Getting to Lamu: Your Journey to Manda Island

Lamu sits at the far edge of Kenya's northern coast, an archipelago of islands where cars give way to dhows and donkeys, and the pace of the day is set by the tide. Reaching The Majlis, on Manda Island, is simpler than its remoteness suggests — and the journey is part of the pleasure.

Fly to Manda Island

The quickest way to reach us is by air. Daily flights connect Manda Island (Lamu) with Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi, operated by Kenya's scheduled coastal carriers. From Nairobi the flight takes around one hour and a half; from Mombasa or Malindi it is shorter still. Book the morning departure and you can be swimming off Ras Kitau Bay by lunchtime.

The Final Stretch, by Boat

Manda Airport sits directly across the channel from the resort, so the last leg of your journey is a short speedboat transfer over calm water — a fitting arrival to an island where the sea is never far. Our team meets every guest at the airstrip and takes care of your luggage, so there is nothing to arrange and nothing to carry.

Private Charters and Scenic Flights

For those who prefer to travel on their own schedule, we can arrange tailor-made pickups and private charter flights from Nairobi, Mombasa or Malindi. A charter also opens up the option of a scenic flight along the coast — low over the reefs, the mangrove channels and the sandbars of the archipelago, an unforgettable way to see the place before you land in it.

What to Know Before You Travel

Most visitors to Kenya require a visa, which can be obtained online before you travel or on arrival; your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your arrival date. Kenya runs on UK-style three-pin plugs at 220–240V, and the time zone is GMT+3 year round. Pack light and pack soft — Lamu is a barefoot, linen sort of place.

Ready to plan the details? Our team is happy to help with flights and transfers — simply get in touch, or read more about transfers & scenic flights.