On this article, I’ll assist you determine the place to remain in Mombasa. This publish consists of one of the 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, desirous to be taught historical past, or vacationing with household, comply with my lead as we discover neighborhoods in Kenya’s predominant port metropolis.
As a neighborhood Kenyan, I’ve visited Mombasa many occasions and stayed in numerous neighborhoods. Inside this information, I’ll share with you one of the best locations to remain in Mombasa, together with Mombasa Island and areas alongside the north coast.
Mombasa is likely one of the best tourist destinations 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. Due to this fact, planning a visit to this coastal gem for its sights and locations to go to is straightforward. Nonetheless, selecting the place to remain in Mombasa might be difficult.
Usually, Mombasa County is split into 4 areas. These embody 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 includes cities and settlements after the Makupa Causeway. Mombasa Island hosts the town heart and the previous city. It’s linked to the north coast (house to the best attractions in Mombasa) by the Nyali Bridge.
Finest 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: Finest 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 totally different areas. Considered one of 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 house to many vacationer sights, historic websites, nice eating places, and inexpensive lodging. It’s additionally the middle for long-distance buses and is near predominant transport hubs such because the airport and train station. It’s excellent for first-time guests, historical past lovers, and price range vacationers.
Finest Locations to Keep in Mombasa Island
Listed here are my high suggestions for those who’re questioning the place to remain within the Mombasa metropolis heart:
1. Mombasa Comfort House: This 2-bedroom house on the coronary heart of the previous city is ideal for solo vacationers and {couples}. Along with lovely sea views, it has free Wi-Fi, a seating space, a completely geared up kitchen, a fridge, a sensible TV, and a clear lavatory. Click here for more details.
2. Hotel Sapphire: This 3-star resort is my favourite in Mombasa Island because of its central location, outside pool, clear rooms, and excellent customer support. In the event you’re a first-time customer within the metropolis or searching for a spot to relaxation earlier than catching a practice or flight, keep at Sapphire. Click here for more details.
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 here for more details.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Mombasa Island
Under are among the finest issues to do on Mombasa Island:
1. Mombasa Old Town: For historical past lovers, Old Town is one of the best place to begin 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 previous buildings and their options. Find out more here. Additionally, don’t miss the sound and light show of Fort Jesus!
2. Strive Swahili Dishes: A visit to Kenya’s second-largest metropolis is incomplete with out tasting local cuisine. There are numerous eating places right here serving Swahili dishes akin to biryani rooster (spiced rice with rooster), samaki wa kupaka (fish in coconut curry), and pilau (spiced rice). My favourite stops embody Mombasa Dishes and Jahazi Coffee House.
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. In addition to enjoyable and having fun with the ocean breeze and sundown, you can even work together with native distributors on this lovely place.
The place to Eat and Drink on Mombasa Island
Listed here are among the finest eating places and bars on Mombasa Island:
1. Jahazi Coffee House: Jahazi is one of the best restaurant to pattern Swahili dishes and low in Mombasa Previous City. With its lovely furnishings and spectacular work, the small eatery off the primary avenue (Ndia Kuu) displays the cultural heritage of its first residents and present locals. Click here for directions.
2. Blue Room Restaurant: This restaurant is legendary for good meals, ice cream, and pleasant workers members. You possibly can order from their multi-cuisine menu, which incorporates pizza, Hawaiian roast rooster, paneer tikka, and biryani. My favourite meal right here is their grilled steak with mushroom sauce. Click here for directions.
3. Zero 4 Lounge: This is likely one of the finest sports activities lounges in Mombasa Island. Right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from your favourite drink whereas watching matches on giant high-definition screens. The membership additionally hosts weekly themes like Reggae Wednesdays and Whiskey Fridays. Click here for directions.
Shanzu: Finest Space in Mombasa for Nightlife
Alongside the north coast after Bamburi is the Shanzu neighborhood – one of the best place to remain in Mombasa for nightlife. Along with quite a few seashore resorts, the realm contains a stretch of unpolluted, white sand seashores. It additionally has a number of leisure spots, together with Club Volume, my go-to for an evening out in Mombasa.
In the event you love good meals, journey, and a cushty keep, then Shanzu is your finest guess. You’ll discover glorious 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.
Finest Locations to Keep in Shanzu
Shanzu neighborhood hosts among the finest seashore resorts, residences, and villas alongside the Kenyan coast. Listed here are just a few choices:
1. Serena Beach 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 here for more details.
2. PrideInn Flamingo Beach 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 gives world-class facilities akin to palm-fringed gardens, two bars, an out of doors swimming pool, and 4 eating places. Click here for more details.
3. Platinum House Hotel: In the event you’re a price range traveler searching for an affordable place to remain in Shanzu, Mombasa, try this resort. The three-star lodging facility gives clear rooms with a security field, a personal lavatory, a youngsters’s playground, a terrace, and a restaurant, amongst different facilities. Click here for more details.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Shanzu
Under are my favourite issues to do in and across the Shanzu neighborhood:
1. Mombasa Marine National Park: For watersports fanatics, Shanzu gives the chance to enterprise offshore and play. You possibly can scuba dive, snorkel, and windsurf in Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park. Journeys to this park might be organized out of your resort. You may as well try native diving corporations like Calico Jacks.
2. Shanzu Beach: This public seashore gives a serene house to loosen up, stroll, and benefit from the ocean breeze. It’s much less crowded, clear, scenic, and one of the lovely Mombasa beaches.
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 akin to fish (from their pod), beef burgers, and spaghetti bolognese.
The place to Eat and Drink in Shanzu
Listed here are just a few of one of the 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 rooster, 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 here for directions.
2. The Tavern Inn: In addition to providing inexpensive lodging in Shanzu, this splendid resort has a wonderful backyard restaurant open to in-house and out of doors visitors. Right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from tasty pork or nyama choma served with ugali earlier than hitting the bar to seize your favourite drink. Click here for directions.
3. Volume Club: This lavish nightclub has trendy interiors, good music, and a improbable dance ground. I visited Quantity after a pal really useful it, and true to his phrase, it didn’t disappoint. Along with varied drinks, you’ll be able to order meals – akin to nyama choma served with ugali. Click here for directions.
Nyali: Coolest Place to Keep in Mombasa
Nyali is likely one of the most unique and posh areas of Mombasa. The neighborhood boasts trendy buying 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 bask in varied watersport actions.
I’ve stayed in Nyali a number of occasions and discover it the best of Mombasa neighborhoods. In the event you’re touring as a household and questioning the place to remain in Mombasa, I extremely suggest this space. It’s additionally excellent for {couples} and anybody in search of some tranquility and enjoyable.
Finest Locations to Keep in Nyali
Listed here are among the finest locations to remain in Nyali, together with luxurious seashore resorts and accommodations.
1. Ayodya Suites Nyali: In the event you’re a pair or solo traveler searching for an inexpensive 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 here for more details.
2. Voyager Beach Resort: Designed to emulate the magnificence of a luxurious cruise liner, Voyager is all set to whisk you away on a improbable ocean journey, guaranteeing that no consolation is missed. This vigorous ship-themed resort strives to supply one of the best companies to households, teams, {couples}, and solo vacationers. Click here for more details.
3. Hotel Englishpoint Marina: On the far south finish of Nyali, overlooking Mombasa Previous City, you’ll discover this fabulous 4-star resort. Its options embody air-conditioned rooms, a jacuzzi, eating places, an infinity pool, a pier, and a solar terrace. Click here for more details.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Nyali
In the event you’re booked right into a resort or resort in Nyali, listed below are my high picks of issues to see and do on this posh suburb:
1. Wild Waters: In the event you’re searching for enjoyable actions for households and teams in Mombasa, I like to recommend Wild Waters Kenya. The park gives 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 likely one of the finest locations to go to close to Nyali. It permits you to interact with locals and see how folks 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 Beach (northside) and Nyali Beach (southside). These seashores are related throughout low tide to type a spectacular stretch of soppy white sands. In addition to enjoyable, swimming, and strolling, you’ll be able to kitesurf and scuba dive at Mombasa Marine National Park.
The place to Eat and Drink in Nyali
Under are one of the 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 sleek ambiance and pleasant dishes. Along with serving barbeque and continental delicacies, Tamarind is widely known for the town’s most interesting seafood. Click here for directions.
2. Govinda’s Restaurant: In the event you’re searching for a vegetarian restaurant within the Nyali space, go to Govinda’s. The restaurant is situated on the iconic New Dwarikadham Temple and gives an unbeatable eating expertise. It’s close to Nyali Seaside and the well-known Gombeshwar Caves – Shiva Temple. Click here for directions.
3. Maasai Beach Bar & Restaurant: This restaurant alongside Mombasa Beach gives the proper chill spot beside the ocean. It serves varied dishes, together with nyama choma, fish, and fried rooster. You possibly can get pleasure from a chilly beer, a glass of wine, or a cup of espresso as you watch the sundown. Click here for directions.
Bamburi: Finest for Households
Bamburi is likely 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 sights.
Bamburi Beach is much less crowded, clear, and flanked by world-class resorts, making it excellent for rest. Its white sandy shores, framed by swaying palm timber, create an inviting scene for sunset-seekers. You possibly can bask subsequent to the ocean and absorb breathtaking horizon views whereas having fun with a chilly drink.
Away from the shoreline, Bamburi’s vigorous predominant avenue is ideal for these searching for nightlife spots and native vibes. Right here, you’ll be able to stroll by the market watching the every day lifetime of the locals and afterward go get together at Dublin Street.
Finest Locations to Keep in Bamburi
Listed here are among the finest lodging choices within the Bamburi space:
1. Severin Sea Lodge: This top-rated lodge is likely one of the finest gems alongside the coast. It options spacious rooms, three eating places, an out of doors pool, and unimaginable sea views, attracting all forms of vacationers. E book your keep right here for indelible reminiscences. Click here for more details.
2. Plaza Beach Hotel: In the event you’re searching for luxurious in an inexpensive place close to Bamburi Seaside, 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 get pleasure from ocean views. Different amenities embody a restaurant, poolside bar, and a health room. Click here for more details.
3. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort: This lovely oceanfront resort is likely one of the high-end lodging choices alongside the coast. It’s a singular Swahili fortress with all of the facilities for a cushty and splendid keep. Click here for more details.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Bamburi
Listed here are one of the best issues to do within the Bamburi space:
1. Haller Park: Located alongside Nyali Highway, Haller Park is a wonderful sanctuary with a reptile park, fish farm, and wild animals. Right here, you’ll be able to spot hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, and varied hen species. It additionally has a serene forest path for nature walks and a biking path resulting in the Butterfly Pavilion – a must-visit.
2. Relax along Bamburi Beach: That is my favourite beach 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. In the event you desire taking issues sluggish whereas on trip, think about staying alongside this beach.
3. Go Scuba Diving: Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park stretches from Hotel Englishpoint Mombasa to Shanzu. This park gives alternatives for watersports, together with scuba diving. In the event you’re in Bamburi, a number of operators run diving journeys to the close by coral gardens, together with Tropical Diving Team – 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 traditional 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 here for directions.
2. Yul’s Restaurant: This restaurant is likely one of the most interesting decisions in Bamburi for these in search of scrumptious seafood, barbecue delights, and refreshing cocktails. It gives a captivating open-air setting that offers diners an amazing view of the serene ocean past. Strive their delectable grilled lobsters and succulent prawns. Click here for directions.
3. La Casa Di Nico Mombasa: In the event you love Italian delicacies, that is one of the best place to eat in Bamburi. Its menu is complete, with quite a lot of choices. Their meals consists of fish carpaccio (salmon, snapper & tuna), Caprese (mozzarella, tomato, and basil), and Italian wooden oven pizza. Click here for directions.
Mtwapa: Finest Place in Mombasa on a Finances
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 likely one of the finest 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 delightful villas perched on the cliffs of Mtwapa Creek – a beautiful deep water inlet. Alongside the creek’s shore is likely one of the finest beaches 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.
Finest Locations to Keep in Mtwapa
Listed here are among the finest locations to remain within the Mtwapa space:
1. Peters Mansion Bougainvillea: In the event you’re searching for an inexpensive 1-bedroom keep in Mtwapa, try this facility. The spacious house has a terrace, an out of doors pool, a backyard, and a completely geared up kitchenette. Click here for more details.
2. Royal Palms Apartment A4: This is a superb place to remain in Mtwapa for price range vacationers who need privateness and serenity. It options the required 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 here for more details.
3. Mtwapa Luxury Apartments: This can be a excellent keep for comfort and nice worth for cash. The residences boast clear rooms, a completely geared up kitchen, and a shared indoor swimming pool. It’s additionally inside strolling distance of supermarkets and most nightlife joints in Mtwapa. Click here for more details.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Mtwapa
Under are among 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 “An enormous home of slaves,” suggesting that the relic was as soon as a website for the slave commerce. Its compound incorporates a tomb, 4 homes, and 4 mosques, an indication that Muslims primarily inhabited the settlement. In the event you love historical past, add this website to your itinerary.
2. Deep Sea Fishing: Deep sea fishing is among the many finest issues to do alongside the Kenya coast. In the event you’re drawn to the game, Mtwapa gives you an opportunity to go on a fishing safari. John & Ken Rodwell conducts deep sea fishing in Mombasa and Watamu. Be a part of one among their excursions, and also you would possibly 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 house to a number of leisure spots and nightclubs. This is a perfect place to remain for those who get pleasure from 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 among the finest locations to eat and drink in Mtwapa:
1. La Marina: This can be a magical restaurant on the south facet of Mtwapa Creek. Along with its nice meals, La Marina gives visitors with lovely views of the creek with dhows and yachts anchored close by. Strive their recent seafood (fish and prawns), pizza, and native meals (like nyama choma). Click here for directions.
2. The Moorings: This lovely floating restaurant on the northern facet of Mtwapa Creek is ideal for {couples} and vacationers in search of a tranquil house. It serves glorious meals and drinks for each style and desire. Click here for directions.
3. The Yacht Lounge: That is my favourite leisure spot in Mtwapa, due to its pleasant workers, top-notch hospitality, and good ambiance. If you need an amazing evening out with good music and drinks, spend a night at The Yacht. Click here for directions.
Finest Areas to Keep in Mombasa: FAQ’s
The very best space for vacationers in Mombasa depends upon 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 useful to train warning in areas like Majengo and Kisauni because of doable safety 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 selection for vacationers. See how to stay safe in Kenya.
In the event you’re searching for buying locations in Mombasa, Nyali is your finest guess. It has trendy buying malls like City Mall the place you could find 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 sights, buying, and eating.
A typical trip in Mombasa ranges from 3-7 days, permitting you time to discover the vacation spot’s sights and loosen up on the seashores.
Sure, there are various causes to go to Mombasa! Mombasa gives 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 one of the best locations to remain in Mombasa and that it’ll additionally aid you resolve 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 get pleasure from it.
For extra on Mombasa, please take a look at our guides under.
