On this article, I’ll assist you determine the place to remain in Mombasa. This publish consists of the perfect 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 primary port metropolis.
As an area Kenyan, I’ve visited Mombasa many occasions and stayed in several neighborhoods. Inside this information, I’ll share with you the perfect locations to remain in Mombasa, together with Mombasa Island and areas alongside the north coast.
Mombasa is among the greatest 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 may 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 Mombasa Island hosts town heart and the outdated city. It’s linked to the north coast (house to the greatest 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 seaside 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 town heart and is the central hub connecting all cities alongside the Kenyan coast.
Mombasa Island is house to many vacationer points of interest, historic websites, nice eating places, and reasonably priced lodging. It’s additionally the middle for long-distance buses and is near primary transport hubs such because the airport and prepare station. It’s best for first-time guests, historical past lovers, and price range vacationers.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mombasa Island
Listed here are my high suggestions in case you’re questioning the place to remain within the Mombasa metropolis heart:
1. Mombasa Consolation Home: This 2-bedroom condominium 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 totally 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 because of its central location, outside pool, clear rooms, and excellent customer support. When you’re a first-time customer within the metropolis or in search of a spot to relaxation earlier than catching a prepare 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 positioned 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 number of the greatest issues to do on Mombasa Island:
1. Mombasa Previous City: For historical past lovers, Previous City is the perfect place to start out your journey in Mombasa. You may be part of this top-rated tour and discover this incredible 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 slim 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. Strive Swahili Dishes: A visit to Kenya’s second-largest metropolis is incomplete with out tasting native delicacies. There are a lot 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 depart 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 may as well work together with native distributors on this lovely place.
The place to Eat and Drink on Mombasa Island
Listed here are a number of the greatest eating places and bars on Mombasa Island:
1. Jahazi Espresso Home: Jahazi is the perfect restaurant to pattern Swahili dishes and occasional in Mombasa Previous City. With its lovely furnishings and spectacular work, the small eatery off the principle avenue (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 legendary for good meals, ice cream, and pleasant employees members. You may 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 among the greatest 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 perfect place to remain in Mombasa for nightlife. Along with quite a few seaside resorts, the world encompasses a stretch of fresh, 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 greatest 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 number of the greatest seaside resorts, flats, and villas alongside the Kenyan coast. Listed here are a number of choices:
1. Serena Seashore Resort & Spa: Though a 3-star resort, Serena is a incredible resort providing top-class providers. 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 Seashore Resort & Spa: For a family-friendly place to remain in Shanzu subsequent to the seaside, I like to recommend PrideInn. This lovely resort is serene and affords world-class facilities comparable to palm-fringed gardens, two bars, an out of doors swimming pool, and 4 eating places. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Platinum Home Resort: When you’re a price range traveler in search of 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 lovers, Shanzu affords the chance to enterprise offshore and play. You may scuba dive, snorkel, and windsurf in Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park. Journeys to this park may be organized out of your resort. You may as well try native diving firms like Calico Jacks.
2. Shanzu Seashore: This public seaside affords a serene area to loosen up, stroll, and benefit from the ocean breeze. It’s much less crowded, clear, scenic, and one of the 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 children, providing households a possibility 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 here are a number of of the perfect 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 reside band session each Tuesday and Friday. Its employees members are additionally heat and useful. Click on right here for instructions.
2. The Tavern Inn: Moreover providing reasonably priced lodging in Shanzu, this splendid resort has a fantastic backyard restaurant open to in-house and outdoors friends. 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 trendy interiors, good music, and a incredible dance ground. I visited Quantity after a pal beneficial it, and true to his phrase, it didn’t disappoint. Along with varied 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 among the most unique and posh areas of Mombasa. The neighborhood boasts fashionable purchasing malls, a golf course, palm-lined pristine seashores, engaging resorts, and excellent eating places. It’s additionally near a marine park the place adventurous vacationers can take pleasure in varied watersport actions.
I’ve stayed in Nyali a number of occasions 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 advocate this space. It’s additionally best for {couples} and anybody searching for some tranquility and enjoyable.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Nyali
Listed here are a number of the greatest locations to remain in Nyali, together with luxurious seaside resorts and accommodations.
1. Ayodya Suites Nyali: When you’re a pair or solo traveler in search of an reasonably priced resort in Nyali, e-book your keep at Ayodya. It has snug air-conditioned suites, a terrace, an out of doors pool, a shared lounge, and a restaurant, amongst different facilities. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Voyager Seashore Resort: Designed to emulate the magnificence of a luxurious cruise liner, Voyager is all set to whisk you away on a incredible ocean journey, guaranteeing that no consolation is neglected. This full of life ship-themed resort strives to supply the perfect providers 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 here are my high picks of issues to see and do on this posh suburb:
1. Wild Waters: When you’re in search of 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 among the greatest locations to go to close to Nyali. It permits you to interact with locals and see how individuals residing with disabilities use their expertise and skills 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 Seashore (northside) and Nyali Seashore (southside). These seashores are related throughout low tide to type 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 perfect 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 widely known for town’s most interesting seafood. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Govinda’s Restaurant: When you’re in search of a vegetarian restaurant within the Nyali space, go to Govinda’s. The restaurant is positioned on the iconic New Dwarikadham Temple and affords an unbeatable eating expertise. It’s close to Nyali Seashore and the well-known Gombeshwar Caves – Shiva Temple. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Maasai Seashore Bar & Restaurant: This restaurant alongside Mombasa Seashore affords the right chill spot beside the ocean. It serves varied dishes, together with nyama choma, fish, and fried hen. You may 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 among the greatest 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 Seashore is much less crowded, clear, and flanked by world-class resorts, making it good for rest. Its white sandy shores, framed by swaying palm timber, create an inviting scene for sunset-seekers. You may bask subsequent to the ocean and soak up breathtaking horizon views whereas having fun with a chilly drink.
Away from the shoreline, Bamburi’s full of life primary avenue is ideal for these in search of nightlife spots and native vibes. Right here, you may stroll by the market watching the each day lifetime of the locals and in a while go social gathering at Dublin Road.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Bamburi
Listed here are a number of the greatest lodging choices within the Bamburi space:
1. Severin Sea Lodge: This top-rated lodge is among the greatest gems alongside the coast. It options spacious rooms, three eating places, an out of doors pool, and unbelievable sea views, attracting all forms of vacationers. E book your keep right here for indelible recollections. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Plaza Seashore Resort: When you’re in search of luxurious in an reasonably priced place close to Bamburi Seashore, e-book 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 Seashore Resort: This lovely oceanfront resort is among 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 here are the perfect issues to do within the Bamburi space:
1. Haller Park: Located alongside Nyali Street, Haller Park is a fantastic sanctuary with a reptile park, fish farm, and wild animals. Right here, you may spot hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, and varied 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 Seashore: That is my favourite seaside in Kenya for household holidays. It’s lovely, much less crowded, and tranquil, providing an ideal enjoyable surroundings. It additionally boasts loads of incredible resorts with eating places and bars. When you desire taking issues gradual whereas on trip, contemplate staying alongside this seaside.
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 Staff – my best choice.
The place to Eat and Drink in Bamburi
Listed here 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 varied 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 among the most interesting selections in Bamburi for these searching for scrumptious seafood, barbecue delights, and refreshing cocktails. It affords an enthralling open-air setting that provides diners a terrific view of the serene ocean past. Strive 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 perfect 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 Price range
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 among the greatest locations to remain in Mombasa for price range vacationers and teams. It combines luxurious, modesty, tranquility, vibrancy, sightseeing, and rest.
Right here, you’ll discover varied locations to eat, bars to check out, and exquisite villas perched on the cliffs of Mtwapa Creek – a pretty deep water inlet. Alongside the creek’s shore is among the greatest seashores in Mombasa, and additional alongside, you’ll discover ruins of a Fifteenth-century settlement.
All this stuff make Mtwapa a vacation spot for each sort of traveler. It’s additionally a favourite to these drawn to the seaside, nightlife, historical past, and reasonably priced experiences.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mtwapa
Listed here are a number of the greatest locations to remain within the Mtwapa space:
1. Peters Mansion Bougainvillea: When you’re in search of an reasonably priced 1-bedroom keep in Mtwapa, try this facility. The spacious condominium has a terrace, an out of doors pool, a backyard, and a totally outfitted kitchenette. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Royal Palms Residence A4: This is a superb place to remain in Mtwapa for price range vacationers who need privateness and serenity. It options the mandatory facilities, together with spacious rooms, a pool, and a serene backyard. Workers members are pleasant and useful, giving the place a homely really feel. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Mtwapa Luxurious Flats: It is a good keep for comfort and nice worth for cash. The flats boast clear rooms, a totally 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 number of the greatest issues to do and locations to go to in Mtwapa:
1. Jumba La Mtwana: This nationwide monument underneath the Museums of Kenya is about quarter-hour north of Mtwapa. It means “An enormous 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 greatest 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 among their excursions, and also you would possibly return with a tuna, a sailfish, or a marlin.
3. Dance the Night time Away: Mtwapa is one other nice neighborhood in Mombasa for nightlife. The world is house to a number of leisure spots and nightclubs. This is a perfect place to remain in case you 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 number of the greatest 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 offers friends with lovely views of the creek with dhows and yachts anchored close by. Strive their contemporary 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 searching for a tranquil area. 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 employees, top-notch hospitality, and good ambiance. In order for you a terrific night time 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 relies on private desire. Nyali and Bamburi are greatest 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 beneficial to train warning in areas like Majengo and Kisauni because of attainable security points.
Usually, Nyali is taken into account among the many most secure areas for vacationers. It has a robust safety presence and is a well-liked alternative for vacationers. See easy methods to keep secure in Kenya.
When you’re in search of purchasing locations in Mombasa, Nyali is your greatest wager. It has fashionable purchasing malls like Metropolis Mall the place you will discover varied shops.
Sure, it issues the place you keep in Mombasa. Staying in well-established vacationer areas like Mtwapa and Nyali will present quick access to points of interest, purchasing, 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 loosen up on the seashores.
Sure, there are various causes to go to Mombasa! Mombasa affords lovely seashores, incredible resorts, and fascinating 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 beautiful seashores, so your resolution ought to align along with your tastes.
In Conclusion
I hope you loved studying this text on the perfect locations to remain in Mombasa and that it’ll additionally assist you to determine what to do and see close by. No matter the place you select to remain, you’ll be in one among 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.
