Getting There

Flying from Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi to Lamu

There are several flight carriers to Lamu airport which is situated on Manda Island.   A beautiful boat ride will take you to Mangrove House on Ras Kitau, which is part of Manda Island. We can arrange a boat captain to meet your flight - the cost is normally 2,000 Kenyan Shillings - which will bring you direct to our place.

Flights operate direct from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with Jambojet via Malindi and Mombasa

Or Fly from Wilson airport, the local Nairobi airport, with Skyward Express, and Safarilink

Flight time is less than 2 hours with varying baggage allowances and preferences for soft bags on some airlines - please check with each airline

There are no cars on the island - all transport is by boat, donkey or bicycle

 

Local Airlines

From Jomo Kenyatta Airport

Jambojet- www.jambojet.com


Flight 540 - www.fly540.com (not flying to Lamu currently 2024)

From Wilson Airport

Safarilink - www.flysafarilink.com

Skyward Express - www.skywardexpress.co.ke

Fly-Sax - www.fly-sax.com (not flying to Lamu currently 2024)

Silverstone Air - www.silverstoneair.com (not flying to Lamu currently 2024)

Air Kenya - www.airkenya.com - not flying to Lamu currently (2024)

eTA Visa requirements

Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation visa for entry into the country. This is called an eTA and can be easily accessed online at www.etakenya.go.ke

Many website addresses look similar to the official Government website above but do not use them as you will end up being charged more.

You need the following documents prepared for tourist travellers - in jpg, png formats (HEIC photos don’t upload):

  • Valid passport for at least six (6) months) after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page

  • Selfie or passport-type photo

  • Contact information, email address and phone number

  • Details of your arrival and departure itinerary

  • Accommodation booking confirmation (s) - Mangrove House, Ras Kitau, Manda Island, Lamu 80500, Kenya

  • Credit card, debit card or other means of payment

Gallery

 

RIGHT ON THE BEACH

A living island

Despite the fact there is no ground water in Manda, small farms thrive on the island and there is abundant bird life.  The island provides a perfect mix of sea and African bush - cycling or walking is the best way to explore

 

The Environment

Manda is an island with no ground water or electricity supply.  Mangrove House is served by solar power and all water comes from rainfall so please use both sparingly!

All rubbish is disposed of responsibly through Manda residents' beach clean up collective.  Please take your plastic bottles with you if possible when you leave and pick up any rubbish you find washed up on the beach. Single use plastic bags are illegal now in Kenya, which is a step in the right direction.

We ask all guests to the island to be aware of the environment and take care of this beautiful and rare place.

General information

Swahili is the local language but there is a high knowledge of English among the community.

Sim cards are available to buy in Shela and Lamu with both airtime for phone and internet. 

Kenya uses UK type 3 square pin 220/240 volt sockets.  

All beds are protected by mosquito nets - Malaria tablets are recommended but not obligatory.   Do bring your own (preferably natural) mosquito repellents.   Mosquito coils will be provided for free.