On this article, I’ll assist you determine the place to remain in Mombasa. This put up contains 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, desirous to be taught historical past, or vacationing with household, observe 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 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 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 could 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 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 Mombasa Island hosts the town middle and the outdated city.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 (dwelling 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 seaside city. Though that is partly proper, the coastal vacation spot is a county comprising totally different areas. One among 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 dwelling 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 predominant 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 below are my prime suggestions should you’re questioning the place to remain within the Mombasa metropolis middle:
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 totally geared up kitchen, a fridge, a wise TV, and a clear lavatory. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Lodge Sapphire: This 3-star resort is my favourite in Mombasa Island resulting from its central location, outside pool, clear rooms, and excellent customer support. For those who’re a first-time customer within the metropolis or searching 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 number of the finest 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’ll be able to be a part of this top-rated tour and discover this unbelievable 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 light-weight 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 various 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 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. In addition to enjoyable and having fun with the ocean breeze and sundown, you may also work together with native distributors on this lovely place.
The place to Eat and Drink on Mombasa Island
Listed below are a number of the finest 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 known for good meals, ice cream, and pleasant employees members. You’ll be able to 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 finest sports activities lounges in Mombasa Island. Right here, you possibly can 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: 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 realm includes 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.
For those who 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 number of the finest seaside resorts, residences, and villas alongside the Kenyan coast. Listed below are just a few choices:
1. Serena Seashore Resort & Spa: Though a 3-star resort, Serena is a unbelievable 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 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 Lodge: For those who’re a price range traveler searching for an inexpensive place to remain in Shanzu, Mombasa, try this resort. The three-star lodging facility provides clear rooms with a security field, a personal lavatory, 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’ll be able to scuba dive, snorkel, and windsurf in Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park. Journeys to this park could be organized out of your resort. You can even try native diving corporations like Calico Jacks.
2. Shanzu Seashore: This public seaside provides a serene area to calm down, stroll, and benefit from the ocean breeze. It’s much less crowded, clear, scenic, and some 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 youngsters, providing households a possibility 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 just a few 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 rooster, and chilly shrimp cocktails. It additionally performs nice music with a stay band session each Tuesday and Friday. Its employees members are additionally heat and useful. Click on right here for instructions.
2. The Tavern Inn: In addition to providing reasonably priced lodging in Shanzu, this splendid resort has a wonderful backyard restaurant open to in-house and out of doors visitors. Right here, you possibly can 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 fashionable interiors, good music, and a unbelievable dance flooring. I visited Quantity after a good friend advisable it, and true to his phrase, it didn’t disappoint. Along with numerous drinks, you possibly can 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 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 take pleasure in numerous watersport actions.
I’ve stayed in Nyali a number of occasions and discover it the best of Mombasa neighborhoods. For those who’re touring as a household and questioning the place to remain in Mombasa, I extremely suggest this space. It’s additionally best for {couples} and anybody searching for some tranquility and enjoyable.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Nyali
Listed below are a number of the finest locations to remain in Nyali, together with luxurious seaside resorts and resorts.
1. Ayodya Suites Nyali: For those who’re a pair or solo traveler searching for an reasonably priced resort in Nyali, guide 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 Seashore Resort: Designed to emulate the class of a luxurious cruise liner, Voyager is all set to whisk you away on a unbelievable ocean journey, making certain that no consolation is missed. This vigorous ship-themed resort strives to supply the perfect providers to households, teams, {couples}, and solo vacationers. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Lodge 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.
High 3 Issues To Do in Nyali
For those who’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: For those who’re searching 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 finest locations to go to close to Nyali. It lets you interact with locals and see how folks residing with disabilities use their abilities and abilities 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 linked throughout low tide to type a spectacular stretch of sentimental white sands. In addition to enjoyable, swimming, and strolling, you possibly can 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 the town’s best seafood. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Govinda’s Restaurant: For those who’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 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’ll be able to 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: Greatest for Households
Bamburi is among 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 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’ll be able to 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 possibly can stroll by means of the market watching the each day lifetime of the locals and afterward go get together at Dublin Road.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Bamburi
Listed below are a number of the finest lodging choices within the Bamburi space:
1. Severin Sea Lodge: This top-rated lodge is among the finest gems alongside the coast. It options spacious rooms, three eating places, an outside pool, and unimaginable sea views, attracting all forms of vacationers. Guide your keep right here for indelible reminiscences. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Plaza Seashore Lodge: For those who’re searching for luxurious in an reasonably priced place close to Bamburi Seashore, guide 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 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 novel Swahili fortress with all of the facilities for a cushty and opulent keep. Click on right here for extra particulars.
High 3 Issues To Do in Bamburi
Listed below are the perfect issues to do within the Bamburi space:
1. Haller Park: Located alongside Nyali Street, Haller Park is a wonderful sanctuary with a reptile park, fish farm, and wild animals. Right here, you possibly can spot hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, and numerous 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. Calm down 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 atmosphere. It additionally boasts loads of unbelievable resorts with eating places and bars. For those who want taking issues sluggish whereas on trip, think about staying alongside this seaside.
3. Go Scuba Diving: Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park stretches from Lodge Englishpoint Mombasa to Shanzu. This park provides alternatives for watersports, together with scuba diving. For those who’re in Bamburi, a number of operators run diving journeys to the close by coral gardens, together with Tropical Diving Crew – 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 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 best selections in Bamburi for these searching for scrumptious seafood, barbecue delights, and refreshing cocktails. It provides a captivating open-air setting that provides diners a fantastic 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: For those who love Italian delicacies, that is the perfect place to eat in Bamburi. Its menu is complete, with a wide range of choices. Their meals contains 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 center and soul of Kenya’s coastal allure. The neighborhood is among 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 numerous locations to eat, bars to check out, and exquisite villas perched on the cliffs of Mtwapa Creek – a sexy deep water inlet. Alongside the creek’s shore is among 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 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 below are a number of the finest locations to remain within the Mtwapa space:
1. Peters Mansion Bougainvillea: For those who’re searching for an reasonably priced 1-bedroom keep in Mtwapa, try this facility. The spacious residence has a terrace, an outside pool, a backyard, and a totally geared up kitchenette. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Royal Palms Condo 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. Employees members are pleasant and useful, giving the place a homely really feel. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Mtwapa Luxurious Flats: This can be a good keep for comfort and nice worth for cash. The residences 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 number of the finest issues to do and locations to go to in Mtwapa:
1. Jumba La Mtwana: This nationwide monument below 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. For those who 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. For those who’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 a part of one in every of 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 realm is dwelling to a number of leisure spots and nightclubs. This is a perfect place to remain should you 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 a number of the finest locations to eat and drink in Mtwapa:
1. La Marina: This can be a magical restaurant on the south aspect 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. Attempt 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 aspect 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, due to its pleasant employees, top-notch hospitality, and good ambiance. If you need a fantastic 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
One of the 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. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to train warning in areas like Majengo and Kisauni resulting from doable 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 selection for vacationers. See the way to keep secure in Kenya.
For those who’re searching for buying locations in Mombasa, Nyali is your finest wager. It has trendy 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 quick access 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 lots of causes to go to Mombasa! Mombasa provides lovely seashores, unbelievable 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 beautiful seashores, so your choice 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 provide help 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 get pleasure from it.
For extra on Mombasa, please take a look at our guides under.
