This cottage places you within a 10-minute stroll of Old Mosque and Shela Beach. The cottage includes a patio and a refrigerator and guests can enjoy free breakfast.
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view
Mangrove House Guesthouse is located on Ras Kitau, Manda Island, part of the Lamu archipelago, and sits just 2 degrees below the Equator. Our guesthouse is positioned as close to the beach and Indian ocean as is possible while maintaining privacy. The house is designed to be secluded and yet have an open view to the ocean. The trees have been cultured to provide shade but to allow for sunbathing as well. Everything is designed for outdoor living and being near the ocean but being in the shade at the same time. There are two terraces which can be used for relaxing and sunbathing during the day and which become magical places for dinner under a starlit sky or a full moon. You can watch the sunset every evening over the Indian Ocean and sometimes catch an orange coloured moon rise over the mangroves at the rear. In the morning you can run straight into the ocean or go for a long walk or run, along Manda beach.
Two ancient baobab trees flank the property, their ancient trunks like old elephant skin. We serve fresh nutritious baobab juice when their pod like fruits are available.
There are many birds - you may see fork-tailed drongos, woodpeckers, northern carmine bee-eaters, cordon bleus, amyethyst sunbirds, emerald-spotted wood doves, common bulbul, great egrets (in the mangrove behind) and many weaver birds.
The house is comprised of 2 guest bedrooms with capacity for up to 4 guests - one king (downstairs at garden/beach level) and one double (upstairs) - there are 3 terraces outside to enjoy and a covered hammock area. Guests will have full access to the garden and beach which lies directly in front of the Guesthouse. There is free wi-fi available at the house but be aware that being on the Kenyan coast sometimes the speed is not very fast. We specify children over the age of 13 years as the upstairs room has open window spaces. For young babies and children we can provide a cot which will be installed in the Acacia Room downstairs. We have mosquito nets, organic shower gel and hand wash, desks, bedside plugs with USB sockets for phone charging, fans and small safes in both bedrooms.
We are well positioned for visits to Shela, beach and village, Lamu town, Manda Bay and Kizingoni beach. All transport is by boat and we can arrange day trips or just a boat to go for dinner at the renowned Peponi Restaurant in Shela which is right opposite Mangrove House.
5 minutes up the beach is Majlis Hotel where you can have a quiet sundowner or evening supper. They also have a spa and water sports centre.
Sailing and snorkelling trips can also be arranged. There are also opportunities for yoga and sound healing. Massages can also be arranged at the property.
Once you know your flight details we arrange for a boat captain to collect you from Manda airport at a cost of 3000/- (about £17.50) one way, inclusive of all guests, which you pay directly to the captain.
There is no electricity grid supply or ground water on Manda island so please note that everything at Mangrove House is served by solar power, rain catchment and water piped from the dunes on Lamu Island. This means we cannot offer air-conditioning or hair dryers. We also want to keep the place quiet and peaceful. We do have fans in both rooms and are just in the process of installing a fridge as we await delivery of more solar batteries. The shower pressure is not strong, and although we have solar heating for the water tank, if it's cloudy the water may not heat up so efficiently but it is never truly cold here!
The cottage features a patio and 1.5 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a refrigerator, a safe, and a desk. Limited housekeeping is available.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Designated smoking areas
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Limited housekeeping
Safe
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Things to do
Sailing nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
No smoke detector (host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Bed sheets changed on request
Bulk dispensers for toiletries
Composting
Garden
Locally sourced food prioritized
Reusable cups
Reusable tableware
Towels (changed on request)
Vegan dining options
Vegetarian breakfast available
Vegetarian dining options
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
We ask guests to not wear their outdoor shoes on the nero floors to prevent sand being brought into the room. We provide indoor flip flops if needed
We ask guests to use water and power mindfully as Manda has no power or ground water. We use solar power and rain catchment
Please take your plastic containers (suncream etc)with you as we don’t have strong plastic waste management
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
No parking is available onsite.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
Long-term renters welcome.
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see near this cottage?
This cottage is located in Lamu within a short 8-minute walk of Shela Beach. You'll also find Lamu Fort and Manda Beach nearby.
How much does it cost to stay at Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view?
As of Sep 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view on Sep 24, 2026 start from $305, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is this cottage adjacent to a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.
Does this cottage offer breakfast?
This cottage offers free breakfast.
Will this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.
How far is the airport from this cottage?
The closest major airport to this cottage is Lamu (LAU-Manda), which is 2.4 mi away.
Relaxing private beachfront escape on Manda Island Lamu with ocean sunset view Reviews