On this article, I’ll assist you determine the place to remain in Mombasa. This submit 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, wanting to be taught historical past, or vacationing with household, comply with my lead as we discover neighborhoods in Kenya’s most important 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 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 sights 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 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 Mombasa Island hosts the town middle and the outdated city. It’s linked to the north coast (house to the greatest sights 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 seaside city. Though that is partly proper, the coastal vacation spot is a county comprising totally different areas. Certainly one of these distinct areas is Mombasa Island, which incorporates the town middle 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 reasonably priced lodging. It’s additionally the middle for long-distance buses and is near most important transport hubs such because the airport and prepare station. It’s preferrred for first-time guests, historical past lovers, and finances vacationers.
Finest Locations to Keep in Mombasa Island
Listed below are my high suggestions when you’re questioning the place to remain within the Mombasa metropolis middle:
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 geared up kitchen, a fridge, a wise TV, and a clear toilet. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Resort Sapphire: This 3-star lodge is my favourite in Mombasa Island on account of its central location, out of doors pool, clear rooms, and excellent customer support. Should you’re a first-time customer within the metropolis or on the lookout for 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 middle 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.
High 3 Issues To Do in Mombasa Island
Under are a few of the greatest issues to do on Mombasa Island:
1. Mombasa Previous City: For historical past lovers, Previous City is one of the best place to start out your journey in Mombasa. You possibly can be part of this top-rated tour and discover this implausible 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. Strive 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 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 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 in regards to the sight of buoys swaying on the ocean waves. Moreover stress-free and having fun with the ocean breeze and sundown, it’s also possible to 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 greatest eating places and bars on Mombasa Island:
1. Jahazi Espresso Home: Jahazi is one of the best restaurant to pattern Swahili dishes and occasional in Mombasa Previous City. With its lovely furnishings and spectacular work, the small eatery off the primary 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 employees 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 on right here for instructions.
3. Zero 4 Lounge: This is among the greatest 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 on right here for instructions.
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 seaside 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.
Should you love good meals, journey, and a snug keep, then Shanzu is your greatest 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 a few of the greatest seaside resorts, flats, and villas alongside the Kenyan coast. Listed below are a number of choices:
1. Serena Seashore Resort & Spa: Though a 3-star lodge, Serena is a implausible resort providing top-class providers. Along with air-conditioned and spacious Swahili-style rooms, the lodge options out of doors 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 lodge is serene and provides world-class facilities akin 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: Should you’re a finances traveler on the lookout for an affordable place to remain in Shanzu, Mombasa, try this lodge. The three-star lodging facility provides 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.
High 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 fans, Shanzu provides 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 lodge. You may also try native diving corporations like Calico Jacks.
2. Shanzu Seashore: This public seaside provides a serene house to chill out, stroll, and benefit from the ocean breeze. It’s much less crowded, clear, scenic, and one of the crucial 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 chance to have enjoyable. It additionally hosts a superb restaurant for scrumptious meals akin to fish (from their pod), beef burgers, and spaghetti bolognese.
The place to Eat and Drink in Shanzu
Listed below are a number of 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 dwell 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 lodge has a good looking backyard restaurant open to in-house and outdoors 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 on right here for instructions.
3. Quantity Membership: This lavish nightclub has trendy interiors, good music, and a implausible dance ground. I visited Quantity after a good friend really helpful it, and true to his phrase, it didn’t disappoint. Along with numerous drinks, you’ll be able to order meals – akin 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 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 bask in numerous watersport actions.
I’ve stayed in Nyali a number of occasions and discover it the best of Mombasa neighborhoods. Should 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 searching for some tranquility and enjoyable.
Finest Locations to Keep in Nyali
Listed below are a few of the greatest locations to remain in Nyali, together with luxurious seaside resorts and resorts.
1. Ayodya Suites Nyali: Should you’re a pair or solo traveler on the lookout for an reasonably priced lodge in Nyali, e-book your keep at Ayodya. It has snug 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 Seashore Resort: Designed to emulate the magnificence of a luxurious cruise liner, Voyager is all set to whisk you away on a implausible ocean journey, making certain that no consolation is neglected. This energetic ship-themed resort strives to supply one of the best 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 lodge. Its options embody air-conditioned rooms, a jacuzzi, eating places, an infinity pool, a pier, and a solar terrace. Click on right here for extra particulars.
High 3 Issues To Do in Nyali
Should you’re booked right into a lodge or resort in Nyali, listed here are my high picks of issues to see and do on this posh suburb:
1. Wild Waters: Should you’re on the lookout for enjoyable actions for households and teams in Mombasa, I like to recommend Wild Waters Kenya. The park provides 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 dwelling with disabilities use their abilities and skills for financial empowerment. Along with the workshop for producing handmade items, Bombolulu has a cultural middle 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 kind a spectacular stretch of soppy white sands. Moreover stress-free, swimming, and strolling, you’ll be able to kitesurf and scuba dive at Mombasa Marine Nationwide 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 swish ambiance and pleasant dishes. Along with serving barbeque and continental delicacies, Tamarind is widely known for the town’s most interesting seafood. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Govinda’s Restaurant: Should 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 provides 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 provides the proper chill spot beside the ocean. It serves numerous 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 on right here for instructions.
Bamburi: Finest 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 sights.
Bamburi Seashore 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 energetic most important road is ideal for these on the lookout for nightlife spots and native vibes. Right here, you’ll be able to stroll by way of the market watching the each day lifetime of the locals and in a while go occasion at Dublin Avenue.
Finest Locations to Keep in Bamburi
Listed below are a few 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 outside pool, and unimaginable sea views, attracting all sorts of vacationers. Guide your keep right here for indelible recollections. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Plaza Seashore Resort: Should you’re on the lookout for luxurious in an reasonably priced place close to Bamburi Seashore, e-book this 3-star lodge. 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 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 snug and splendid keep. Click on right here for extra particulars.
High 3 Issues To Do in Bamburi
Listed below are one of the best issues to do within the Bamburi space:
1. Haller Park: Located alongside Nyali Street, Haller Park is a good looking sanctuary with a reptile park, fish farm, and wild animals. Right here, you’ll be able to spot hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, and numerous fowl species. It additionally has a serene forest path for nature walks and a biking path resulting in the Butterfly Pavilion – a must-visit.
2. Loosen up alongside Bamburi Seashore: That is my favourite seaside in Kenya for household holidays. It’s lovely, much less crowded, and tranquil, providing an ideal stress-free surroundings. It additionally boasts loads of implausible resorts with eating places and bars. Should you choose taking issues gradual whereas on trip, take into account staying alongside this seaside.
3. Go Scuba Diving: Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park stretches from Resort Englishpoint Mombasa to Shanzu. This park provides alternatives for watersports, together with scuba diving. Should you’re in Bamburi, a number of operators run diving journeys to the close by coral gardens, together with Tropical Diving Workforce – 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 traditional restaurant serves numerous dishes, together with nyama choma, pizza, and burgers. It additionally has a babies’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 provides a captivating open-air setting that provides diners an amazing 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: Should 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 on right here for instructions.
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 center and soul of Kenya’s coastal appeal. The neighborhood is among the greatest 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 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 form of traveler. It’s additionally a favourite to these drawn to the seaside, nightlife, historical past, and reasonably priced experiences.
Finest Locations to Keep in Mtwapa
Listed below are a few of the greatest locations to remain within the Mtwapa space:
1. Peters Mansion Bougainvillea: Should you’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced 1-bedroom keep in Mtwapa, try this facility. The spacious condominium has a terrace, an outside pool, a backyard, and a totally geared up kitchenette. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Royal Palms Condominium 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. Workers members are pleasant and useful, giving the place a homely really feel. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Mtwapa Luxurious Residences: This can be a excellent keep for comfort and nice worth for cash. The flats boast clear rooms, a totally geared up 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.
High 3 Issues To Do in Mtwapa
Under are a few 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 website for the slave commerce. Its compound comprises a tomb, 4 homes, and 4 mosques, an indication that Muslims primarily inhabited the settlement. Should you love historical past, add this website to your itinerary.
2. Deep Sea Fishing: Deep sea fishing is among the many greatest issues to do alongside the Kenya coast. Should you’re drawn to the game, Mtwapa provides 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 all 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 when you get pleasure from dancing, consuming, 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 greatest 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 offers visitors 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 house. It serves glorious 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. If you would like an amazing evening out with good music and drinks, spend a night at The Yacht. Click on right here for instructions.
Finest 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 really helpful to train warning in areas like Majengo and Kisauni on account of potential 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.
Should you’re on the lookout for buying locations in Mombasa, Nyali is your greatest guess. It has fashionable buying malls like Metropolis Mall the place you could find 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 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 chill out on the seashores.
Sure, there are lots of causes to go to Mombasa! Mombasa provides lovely seashores, implausible 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 choice 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 assist you resolve what to do and see close by. No matter the place you select to remain, you’ll be in one in all 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 beneath.
