On this article, I’ll assist you determine the place to remain in Mombasa. This publish contains the most effective areas, issues to do close by, eating places, and my favourite locations to remain. So, whether or not it’s your first time within the space, you’re visiting for nightlife, desperate to be taught historical past, or vacationing with household, comply with my lead as we discover neighborhoods in Kenya’s fundamental port metropolis.
As an area Kenyan, I’ve visited Mombasa many instances and stayed in several neighborhoods. Inside this information, I’ll share with you the most effective 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. Nevertheless, selecting the place to remain in Mombasa may 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 town middle 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 completely different areas. One in every of these distinct areas is Mombasa Island, which incorporates 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 fundamental transport hubs such because the airport and train station. It’s perfect for first-time guests, historical past lovers, and price range vacationers.
Finest Locations to Keep in Mombasa Island
Listed below are my prime suggestions when you’re questioning the place to remain within the Mombasa metropolis middle:
1. Mombasa Comfort House: This 2-bedroom condominium on the coronary heart of the previous city is ideal for solo vacationers and {couples}. Along with stunning sea views, it has free Wi-Fi, a seating space, a totally outfitted kitchen, a fridge, a wise TV, and a clear toilet. Click here for more details.
2. Hotel Sapphire: This 3-star resort is my favourite in Mombasa Island as a result of its central location, outside pool, clear rooms, and excellent customer support. In case 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 here for more details.
3. THE IVORY SUITES by ARMAAN: This lodging facility in Mombasa metropolis middle is conveniently positioned near nightlife joints, eating places, and bus terminus. It has elegant rooms with a desk, flat-screen TV, free parking, and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Click here for more details.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Mombasa Island
Beneath are a few of the greatest issues to do on Mombasa Island:
1. Mombasa Old Town: For historical past lovers, Old Town is the most effective place to begin your journey in Mombasa. You possibly can be a 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 slim 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. Attempt Swahili Dishes: A visit to Kenya’s second-largest metropolis is incomplete with out tasting local cuisine. There are various eating places right here serving Swahili dishes resembling biryani hen (spiced rice with hen), 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 like watching ships go away 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. In addition to enjoyable and having fun with the ocean breeze and sundown, you may also work together with native distributors on this stunning 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 Coffee House: Jahazi is the most effective restaurant to pattern Swahili dishes and occasional in Mombasa Outdated City. With its stunning 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 employees members. You possibly can order from their multi-cuisine menu, which incorporates pizza, Hawaiian roast hen, paneer tikka, and biryani. My favourite meal right here is their grilled steak with mushroom sauce. Click here for directions.
3. Zero 4 Lounge: This is likely one of the greatest sports activities lounges in Mombasa Island. Right here, you possibly can get pleasure from your favourite drink whereas watching matches on massive 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 – the most effective place to remain in Mombasa for nightlife. Along with quite a few seashore resorts, the world includes 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 case you love good meals, journey, and a snug keep, then Shanzu is your greatest wager. 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 seashore resorts, flats, and villas alongside the Kenyan coast. Listed below are a number of choices:
1. Serena Beach Resort & Spa: Though a 3-star resort, Serena is a improbable 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 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 stunning resort is serene and affords world-class facilities resembling 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 case you’re a price range traveler on the lookout for an affordable place to remain in Shanzu, Mombasa, take a look at this resort. The three-star lodging facility affords clear rooms with a security field, a non-public toilet, a youngsters’s playground, a terrace, and a restaurant, amongst different facilities. Click here for more details.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Shanzu
Beneath are my favourite issues to do in and across the Shanzu neighborhood:
1. Mombasa Marine National Park: For watersports fanatics, Shanzu affords the chance to enterprise offshore and play. You possibly can scuba dive, snorkel, and windsurf in Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park. Journeys to this park may be organized out of your resort. You may also take a look at native diving corporations like Calico Jacks.
2. Shanzu Beach: This public seashore affords a serene area to chill out, stroll, and benefit from the ocean breeze. It’s much less crowded, clear, scenic, and some of the stunning 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 superb restaurant for scrumptious meals resembling fish (from their pod), beef burgers, and spaghetti bolognese.
The place to Eat and Drink in Shanzu
Listed below are a number of of the most effective bars and eating places in Shanzu:
1. Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant: This stunning restaurant serves nice meals and drinks, together with Swiss rosti, fillet steak skewers, roast hen, and chilly shrimp cocktails. It additionally performs nice music with a reside band session each Tuesday and Friday. Its employees members are additionally heat and useful. Click here for directions.
2. The Tavern Inn: In addition to providing reasonably priced lodging in Shanzu, this splendid resort has a stupendous backyard restaurant open to in-house and out of doors company. 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 here for directions.
3. Volume Club: This lavish nightclub has trendy interiors, good music, and a improbable dance ground. I visited Quantity after a good friend really helpful it, and true to his phrase, it didn’t disappoint. Along with varied drinks, you possibly can order meals – resembling 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 fashionable 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 instances and discover it the best of Mombasa neighborhoods. In case you’re touring as a household and questioning the place to remain in Mombasa, I extremely advocate this space. It’s additionally perfect for {couples} and anybody in search of 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 seashore resorts and inns.
1. Ayodya Suites Nyali: In case you’re a pair or solo traveler on the lookout for an reasonably priced resort in Nyali, e book your keep at Ayodya. It has snug air-conditioned suites, a terrace, an out of doors pool, a shared lounge, and a restaurant, amongst different facilities. Click here for more details.
2. Voyager Beach Resort: Designed to emulate the class of a luxurious cruise liner, Voyager is all set to whisk you away on a improbable ocean journey, making certain that no consolation is neglected. This full of life ship-themed resort strives to supply the most effective providers 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 Outdated 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 case you’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: In case you’re on the lookout for enjoyable actions for households and teams in Mombasa, I like to recommend Wild Waters Kenya. The park affords a full day of thrilling water experiences, together with plunging down the slides and swimming. It additionally has a child’s pool, an grownup’s bowl pool, meals courts, and a bar.
2. Bombolulu Workshops: This is likely one of the greatest locations to go to close to Nyali. It lets you interact with locals and see how individuals residing with disabilities use their expertise 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 Beach (northside) and Nyali Beach (southside). These seashores are linked throughout low tide to kind a spectacular stretch of sentimental white sands. In addition to enjoyable, swimming, and strolling, you possibly can kitesurf and scuba dive at Mombasa Marine National Park.
The place to Eat and Drink in Nyali
Beneath are the most effective eating places and bars within the Nyali space:
1. Tamarind Dhow and Restaurant: Nestled within the coronary heart of Outdated 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 best seafood. Click here for directions.
2. Govinda’s Restaurant: In case you’re on the lookout for a vegetarian restaurant within the Nyali space, go to Govinda’s. The restaurant is positioned on the iconic New Dwarikadham Temple and affords an unbeatable eating expertise. It’s close to Nyali Seashore and the well-known Gombeshwar Caves – Shiva Temple. Click here for directions.
3. Maasai Beach Bar & Restaurant: This restaurant alongside Mombasa Beach affords the right chill spot beside the ocean. It serves varied dishes, together with nyama choma, fish, and fried hen. 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 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 Beach is much less crowded, clear, and flanked by world-class resorts, making it excellent for leisure. Its white sandy shores, framed by swaying palm bushes, create an inviting scene for sunset-seekers. You possibly can bask subsequent to the ocean and soak up breathtaking horizon views whereas having fun with a chilly drink.
Away from the shoreline, Bamburi’s full of life fundamental avenue is ideal for these on the lookout 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 celebration at Dublin Street.
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 likely one of the greatest gems alongside the coast. It options spacious rooms, three eating places, an out of doors pool, and unbelievable sea views, attracting all sorts of vacationers. E book your keep right here for indelible reminiscences. Click here for more details.
2. Plaza Beach Hotel: In case you’re on the lookout for luxurious in an reasonably priced place close to Bamburi Seashore, e book this 3-star resort. It has spacious visitor suites with a satellite tv for pc TV, air-conditioning, a mini bar, and a balcony to 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 stunning oceanfront resort is likely one of the high-end lodging choices alongside the coast. It’s a novel Swahili fort with all of the facilities for a snug and opulent keep. Click here for more details.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Bamburi
Listed below are the most effective issues to do within the Bamburi space:
1. Haller Park: Located alongside Nyali Highway, Haller Park is a stupendous sanctuary with a reptile park, fish farm, and wild animals. Right here, you possibly can 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. Relax along Bamburi Beach: That is my favourite beach in Kenya for household holidays. It’s stunning, much less crowded, and tranquil, providing an ideal enjoyable setting. It additionally boasts loads of improbable resorts with eating places and bars. In case 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 affords alternatives for watersports, together with scuba diving. In case 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 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 basic restaurant serves varied dishes, together with nyama choma, pizza, and burgers. It additionally has a young children’s playground and a raised deck to dine and drink whereas having fun with stunning ocean views. Click here for directions.
2. Yul’s Restaurant: This restaurant is likely one of the best selections in Bamburi for these in search of scrumptious seafood, barbecue delights, and refreshing cocktails. It affords an enthralling open-air setting that offers diners an ideal view of the serene ocean past. Attempt their delectable grilled lobsters and succulent prawns. Click here for directions.
3. La Casa Di Nico Mombasa: In case you love Italian delicacies, that is the most effective place to eat in Bamburi. Its menu is complete, with quite a lot of choices. Their meals contains 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 Funds
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 likely one of the greatest locations to remain in Mombasa for price range 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 likely one of the greatest 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 sort of traveler. It’s additionally a favourite to these drawn to the seashore, 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: In case you’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced 1-bedroom keep in Mtwapa, take a look at this facility. The spacious condominium has a terrace, an out of doors pool, a backyard, and a totally outfitted 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 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 here for more details.
3. Mtwapa Luxury Apartments: This can be a excellent keep for comfort and nice worth for cash. The flats boast clear rooms, a totally outfitted kitchen, and a shared indoor swimming pool. It’s additionally inside strolling distance of supermarkets and most nightlife joints in Mtwapa. Click here for more details.
Prime 3 Issues To Do in Mtwapa
Beneath are a few of the greatest 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 comprises a tomb, 4 homes, and 4 mosques, an indication that Muslims primarily inhabited the settlement. In case 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. In case you’re drawn to the game, Mtwapa affords you an opportunity to go on a fishing safari. John & Ken Rodwell conducts deep sea fishing in Mombasa and Watamu. Be a 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, 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 greatest 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 gives company with stunning 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 here for directions.
2. The Moorings: This stunning floating restaurant on the northern aspect of Mtwapa Creek is ideal for {couples} and vacationers in search of a tranquil area. 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, because of its pleasant employees, top-notch hospitality, and good ambiance. In order for you an ideal 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 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. Nonetheless, it’s really helpful to train warning in areas like Majengo and Kisauni as a result of attainable safety points.
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 how to stay safe in Kenya.
In case you’re on the lookout for buying locations in Mombasa, Nyali is your greatest wager. It has fashionable buying malls like City Mall the place yow will discover varied shops.
Sure, it issues the place you keep in Mombasa. Staying in well-established vacationer areas like Mtwapa and Nyali will present 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 numerous causes to go to Mombasa! Mombasa affords stunning 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 beautiful seashores, so your choice ought to align together with your tastes.
In Conclusion
I hope you loved studying this text on the most effective locations to remain in Mombasa and that it’ll additionally enable you to determine 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 stunning and charming cities and can certainly get pleasure from it.
For extra on Mombasa, please take a look at our guides beneath.
