On this article, I’ll assist you determine the place to remain in Mombasa. This publish 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 study historical past, or vacationing with household, observe 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 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 without doubt one of the finest vacationer locations in Kenya for seashores, historical past, heritage, and luxurious resorts. It’s additionally a port and the second-largest metropolis within the nation, attracting native and worldwide guests. Subsequently, planning a visit to this coastal gem for its 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 contains cities and settlements after the Makupa Causeway. Mombasa Island hosts town heart and the previous city. It’s linked to the north coast (residence to the perfect sights 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 every of 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 residence 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 practice station. It’s supreme for first-time guests, historical past lovers, and finances vacationers.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mombasa Island
Listed below are my high suggestions should you’re questioning the place to remain within the Mombasa metropolis heart:
1. Mombasa Consolation Home: 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 rest room. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Lodge 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 searching for a spot to relaxation earlier than catching a practice or flight, keep at Sapphire. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. THE IVORY SUITES by ARMAAN: This lodging facility in Mombasa metropolis heart is conveniently situated near nightlife joints, eating places, and bus terminus. It has elegant rooms with a desk, flat-screen TV, free parking, and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Mombasa Island
Beneath are a few 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 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 slender alleys to admire previous 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 equivalent 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 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 stress-free and having fun with the ocean breeze and sundown, you can too work together with native distributors on this lovely place.
The place to Eat and Drink on Mombasa Island
Listed below are a few of the finest eating places and bars on Mombasa Island:
1. Jahazi Espresso Home: Jahazi is the perfect restaurant to pattern Swahili dishes and low 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 without doubt one of the finest sports activities lounges in Mombasa Island. Right here, you may take pleasure in your favourite drink whereas watching matches on massive high-definition screens. The membership additionally hosts weekly themes like Reggae Wednesdays and Whiskey Fridays. Click on right here for instructions.
Shanzu: Greatest Space in Mombasa for Nightlife
Alongside the north coast after Bamburi is the Shanzu neighborhood – the perfect place to remain in Mombasa for nightlife. Along with quite a few seaside resorts, the world contains 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.
Should you love good meals, journey, and a snug 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.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Shanzu
Shanzu neighborhood hosts a few of the finest seaside resorts, residences, and villas alongside the Kenyan coast. Listed below are a couple of choices:
1. Serena Seaside Resort & Spa: Though a 3-star lodge, Serena is a incredible resort providing top-class companies. 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 Seaside 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 presents world-class facilities equivalent 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: Should you’re a finances traveler searching for an affordable place to remain in Shanzu, Mombasa, try this lodge. The three-star lodging facility presents clear rooms with a security field, a non-public rest room, 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
Beneath are my favourite issues to do in and across the Shanzu neighborhood:
1. Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park: For watersports fanatics, Shanzu presents 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 will be organized out of your lodge. You too can try native diving corporations like Calico Jacks.
2. Shanzu Seaside: This public seaside presents a serene house to loosen up, 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 youngsters, providing households a chance to have enjoyable. It additionally hosts a superb restaurant for scrumptious meals equivalent to fish (from their pod), beef burgers, and spaghetti bolognese.
The place to Eat and Drink in Shanzu
Listed below are a couple 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 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 lodge has a ravishing backyard restaurant open to in-house and out of doors company. Right here, you may take pleasure in tasty pork or nyama choma served with ugali earlier than hitting the bar to seize your favourite drink. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Quantity Membership: This lavish nightclub has trendy interiors, good music, and a incredible dance flooring. I visited Quantity after a pal really useful it, and true to his phrase, it didn’t disappoint. Along with varied drinks, you may order meals – equivalent to nyama choma served with ugali. Click on right here for instructions.
Nyali: Coolest Place to Keep in Mombasa
Nyali is without doubt one of the most unique and posh areas of Mombasa. The neighborhood boasts fashionable procuring 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. Should you’re touring as a household and questioning the place to remain in Mombasa, I extremely advocate this space. It’s additionally supreme for {couples} and anybody searching for some tranquility and enjoyable.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Nyali
Listed below are a few of the finest locations to remain in Nyali, together with luxurious seaside resorts and lodges.
1. Ayodya Suites Nyali: Should you’re a pair or solo traveler searching 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 Seaside Resort: Designed to emulate the class of a luxurious cruise liner, Voyager is all set to whisk you away on a incredible ocean journey, making certain that no consolation is ignored. This vigorous ship-themed resort strives to supply the perfect companies 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 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.
Prime 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 searching for enjoyable actions for households and teams in Mombasa, I like to recommend Wild Waters Kenya. The park presents a full day of thrilling water experiences, together with plunging down the slides and swimming. It additionally has a child’s pool, an grownup’s bowl pool, meals courts, and a bar.
2. Bombolulu Workshops: This is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Nyali. It permits you to have interaction 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 heart with mannequin Swahili villages.
3. Discover Seashores: There are two seashores in Nyali – Mombasa Seaside (northside) and Nyali Seaside (southside). These seashores are related throughout low tide to kind a spectacular stretch of sentimental white sands. In addition to stress-free, swimming, and strolling, you may kitesurf and scuba dive at Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park.
The place to Eat and Drink in Nyali
Beneath 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 sleek 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: Should 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 presents an unbeatable eating expertise. It’s close to Nyali Seaside and the well-known Gombeshwar Caves – Shiva Temple. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Maasai Seaside Bar & Restaurant: This restaurant alongside Mombasa Seaside presents the right chill spot beside the ocean. It serves varied dishes, together with nyama choma, fish, and fried rooster. You’ll be able to take pleasure in a chilly beer, a glass of wine, or a cup of espresso as you watch the sundown. Click on right here for instructions.
Bamburi: Greatest for Households
Bamburi is without doubt one of the finest neighborhoods in Mombasa for household holidays. This charming space extends from the Indian Ocean to the mainland and has a number of sights.
Bamburi Seaside is much less crowded, clear, and flanked by world-class resorts, making it good for leisure. Its white sandy shores, framed by swaying palm bushes, 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 most important avenue is ideal for these searching for nightlife spots and native vibes. Right here, you may stroll by way of the market watching the each day lifetime of the locals and in a while go celebration at Dublin Road.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Bamburi
Listed below are a few of the finest lodging choices within the Bamburi space:
1. Severin Sea Lodge: This top-rated lodge is without doubt one of the finest gems alongside the coast. It options spacious rooms, three eating places, an outside pool, and unbelievable sea views, attracting all sorts of vacationers. Ebook your keep right here for indelible reminiscences. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Plaza Seaside Lodge: Should you’re searching for luxurious in an reasonably priced place close to Bamburi Seaside, 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 take pleasure in ocean views. Different services embody a restaurant, poolside bar, and a health room. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Sarova Whitesands Seaside Resort: This lovely oceanfront resort is without doubt one of the high-end lodging choices alongside the coast. It’s a singular Swahili fortress with all of the facilities for a snug and splendid keep. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Bamburi
Listed below are the perfect issues to do within the Bamburi space:
1. Haller Park: Located alongside Nyali Highway, Haller Park is a ravishing 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 Seaside: That is my favourite seaside in Kenya for household holidays. It’s lovely, much less crowded, and tranquil, providing an ideal stress-free atmosphere. It additionally boasts loads of incredible resorts with eating places and bars. Should you want taking issues sluggish whereas on trip, take into account staying alongside this seaside.
3. Go Scuba Diving: Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park stretches from Lodge Englishpoint Mombasa to Shanzu. This park presents 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 Staff – 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 varied 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 without doubt one of the most interesting decisions in Bamburi for these searching for scrumptious seafood, barbecue delights, and refreshing cocktails. It presents an enthralling open-air setting that provides diners an ideal 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 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 guts and soul of Kenya’s coastal allure. The neighborhood is without doubt one of the finest locations to remain in Mombasa for finances vacationers and teams. It combines luxurious, modesty, tranquility, vibrancy, sightseeing, and leisure.
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 without doubt one of the finest seashores in Mombasa, and additional alongside, you’ll discover ruins of a Fifteenth-century settlement.
All these items make Mtwapa a vacation spot for each form of traveler. It’s additionally a favourite to these drawn to the seaside, nightlife, historical past, and reasonably priced experiences.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mtwapa
Listed below are a few of the finest locations to remain within the Mtwapa space:
1. Peters Mansion Bougainvillea: Should you’re searching for an reasonably priced 1-bedroom keep in Mtwapa, try this facility. The spacious house has a terrace, an outside pool, a backyard, and a completely 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 finances vacationers who need privateness and serenity. It options the required facilities, together with spacious rooms, a pool, and a serene backyard. Employees members are pleasant and useful, giving the place a homely really feel. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Mtwapa Luxurious Flats: It is a good 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 on right here for extra particulars.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Mtwapa
Beneath are a few of the finest issues to do and locations to go to in Mtwapa:
1. Jumba La Mtwana: This nationwide monument beneath the Museums of Kenya is about quarter-hour north of Mtwapa. It means “A giant home of slaves,” suggesting that the relic was as soon as a web site for the slave commerce. Its compound accommodates a tomb, 4 homes, and 4 mosques, an indication that Muslims primarily inhabited the settlement. Should you love historical past, add this web site to your itinerary.
2. Deep Sea Fishing: Deep sea fishing is among the many finest issues to do alongside the Kenya coast. Should you’re drawn to the game, Mtwapa presents 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 residence to a number of leisure spots and nightclubs. This is a perfect place to remain should 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
Beneath are a few of the finest locations to eat and drink in Mtwapa:
1. La Marina: It is a magical restaurant on the south facet of Mtwapa Creek. Along with its nice meals, La Marina supplies company 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 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, due to its pleasant employees, top-notch hospitality, and good ambiance. If you’d like an ideal 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 is determined by private desire. Nyali and Bamburi are finest for households and {couples}, Mombasa Island is for historical past lovers and first-time guests, and Shanzu is for nightlife and adventures.
Mombasa options quite a few safe neighborhoods. However, it’s really useful to train warning in areas like Majengo and Kisauni on account of potential questions of safety.
Usually, Nyali is taken into account among the many most secure areas for vacationers. It has a powerful safety presence and is a well-liked selection for vacationers. See find out how to keep protected in Kenya.
Should you’re searching for procuring locations in Mombasa, Nyali is your finest guess. It has fashionable procuring malls like Metropolis 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, procuring, 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 a lot of causes to go to Mombasa! Mombasa presents lovely seashores, incredible resorts, and attention-grabbing locations like Fort Jesus and Haller Park.
Zanzibar is famend for its unique ambiance and deep Swahili cultural roots, whereas Mombasa is livelier and has wealthy historic landmarks. Each locations boast gorgeous seashores, so your determination ought to align along with your tastes.
In Conclusion
I hope you loved studying this text on the perfect locations to remain in Mombasa and that it’ll additionally allow 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 absolutely take pleasure in it.
For extra on Mombasa, please take a look at our guides beneath.
