Mkoko House

Mkoko House is situated on the edge of the mangroves in a quiet and peaceful setting on Manda Island. The house built on nearly one acre of land set 5 minutes walk from Manda beach was built in a characteristic Lamu coastal style.

There are no cars on either Lamu or Manda Island leaving donkeys and boats as the main form of transportation by locals and tourists alike. From Manda Beach it takes 5 minutes or less to travel across the channel to Shela village and beach, 15 minutes to Lamu Old Town and 20 minutes to Lamu Airport which is located on the other end of Manda Island and is also reached by boat. You can hire a boat with a captain for the duration of your stay or use a boat for individual trips when you need to. Boat trips (and Dhow trips) can easily be arranged from Mkoko House on request.

The rate includes a housekeeper who cleans the house on a daily basis, changes sheets and towels, and attends to the garden. A cook is also available so you can enjoy an array of meals cooked to your personal taste. A variety of seafood is available (fish, crabs, prawns, lobster, octopus, etc) depending on the season. Airport pick-up and drop-off can be arranged on request and cost usually less than 10 euro/boat.

Activities and Attractions

Beaches
There are two main beaches in the vicinity of the house.
Manda beach is a 5-7 minute walk from the house. It is a long, quiet beach with calm waters ideal for chilled out swimming sessions, and lazy afternoons basking in the sun.
Shela Beach starts at the edge of Shela village and stretches for 14 kilometres with plenty of isolated spots if you’re looking to escape from the world. (Shela beach and Shela village are a5 minute boat ride across the channel).
With their white sands and blue waters, both Shela and Manda beach are ideal paradise spots. (See pictures in our photo gallery)

Dhow Trips
A dhow trip is a must during your stay on Manda and Lamu. Trips either exploring the archipelago, or down through the mangroves on Manda, or even trips with an over-night camping stop on one of the smaller islands are all possible. Trips and subsequently their price vary depending on their length and where you fancy going.
There are plenty of boat captains in both Shela village and Lamu town waiting for you to say the word, but remember to shop around to ensure you get the best price.

Takwa ruins
Takwa (located on Manda Island) was a flourishing town in the 16th and 17th century but was abandoned by its inhabitants. Many say that once water on the island ran out, the villagers left and built Shela village on Lamu Island. Today Shela residents believe they are the descendents of those who lived in Takwa.
The ruins of the town are impressive as you can see remnants of houses, the mosque, the city wall, and a pillar tomb. The Jamaa mosque is the largest surviving structure in the town.
You can easily reach Takwa by taking a dhow from Manda beach where you will sail through the mangroves, followed by a short walk further
inland to the ruins.

Other activities

Snorkelling, kayaking
Lamu Cultural Festival (normally held in November)

Lamu Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its distinctive coastal traditions and way of life. Lamu Old Town is a bustling ancient town with tons to offer in ways of cuisine, culture, and more. Shela Village about 2 km from Lamu Town is considerably smaller and therefore quieter. The village is incredibly charming with its narrow lanes and paths which cut through the village like a maze.