Travel Guide Island Of Manda

Located just opposite Lamu, separated from the mainland by a natural sea channel, this almost deserted island hosts the airport, a few luxury hotels, a superb beach (just opposite Shela) and several coral quarries that provide the cinderblocks needed to build Lamu's houses. But Manda is most famous for its ruins. The remains of three Swahili cities are still visible: Manda, Kitau and Takwa. The latter, located in the south of the island, is the best preserved. The city reached its peak between the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 18th century. It was a dynamic city which counted up to 2 500 inhabitants. The reasons for its rapid decline remain uncertain. We only know that its inhabitants took refuge in Shela. Their descendants still come to Takwa twice a year to worship. The site (for a fee), at the bottom of an arm of the sea covered with mangroves, is particularly impressive. In the middle of giant baobabs, you can discover the remains of a hundred houses, the imposing surrounding wall, the spectacular mosque, and those of a beautiful pillar tomb.Diving enthusiasts will go to a small island north of Manda, Manda Toto, whose underwater world is considered among the most beautiful of the coast. If you want to visit Manda Island, the easiest way is to sign up for a day trip by dhow. Alone, you have all the chances to get lost in an inextricable jungle infested with mosquitoes and much bigger animals...