is now practiced will all Billfish however Wahoo, Mahi Mahi and Tuna can all be taken and are enjoyed at the lodge.

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Fly-Fishing for Billfish


For those who prefer to lie back and drink a beer waiting for the action then read no further. Catching a Marlin or a Sailfish on a fly is an integrated team effort. The skipper will shout, the crew will rush feverishly around and the angler will wait on tenterhooks whilst the fish is lured to within 5-7 meters of the back of the boat. By this stage the fish or at least its sail or bill will be fully visible, its body lit up with spectacular colour and success or failure will rest on what is likely to be one nerve-wracking cast. If all goes according to plan and the fish takes expect a jaw-droppingly spectacular fight where the odds remain firmly on the side of the fish.

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Manda Bay Lodge & Accommodation


Manda Bay is a small intimate beach resort that is privately owned and hosted by the owners. It specialises in providing the personalized family touch that larger hotels aspire to. The accommodation consists of 16 en-suite bedroom bungalows with overhead ceiling fans inside spacious mosquito nets. Each one has its own private ocean fronted veranda complete with sunbeds and swing chair. Simply but sympathetically decorated the rooms exude the comfort and style reflected in the lodge as a whole. Evening meals are enjoyed under the stars in candlelit elegance.

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Alternate Activities


Besides being supremely comfortable and relaxing, Manda Bay has a host of integrated activities on offer. Choose from and receive instruction in an array of water sports including windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing and kayaking. A fleet of boats and skiffs is also on hand to take guests snorkelling, bird watching and on excursions to the 11th Century ruins of ancient Takwa or to Lamu town. Each evening sundowners are arranged whether at the end of a beach walk or a hilltop perch under the stars.

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Typical Manda Fishing Itinerary

Day 1

-Arriva Nairobi
-Overnight Nairobi

Day 2

-Fly to Lamu
-Short boat transfer to Manda

Day 3-7

-5 days at Manda
-Bluewater fishing as arranged (1/2 or full days)

Day 8

-Depart Lamu
-Fly Lamu-Nairobi

Length of stay is not fixed.

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2024 Rates

Season

Manda is open all year

Rates


Beachfront/adult sharing $424/night
Palm Room/adult sharing $404/night
Garden Room sharing $308/night

Fishing Rates

Deep-Sea Fishing
6 hours $650 USD
10 hours $1,000 USD

Included

Full board accommodation, transfers from Lamu, guided walks, laundry, sailing

Excluded

Bar drinks, deep-sea fishing and motorized water sports, spa treatments, scenic flights and charters, organised tours, gratuities

Notes

Full pricing details and availability on request

Best Times to Go

For Sailifish Oct & Nov is the absolute prime time when the sea can be boiling with activity.  For Marlin February and March is the best time.

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More Photos

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Saltwater Fly-Fishing

Our Aim

Our Aim is to share our combined knowledge of fly fishing holidays and fly fishing vacations around the world to make your next river fishing, lake fishing or salt-water fly fishing holiday the best ever.

Our Promise

  • We do not charge a commission over and above the standard rates set by a fishing lodge.

  • Our advice and experience is based on first hand knowledge of the lodges we recommend.

  • We will always offer you any currently available promotions or discounts.

  • Our information is based on personal experience and is unbiased towards any lodge or operation.

  • We will always strive to ensure that your fishing trip is optimised to meet both the best seasonal conditions.

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