On this article, I’ll assist you determine the place to remain in Mombasa. This publish consists of the very 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, desperate to be taught historical past, or vacationing with household, comply with my lead as we discover neighborhoods in Kenya’s principal port metropolis.
As an area Kenyan, I’ve visited Mombasa many occasions and stayed in numerous neighborhoods. Inside this information, I’ll share with you the very 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. Due to this fact, planning a visit to this coastal gem for its points of interest and locations to go to is straightforward. Nonetheless, 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 contains cities and settlements after the Makupa Causeway. Mombasa Island hosts town middle and the previous city. It’s linked to the north coast (residence to the greatest 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 seashore 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 town middle and is the central hub connecting all cities alongside the Kenyan coast.
Mombasa Island is residence 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 principal transport hubs such because the airport and practice station. It’s ultimate for first-time guests, historical past lovers, and price range vacationers.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mombasa Island
Listed below are my high suggestions if you happen to’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 previous city is ideal for solo vacationers and {couples}. Along with stunning sea views, it has free Wi-Fi, a seating space, a totally geared up kitchen, a fridge, a sensible TV, and a clear lavatory. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Lodge Sapphire: This 3-star lodge is my favourite in Mombasa Island as a consequence of its central location, outside pool, clear rooms, and excellent customer support. In case you’re a first-time customer within the metropolis or in search of 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 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 on right here for extra particulars.
High 3 Issues To Do in Mombasa Island
Under are among the greatest issues to do on Mombasa Island:
1. Mombasa Previous City: For historical past lovers, Previous City is the very best place to begin 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 previous buildings and their options. Discover out extra right here. Additionally, don’t miss the sound and light-weight 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 a lot of 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 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 too can work together with native distributors on this stunning place.
The place to Eat and Drink on Mombasa Island
Listed below are among the greatest eating places and bars on Mombasa Island:
1. Jahazi Espresso Home: Jahazi is the very best restaurant to pattern Swahili dishes and occasional in Mombasa Previous 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 on right here for instructions.
2. Blue Room Restaurant: This restaurant is legendary for good meals, ice cream, and pleasant workers members. You possibly can order from their multi-cuisine menu, which incorporates pizza, Hawaiian roast hen, 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 may 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 very best place to remain in Mombasa for nightlife. Along with quite a few seashore resorts, the realm encompasses 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.
In case you love good meals, journey, and a cushty 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.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Shanzu
Shanzu neighborhood hosts among the greatest seashore resorts, residences, and villas alongside the Kenyan coast. Listed below are just a few choices:
1. Serena Seaside Resort & Spa: Though a 3-star lodge, Serena is a implausible resort providing top-class companies. Along with air-conditioned and spacious Swahili-style rooms, the lodge options outside 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 seashore, I like to recommend PrideInn. This stunning lodge is serene and affords world-class facilities resembling palm-fringed gardens, two bars, an outside swimming pool, and 4 eating places. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Platinum Home Lodge: In case you’re a price range traveler in search of an affordable place to remain in Shanzu, Mombasa, try this lodge. The three-star lodging facility affords clear rooms with a security field, a non-public 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 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 could be organized out of your lodge. You may as well try native diving corporations like Calico Jacks.
2. Shanzu Seaside: This public seashore affords a serene house to chill out, stroll, and benefit from the ocean breeze. It’s much less crowded, clear, scenic, and probably the most stunning 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 wonderful 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 just a few of the very best 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 stay band session each Tuesday and Friday. Its workers 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 phenomenal backyard restaurant open to in-house and outdoors company. Right here, you may 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 flooring. I visited Quantity after a pal really helpful it, and true to his phrase, it didn’t disappoint. Along with numerous drinks, you may order meals – resembling 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 procuring 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 take pleasure in numerous watersport actions.
I’ve stayed in Nyali a number of occasions 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 suggest this space. It’s additionally ultimate for {couples} and anybody searching for some tranquility and enjoyable.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Nyali
Listed below are among the greatest locations to remain in Nyali, together with luxurious seashore resorts and lodges.
1. Ayodya Suites Nyali: In case you’re a pair or solo traveler in search of an reasonably priced lodge in Nyali, e book 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 Seaside Resort: Designed to emulate the class of a luxurious cruise liner, Voyager is all set to whisk you away on a implausible ocean journey, guaranteeing that no consolation is missed. This vigorous ship-themed resort strives to supply the very best 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 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
In case you’re booked right into a lodge or resort in Nyali, listed below are my high picks of issues to see and do on this posh suburb:
1. Wild Waters: In case you’re in search of 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 among the greatest locations to go to close to Nyali. It means that you can 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 Seaside (northside) and Nyali Seaside (southside). These seashores are related throughout low tide to type a spectacular stretch of soppy white sands. In addition to enjoyable, swimming, and strolling, you may kitesurf and scuba dive at Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park.
The place to Eat and Drink in Nyali
Under are the very 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 town’s most interesting seafood. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Govinda’s Restaurant: In case you’re in search of 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 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 affords the proper chill spot beside the ocean. It serves numerous 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 on right here for instructions.
Bamburi: Greatest 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 points of interest.
Bamburi Seaside is much less crowded, clear, and flanked by world-class resorts, making it excellent for rest. Its white sandy shores, framed by swaying palm timber, create an inviting scene for sunset-seekers. You possibly can bask subsequent to the ocean and absorb breathtaking horizon views whereas having fun with a chilly drink.
Away from the shoreline, Bamburi’s vigorous principal avenue is ideal for these in search of nightlife spots and native vibes. Right here, you may stroll by the market watching the every day lifetime of the locals and in a while go get together at Dublin Avenue.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Bamburi
Listed below are among 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 forms of vacationers. E-book your keep right here for indelible recollections. Click on right here for extra particulars.
2. Plaza Seaside Lodge: In case you’re in search of 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 get pleasure from ocean views. Different services embrace a restaurant, poolside bar, and a health room. Click on right here for extra particulars.
3. Sarova Whitesands Seaside Resort: This stunning 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 cushty and opulent keep. Click on right here for extra particulars.
High 3 Issues To Do in Bamburi
Listed below are the very best issues to do within the Bamburi space:
1. Haller Park: Located alongside Nyali Street, Haller Park is a phenomenal sanctuary with a reptile park, fish farm, and wild animals. Right here, you may 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. Chill out alongside Bamburi Seaside: That is my favourite seashore in Kenya for household holidays. It’s stunning, much less crowded, and tranquil, providing an ideal enjoyable setting. It additionally boasts loads of implausible resorts with eating places and bars. In case you favor taking issues gradual whereas on trip, think about staying alongside this seashore.
3. Go Scuba Diving: Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park stretches from Lodge 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 Group – 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 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 stunning ocean views. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Yul’s Restaurant: This restaurant is among the most interesting decisions in Bamburi for these searching for scrumptious seafood, barbecue delights, and refreshing cocktails. It affords an enthralling open-air setting that provides diners a fantastic 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: In case you love Italian delicacies, that is the very 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: Greatest Place in Mombasa on a Finances
To many vacationers and locals, Mtwapa is greater than only a place; it’s an expertise that captures the guts and soul of Kenya’s coastal appeal. The neighborhood is among the greatest 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 horny 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 seashore, nightlife, historical past, and reasonably priced experiences.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Mtwapa
Listed below are among the greatest locations to remain within the Mtwapa space:
1. Peters Mansion Bougainvillea: In case you’re in search of 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 House A4: This is a superb place to remain in Mtwapa for price range vacationers who need privateness and serenity. It options the required facilities, together with spacious rooms, a pool, and a serene backyard. Employees 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 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 among the greatest 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 “A giant home of slaves,” suggesting that the relic was as soon as a web site for the slave commerce. Its compound incorporates a tomb, 4 homes, and 4 mosques, an indication that Muslims primarily inhabited the settlement. In case you love historical past, add this web site 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 every of 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 realm is residence to a number of leisure spots and nightclubs. This is a perfect place to remain if you happen to 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 among 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 supplies company with stunning 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 stunning 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 choice. Click on right here for instructions.
3. The Yacht Lounge: That is my favourite leisure spot in Mtwapa, because of its pleasant workers, top-notch hospitality, and good ambiance. If you’d like 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
The very best space for vacationers in Mombasa depends upon private choice. 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 consequence of attainable security 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 alternative for vacationers. See the right way to keep secure in Kenya.
In case you’re in search of procuring locations in Mombasa, Nyali is your greatest wager. It has trendy procuring malls like Metropolis Mall the place yow 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 easy accessibility to points of interest, procuring, 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 chill out on the seashores.
Sure, there are a lot of causes to go to Mombasa! Mombasa affords stunning 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 determination ought to align along with your tastes.
In Conclusion
I hope you loved studying this text on the very best locations to remain in Mombasa and that it’ll additionally show you how to resolve 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 stunning and charming cities and can certainly get pleasure from it.
For extra on Mombasa, please take a look at our guides under.