History of Manda Island Kenya : Almost completely devoid of freshwater, Manda Island in Lamu Town was virtually abandoned until recently. Today, it is home to a few boutique resorts and a number of opulent new residences. In addition to the allure of the immaculate beach, Manda Island is home to Takwa, the old, abandoned town that is a favorite spot for dhow-trippers and the main airstrip on the islands. The north side of the island is home to the magnificent Manda Bay Lodge and is significant archaeologically for the ruins of Takwa and Manda.
HISTORY
Manda is an island in the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya, home of Manda Airport and the affluent ports of Takwa and Manda Town from the ninth century. The island is currently connected to Lamu via ferry. In the nineteenth century, Takwa and Manda towns were abandoned because of a shortage of water.
Manda Island is west of Manda Toto Island, and the Mkanda Channel divides Manda Island from the mainland. Elephant ivory was the main trade good in the Manda settlement when archaeologist Neville Chittick first visited it in 1965; mbutangrove poles were also significant.
The early occupants of Manda Island built their structures using lime mortar, burnt square brick, and stone—building materials that are exclusive to Kenya’s coast and islands.
The brick-and-mortar technology found in the aforementioned areas is exclusive. The average brick size in these areas is approximately 18 cm, and it is believed that these bricks were brought to Manda Island from Sohar as ballast when sailing ships entered the port. Additionally, buildings in these areas were built between the ninth and eleventh centuries using coral known as “coral rag,” which was cut from dead coral reefs.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
All year round is the ideal time to visit Manda Island. It is preferable to travel during the drier months, which are typically from the end of June to December, if you want to spend a sunny, dry beach vacation. After a Kenyan safari, January and February are great months to visit Manda. The rainy season lasts from January to the end of June.
THINGS TO DO ON MANDA ISLAND
Sunset Gaze
The greatest places to witness the magnificent African sun sinking behind Lamu Island are found across the strait from Shela on the largely deserted Manda Island. Savor the settlement and the Fort of Shela, as well as the huge, uninhabited, and pristine beaches of Ras Kitau, the crown jewel of the Lamu region, which are surrounded by palm trees. Additionally, have a sundowner at The Majlis, for instance, in a stunning environment.
Visit the Ruined City of Takwa
The Manda Island people, which was formerly one of the biggest towns along the Kenyan coast, abandoned the town in the seventeenth century. While the exact cause is unknown, the island’s freshwater loss is most likely to be to blame. These days, one of the most well-liked day trip locations from Lamu or Shela is the coral stone ruins.
The beaches and water sports
With countless beaches offering a variety of water sports like sailing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding, the island provides a singular beach experience. Excellent sailfish and marlin sport fishing is well-known in the area surrounding Manda Island. Athletes who enjoy fishing can also go shore fishing on the island.
Take trips to the fascinating historic town of Lamu and the Manda Settlement Ruins, which are encircled by old Baobab trees, to explore the shoreline. If any of these activities seem excessive, then simply relax and enjoy the sun while on your beach vacation in Kenya.
Wildlife Sightseeing
Game drives offer the opportunity to see an incredible variety of birds and animals, including buffalo, dik dik, bush buck, and mongoose, among other tiny predators. The area is rich in vegetation and wildlife. In addition, fish eagles, osprey, carmine bee eaters, and Eastern nicators are among the birds.
