A Robinson Caruso Retreat

Manda Bay Island, Kenya

A Robinson Caruso Adventire

March 14, 2026

If you ever wondered what being isolated on a secluded slice of natural paradise is like then visit Manda Bay Lodge on the island off Lamu and listen to the tale of Robinson Caruso by Daniel Defoe. Published in 1719, it’s a wonderful story of a ship captain marooned on off the coast of South America after sailing from Cadiz, down the coast of Africa and over to Brazil. In Africa Caruso was captured by Moors and forced into slavery, managed to escape, continued his sail down the coast, encountered friendly Ghanaians, survived a panther attack, met hippos and was chased by lions. Especially fun was listening to Caruso’s adventures as we walked those African beaches and saw those animals on safari.

Add the tale of Swiss Family Robinson and our recent visit Disney World Tree House adventure with our oh best beloved grandchildren and we were all set with historical context to relive youthful make believe adventures! Not surprisingly, our safaris and visit to the historical Arab slave trade market in Lamu made these tales feel un seemingly familiar.

Long Isolated Walks

We wondered if the grey spreads in the sand were oil streaks. Then we were intrigued with the countless piles of thick grey black pasta styled sand mounds. What a surprise to learn it’s worm poop!

This is a worm cast (also called worm “poo” or fecal casting) from a lugworm (genus Arenicola, likely a species similar to the black to lugworm Arenicola defodiens or a tropical relative found in the Indian Ocean region). The worms can get 8” long.