On this article, I’ll assist you determine the place to remain in Mombasa. This submit consists of the very best areas, issues to do close by, eating places, and my favourite locations to remain. So, whether or not it’s your first time within the space, you’re visiting for nightlife, desperate to study historical past, or vacationing with household, observe my lead as we discover neighborhoods in Kenya’s fundamental port metropolis.
As a neighborhood Kenyan, I’ve visited Mombasa many instances and stayed in numerous neighborhoods. Inside this information, I’ll share with you the very best locations to remain in Mombasa, together with Mombasa Island and areas alongside the north coast.
Mombasa is without doubt one of the finest vacationer locations in Kenya for seashores, historical past, heritage, and luxurious resorts. It’s additionally a port and the second-largest metropolis within the nation, attracting native and worldwide guests. Subsequently, planning a visit to this coastal gem for its points of interest and locations to go to is straightforward. Nevertheless, selecting the place to remain in Mombasa will be difficult.
Usually, Mombasa County is split into 4 areas. These embrace Mombasa Island, the north coast, the south coast, and the mainland. These areas are additional subdivided into smaller neighborhoods.
The south coast refers to areas throughout the Likoni Ferry, whereas the mainland contains cities and settlements after the Makupa Causeway. Mombasa Island hosts the town heart and the outdated city. It’s linked to the north coast (residence to the finest points of interest in Mombasa) by the Nyali Bridge.
Greatest Areas to Keep in Mombasa
Fast Look: Right here’s a abstract of the place to remain in Mombasa (click on to leap down the web page):
Mombasa Island: Greatest Place to Keep in Mombasa for First-Time Guests
Most individuals consider Mombasa not as a area however as a metropolis, a port, an island, and a seashore city. Though that is partly proper, the coastal vacation spot is a county comprising completely different areas. One in all these distinct areas is Mombasa Island, which incorporates the town heart and is the central hub connecting all cities alongside the Kenyan coast.
Mombasa Island is residence to many vacationer points of interest, historic websites, nice eating places, and inexpensive lodging. It’s additionally the middle for long-distance buses and is near fundamental transport hubs such because the airport and practice station. It’s preferrred for first-time guests, historical past lovers, and finances vacationers.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mombasa Island
Listed below are my prime suggestions if you happen to’re questioning the place to remain within the Mombasa metropolis heart:
1. Mombasa Consolation Home: This 2-bedroom residence on the coronary heart of the outdated city is ideal for solo vacationers and {couples}. Along with lovely sea views, it has free Wi-Fi, a seating space, a completely outfitted kitchen, a fridge, a wise TV, and a clear toilet. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Resort Sapphire: This 3-star resort is my favourite in Mombasa Island attributable to its central location, outside pool, clear rooms, and excellent customer support. When you’re a first-time customer within the metropolis or on the lookout for a spot to relaxation earlier than catching a practice or flight, keep at Sapphire. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. THE IVORY SUITES by ARMAAN: This lodging facility in Mombasa metropolis heart is conveniently situated near nightlife joints, eating places, and bus terminus. It has elegant rooms with a desk, flat-screen TV, free parking, and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Mombasa Island
Under are a few of the finest issues to do on Mombasa Island:
1. Mombasa Previous City: For historical past lovers, Previous City is the very best place to start out your journey in Mombasa. You possibly can be part of this top-rated tour and discover this improbable place and Fort Jesus. Your information will share thrilling details about the historical past and tradition of the traditional settlement, and also you’ll cease alongside the slender alleys to admire outdated buildings and their options. Discover out extra right here. Additionally, don’t miss the sound and lightweight present of Fort Jesus!
2. Attempt Swahili Dishes: A visit to Kenya’s second-largest metropolis is incomplete with out tasting native delicacies. There are lots of eating places right here serving Swahili dishes comparable to biryani hen (spiced rice with hen), samaki wa kupaka (fish in coconut curry), and pilau (spiced rice). My favourite stops embrace Mombasa Dishes and Jahazi Espresso Home.
3. Mama Ngina Waterfront: I really like watching ships go away a harbor whereas others make port calls – there’s one thing so calming concerning the sight of buoys swaying on the ocean waves. Moreover enjoyable and having fun with the ocean breeze and sundown, you can too work together with native distributors on this lovely place.
The place to Eat and Drink on Mombasa Island
Listed below are a few of the finest eating places and bars on Mombasa Island:
1. Jahazi Espresso Home: Jahazi is the very best restaurant to pattern Swahili dishes and low in Mombasa Previous City. With its lovely furnishings and spectacular work, the small eatery off the principle road (Ndia Kuu) displays the cultural heritage of its first residents and present locals. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Blue Room Restaurant: This restaurant is known for good meals, ice cream, and pleasant workers members. You possibly can order from their multi-cuisine menu, which incorporates pizza, Hawaiian roast hen, paneer tikka, and biryani. My favourite meal right here is their grilled steak with mushroom sauce. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Zero 4 Lounge: This is without doubt one of the finest sports activities lounges in Mombasa Island. Right here, you may take pleasure in your favourite drink whereas watching matches on massive high-definition screens. The membership additionally hosts weekly themes like Reggae Wednesdays and Whiskey Fridays. Click on right here for instructions.
Shanzu: Greatest Space in Mombasa for Nightlife
Alongside the north coast after Bamburi is the Shanzu neighborhood – the very best place to remain in Mombasa for nightlife. Along with quite a few seashore resorts, the world includes a stretch of unpolluted, white sand seashores. It additionally has a number of leisure spots, together with Membership Quantity, my go-to for an evening out in Mombasa.
When you love good meals, journey, and a cushty keep, then Shanzu is your finest wager. You’ll discover wonderful resorts and spas like PrideInn Flamingo right here, and thrill seekers have the choice of go-karting or watersports. For foodies, a number of eating places serve scrumptious dishes.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Shanzu
Shanzu neighborhood hosts a few of the finest seashore resorts, flats, and villas alongside the Kenyan coast. Listed below are just a few choices:
1. Serena Seaside Resort & Spa: Though a 3-star resort, Serena is a improbable resort providing top-class companies. Along with air-conditioned and spacious Swahili-style rooms, the resort options outside eating places, bars, lush gardens, and a swimming pool. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. PrideInn Flamingo Seaside Resort & Spa: For a family-friendly place to remain in Shanzu subsequent to the seashore, I like to recommend PrideInn. This lovely resort is serene and affords world-class facilities comparable to palm-fringed gardens, two bars, an outside swimming pool, and 4 eating places. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Platinum Home Resort: When you’re a finances traveler on the lookout for an inexpensive place to remain in Shanzu, Mombasa, try this resort. The three-star lodging facility affords clear rooms with a security field, a personal toilet, a youngsters’s playground, a terrace, and a restaurant, amongst different facilities. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Shanzu
Under are my favourite issues to do in and across the Shanzu neighborhood:
1. Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park: For watersports fanatics, Shanzu affords the chance to enterprise offshore and play. You possibly can scuba dive, snorkel, and windsurf in Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park. Journeys to this park will be organized out of your resort. You may as well try native diving firms like Calico Jacks.
2. Shanzu Seaside: This public seashore affords a serene house to calm down, stroll, and benefit from the ocean breeze. It’s much less crowded, clear, scenic, and one of the vital lovely Mombasa seashores.
3. Mombasa Go-Kart: For thrilling sports activities like karting and zip-lining, head to Mombasa Go-Cart. This journey venue is appropriate for adults and youngsters, providing households a chance to have enjoyable. It additionally hosts a wonderful restaurant for scrumptious meals comparable to fish (from their pod), beef burgers, and spaghetti bolognese.
The place to Eat and Drink in Shanzu
Listed below are just a few of the very best bars and eating places in Shanzu:
1. Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant: This lovely restaurant serves nice meals and drinks, together with Swiss rosti, fillet steak skewers, roast hen, and chilly shrimp cocktails. It additionally performs nice music with a stay band session each Tuesday and Friday. Its workers members are additionally heat and useful. Click on right here for instructions.
2. The Tavern Inn: Moreover providing inexpensive lodging in Shanzu, this splendid resort has a phenomenal backyard restaurant open to in-house and outdoors company. Right here, you may take pleasure in tasty pork or nyama choma served with ugali earlier than hitting the bar to seize your favourite drink. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Quantity Membership: This lavish nightclub has fashionable interiors, good music, and a improbable dance ground. I visited Quantity after a buddy really helpful it, and true to his phrase, it didn’t disappoint. Along with numerous drinks, you may order meals – comparable to nyama choma served with ugali. Click on right here for instructions.
Nyali: Coolest Place to Keep in Mombasa
Nyali is without doubt one of the most unique and posh areas of Mombasa. The neighborhood boasts fashionable buying malls, a golf course, palm-lined pristine seashores, enticing resorts, and excellent eating places. It’s additionally near a marine park the place adventurous vacationers can take pleasure in numerous watersport actions.
I’ve stayed in Nyali a number of instances and discover it the good of Mombasa neighborhoods. When you’re touring as a household and questioning the place to remain in Mombasa, I extremely suggest this space. It’s additionally preferrred for {couples} and anybody looking for some tranquility and enjoyable.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Nyali
Listed below are a few of the finest locations to remain in Nyali, together with luxurious seashore resorts and lodges.
1. Ayodya Suites Nyali: When you’re a pair or solo traveler on the lookout for an inexpensive resort in Nyali, ebook your keep at Ayodya. It has comfy air-conditioned suites, a terrace, an outside pool, a shared lounge, and a restaurant, amongst different facilities. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Voyager Seaside Resort: Designed to emulate the class of a luxurious cruise liner, Voyager is all set to whisk you away on a improbable ocean journey, guaranteeing that no consolation is neglected. This vigorous ship-themed resort strives to supply the very best companies to households, teams, {couples}, and solo vacationers. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Resort Englishpoint Marina: On the far south finish of Nyali, overlooking Mombasa Previous City, you’ll discover this fabulous 4-star resort. Its options embrace air-conditioned rooms, a jacuzzi, eating places, an infinity pool, a pier, and a solar terrace. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Nyali
When you’re booked right into a resort or resort in Nyali, listed below are my prime picks of issues to see and do on this posh suburb:
1. Wild Waters: When you’re on the lookout for enjoyable actions for households and teams in Mombasa, I like to recommend Wild Waters Kenya. The park affords a full day of thrilling water experiences, together with plunging down the slides and swimming. It additionally has a child’s pool, an grownup’s bowl pool, meals courts, and a bar.
2. Bombolulu Workshops: This is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Nyali. It means that you can have interaction with locals and see how individuals dwelling with disabilities use their expertise and abilities for financial empowerment. Along with the workshop for producing handmade items, Bombolulu has a cultural heart with mannequin Swahili villages.
3. Discover Seashores: There are two seashores in Nyali – Mombasa Seaside (northside) and Nyali Seaside (southside). These seashores are related throughout low tide to kind a spectacular stretch of soppy white sands. Moreover enjoyable, swimming, and strolling, you may kitesurf and scuba dive at Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park.
The place to Eat and Drink in Nyali
Under are the very best eating places and bars within the Nyali space:
1. Tamarind Dhow and Restaurant: Nestled within the coronary heart of Previous Nyali is the Tamarind Restaurant. This oceanfront restaurant is famend for its swish ambiance and pleasant dishes. Along with serving barbeque and continental delicacies, Tamarind is well known for the town’s best seafood. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Govinda’s Restaurant: When you’re on the lookout for a vegetarian restaurant within the Nyali space, go to Govinda’s. The restaurant is situated on the iconic New Dwarikadham Temple and affords an unbeatable eating expertise. It’s close to Nyali Seaside and the well-known Gombeshwar Caves – Shiva Temple. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Maasai Seaside Bar & Restaurant: This restaurant alongside Mombasa Seaside affords the right chill spot beside the ocean. It serves numerous dishes, together with nyama choma, fish, and fried hen. You possibly can take pleasure in a chilly beer, a glass of wine, or a cup of espresso as you watch the sundown. Click on right here for instructions.
Bamburi: Greatest for Households
Bamburi is without doubt one of the finest neighborhoods in Mombasa for household holidays. This charming space extends from the Indian Ocean to the mainland and has a number of points of interest.
Bamburi Seaside is much less crowded, clear, and flanked by world-class resorts, making it good for rest. Its white sandy shores, framed by swaying palm bushes, create an inviting scene for sunset-seekers. You possibly can bask subsequent to the ocean and soak up breathtaking horizon views whereas having fun with a chilly drink.
Away from the shoreline, Bamburi’s vigorous fundamental road is ideal for these on the lookout for nightlife spots and native vibes. Right here, you may stroll by the market watching the every day lifetime of the locals and afterward go celebration at Dublin Avenue.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Bamburi
Listed below are a few of the finest lodging choices within the Bamburi space:
1. Severin Sea Lodge: This top-rated lodge is without doubt one of the finest gems alongside the coast. It options spacious rooms, three eating places, an outside pool, and unbelievable sea views, attracting all sorts of vacationers. Guide your keep right here for indelible reminiscences. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Plaza Seaside Resort: When you’re on the lookout for luxurious in an inexpensive place close to Bamburi Seaside, ebook this 3-star resort. It has spacious visitor suites with a satellite tv for pc TV, air-conditioning, a mini bar, and a balcony to take pleasure in ocean views. Different services embrace a restaurant, poolside bar, and a health room. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Sarova Whitesands Seaside Resort: This lovely oceanfront resort is without doubt one of the high-end lodging choices alongside the coast. It’s a singular Swahili fort with all of the facilities for a cushty and opulent keep. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Bamburi
Listed below are the very best issues to do within the Bamburi space:
1. Haller Park: Located alongside Nyali Street, Haller Park is a phenomenal sanctuary with a reptile park, fish farm, and wild animals. Right here, you may spot hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, and numerous chicken species. It additionally has a serene forest path for nature walks and a biking path resulting in the Butterfly Pavilion – a must-visit.
2. Chill out alongside Bamburi Seaside: That is my favourite seashore in Kenya for household holidays. It’s lovely, much less crowded, and tranquil, providing an ideal enjoyable setting. It additionally boasts loads of improbable resorts with eating places and bars. When you desire taking issues gradual whereas on trip, contemplate staying alongside this seashore.
3. Go Scuba Diving: Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park stretches from Resort Englishpoint Mombasa to Shanzu. This park affords alternatives for watersports, together with scuba diving. When you’re in Bamburi, a number of operators run diving journeys to the close by coral gardens, together with Tropical Diving Group – my best choice.
The place to Eat and Drink in Bamburi
Listed below are the highest locations to eat and drink in Bamburi:
1. Char-Choma Restaurant: Char-Choma is my favourite place to eat within the Bamburi space. This basic restaurant serves numerous dishes, together with nyama choma, pizza, and burgers. It additionally has a young children’s playground and a raised deck to dine and drink whereas having fun with lovely ocean views. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Yul’s Restaurant: This restaurant is without doubt one of the best decisions in Bamburi for these looking for scrumptious seafood, barbecue delights, and refreshing cocktails. It affords an enthralling open-air setting that provides diners an awesome view of the serene ocean past. Attempt their delectable grilled lobsters and succulent prawns. Click on right here for instructions.
3. La Casa Di Nico Mombasa: When you love Italian delicacies, that is the very best place to eat in Bamburi. Its menu is complete, with a wide range of choices. Their meals consists of fish carpaccio (salmon, snapper & tuna), Caprese (mozzarella, tomato, and basil), and Italian wooden oven pizza. Click on right here for instructions.
Mtwapa: Greatest Place in Mombasa on a Funds
To many vacationers and locals, Mtwapa is greater than only a place; it’s an expertise that captures the guts and soul of Kenya’s coastal allure. The neighborhood is without doubt one of the finest locations to remain in Mombasa for finances vacationers and teams. It combines luxurious, modesty, tranquility, vibrancy, sightseeing, and rest.
Right here, you’ll discover numerous locations to eat, bars to check out, and delightful villas perched on the cliffs of Mtwapa Creek – a gorgeous deep water inlet. Alongside the creek’s shore is without doubt one of the finest seashores in Mombasa, and additional alongside, you’ll discover ruins of a Fifteenth-century settlement.
All these items make Mtwapa a vacation spot for each form of traveler. It’s additionally a favourite to these drawn to the seashore, nightlife, historical past, and inexpensive experiences.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mtwapa
Listed below are a few of the finest locations to remain within the Mtwapa space:
1. Peters Mansion Bougainvillea: When you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive 1-bedroom keep in Mtwapa, try this facility. The spacious residence has a terrace, an outside pool, a backyard, and a completely outfitted kitchenette. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Royal Palms House A4: This is a wonderful place to remain in Mtwapa for finances vacationers who need privateness and serenity. It options the required facilities, together with spacious rooms, a pool, and a serene backyard. Employees members are pleasant and useful, giving the place a homely really feel. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Mtwapa Luxurious Residences: It is a good keep for comfort and nice worth for cash. The flats boast clear rooms, a completely outfitted kitchen, and a shared indoor swimming pool. It’s additionally inside strolling distance of supermarkets and most nightlife joints in Mtwapa. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Mtwapa
Under are a few of the finest issues to do and locations to go to in Mtwapa:
1. Jumba La Mtwana: This nationwide monument beneath the Museums of Kenya is about quarter-hour north of Mtwapa. It means “A giant home of slaves,” suggesting that the relic was as soon as a web site for the slave commerce. Its compound accommodates a tomb, 4 homes, and 4 mosques, an indication that Muslims primarily inhabited the settlement. When you love historical past, add this web site to your itinerary.
2. Deep Sea Fishing: Deep sea fishing is among the many finest issues to do alongside the Kenya coast. When you’re drawn to the game, Mtwapa affords you an opportunity to go on a fishing safari. John & Ken Rodwell conducts deep sea fishing in Mombasa and Watamu. Be part of one in every of their excursions, and also you may return with a tuna, a sailfish, or a marlin.
3. Dance the Evening Away: Mtwapa is one other nice neighborhood in Mombasa for nightlife. The world is residence to a number of leisure spots and nightclubs. This is a perfect place to remain if you happen to take pleasure in dancing, ingesting, and listening to good music. My favourite nightclub in right here is The Yacht Lounge.
The place to Eat and Drink in Mtwapa
Under are a few of the finest locations to eat and drink in Mtwapa:
1. La Marina: It is a magical restaurant on the south facet of Mtwapa Creek. Along with its nice meals, La Marina gives company with lovely views of the creek with dhows and yachts anchored close by. Attempt their recent seafood (fish and prawns), pizza, and native meals (like nyama choma). Click on right here for instructions.
2. The Moorings: This lovely floating restaurant on the northern facet of Mtwapa Creek is ideal for {couples} and vacationers looking for a tranquil house. It serves wonderful meals and drinks for each style and desire. Click on right here for instructions.
3. The Yacht Lounge: That is my favourite leisure spot in Mtwapa, because of its pleasant workers, top-notch hospitality, and good ambiance. In order for you an awesome evening out with good music and drinks, spend a night at The Yacht. Click on right here for instructions.
Greatest Areas to Keep in Mombasa: FAQ’s
The very best space for vacationers in Mombasa is determined by private desire. Nyali and Bamburi are finest for households and {couples}, Mombasa Island is for historical past lovers and first-time guests, and Shanzu is for nightlife and adventures.
Mombasa options quite a few safe neighborhoods. However, it’s really helpful to train warning in areas like Majengo and Kisauni attributable to doable security points.
Usually, Nyali is taken into account among the many most secure areas for vacationers. It has a powerful safety presence and is a well-liked alternative for vacationers. See how one can keep secure in Kenya.
When you’re on the lookout for buying locations in Mombasa, Nyali is your finest wager. It has fashionable buying malls like Metropolis Mall the place you will discover numerous shops.
Sure, it issues the place you keep in Mombasa. Staying in well-established vacationer areas like Mtwapa and Nyali will present easy accessibility to points of interest, buying, and eating.
A typical trip in Mombasa ranges from 3-7 days, permitting you time to discover the vacation spot’s points of interest and calm down on the seashores.
Sure, there are various causes to go to Mombasa! Mombasa affords lovely seashores, improbable resorts, and attention-grabbing locations like Fort Jesus and Haller Park.
Zanzibar is famend for its unique ambiance and deep Swahili cultural roots, whereas Mombasa is livelier and has wealthy historic landmarks. Each locations boast gorgeous seashores, so your determination ought to align along with your tastes.
In Conclusion
I hope you loved studying this text on the very best locations to remain in Mombasa and that it’ll additionally show you how to determine what to do and see close by. No matter the place you select to remain, you’ll be in one in every of Africa’s most lovely and charming cities and can certainly take pleasure in it.
For extra on Mombasa, please take a look at our guides under.