Overview
This is an exciting and unique getaway after the excitement of a safari. A rustic and intimate Lamu stay, our Dhow and Manda Bay Resort provides the ideal quiet beach getaway.
This particular sample 4-night itinerary shows an option for an exclusive use group (of up to 10 people) starting with 2 nights on the Tusitiri Dhow followed by 2 nights at Manda Resort
Note: If you are a smaller party or a couple, contact us for a quote based on Manda Bay alone.
Barefoot luxury, Manda Bay combines a beach and bush experience; miles of secluded beachfront, the warm Indian Ocean and acres of untouched bush, home to a large variety of birds and mammals including buffalo and bushbuck. Discover the ancient swahili history of Lamu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the original Swahili settlements of coastal East Africa, established in 1370. This can be a holiday on its own or a relaxing end to a wildlife safari.
Itinerary Change for 2025 - 5 nights
This price is per person but based on a party of 4 people. The itinerary is not available between May and July.
- 2 nights Tusitiri Dhow
- 3 nights Pepo House
Our Digital Itinerary
Use the scroll button to see the full itinerary.
On arrival in Nairobi, you are met and transferred to Wilson Airport for your flight to Lamu.
To visit the mystical island of Lamu is to take a step back in time. There is only one vehicle on the island, otherwise people walk, ride donkeys, or sail on traditional Arab sailboats called Dhows or Ngalawas. The ocean side of the island is fronted by a huge, eight mile long deserted beach, with commanding dunes that shield the coconut and mango plantations and small villages behind. At the heart of the island is the Old Town, where narrow winding paths and traditional Swahili architecture reflect the combined influences of the Omani, Indian, and Portuguese merchants and explorers over a thousand years of spirited trade.
The Tusitiri Dhow (exclusive use only)
The Tusitiri Dhow is ideal for families or a group of friends wanting a unique and private experience amongst the beautiful and historic islands of the north Kenyan coast.
Life on-board is relaxed and centered on Tusitiri’s broad deck, with sumptuous cushioned seating areas and a dining area arranged around the wooden mast. Meals are prepared in the open-air galley kitchen at the bow, and served in the shaded dining area. There are beautiful views over the ocean, quiet corners to relax, and the day-cabins below deck provide storage and changing facilities.
At night, brass lanterns light up the deck and comfortable white linen bedrolls are set up on deck after dinner. On Tusitiri, all the beds are star-beds!
Possible activities include snorkeling the coral reefs, paddleboarding in quiet lagoons and mangrove creeks, deep-sea fishing and creek fishing, water-skiing and wake-boarding, walking, relaxing, and picnicking on pristine beaches, sundowner drinks on beaches or sand dunes, and exploring the narrow streets and sites of Lamu and Shela.
On Day 3, you transfer over to Manda Bay
Located on the north western tip of Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago, Manda Bay is the epitome of barefoot luxury; a family owned and hosted, simple boutique hotel in an exquisite location.
The cottages are constructed using local materials with thatched roofs, ceiling fans and woven matted floors on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Walk for miles on the unspoilt white sandy beach; go snorkeling on the edge of the coral reef; go water-skiing in the creek or kite-surfing in the ocean; visit the Takwa ruins; enjoy a peaceful bird watching cruise through the mangroves; and finish the day with a delicious seafood dinner under the stars.
Transfer back to the airport for your flight back to Nairobi where you transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and depart.
An idea of price
This is a set tour using specific camps. However many tours can be adapted. Chat to us about your options. It excludes international flights but includes an estimate for all domestic or regional flights within the tour.
Full board accommodation, Soft drinks, beer, house wines and selected spirits, Activities including sea kayaking, sailing windsurfing and paddle boarding, Use of swimming pool, games room activities and yoga room, Return transfers from Lamu Manda Airport, Domestic flight departure tax, Return transfers from Lamu Manda Airport AMREF Flying Doctors Membership, Laundry and all statutory charges.
EXCLUDESChampagne, luxury spirits, and private cellar wines, Additional activities not mentioned in inclusions, All statutory increases beyond our control, International flights and visa fees, Gratuities
Mari Jacobs
AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST