On this article, I’ll assist you determine the place to keep in Mombasa. This put up contains the most effective areas, issues to do close by, eating places, and my favourite locations to keep. So, whether or not it’s your first time in the world, you’re visiting for nightlife, keen to be taught historical past, or vacationing with household, observe my lead as we discover neighborhoods in Kenya’s fundamental port metropolis. 

As a neighborhood Kenyan, I’ve visited Mombasa many occasions and stayed in completely different neighborhoods. Inside this information, I’ll share with you the most effective locations to keep 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 in 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 simple. Nonetheless, selecting the place to keep in Mombasa might be difficult.

Typically, 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 Mombasa Island hosts town middle and the outdated city. It’s linked to the north coast (house to the most effective sights in Mombasa) by the Nyali Bridge.

Finest Areas to Stay in Mombasa

Fast Look: Right here’s a abstract of the place to keep in Mombasa (click on to soar down the web page):

Mombasa Island: Finest Place to Stay 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 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 shut to fundamental transport hubs such because the airport and practice station. It’s ideally suited for first-time guests, historical past lovers, and price range vacationers.

Finest Locations to Stay in Mombasa Island

Listed below are my high suggestions if you happen to’re questioning the place to keep in the Mombasa metropolis middle:

1. Mombasa Consolation Home: This 2-bedroom house on the coronary heart of the outdated city is ideal for solo vacationers and {couples}. As well as to lovely sea views, it has free Wi-Fi, a seating space, a completely outfitted kitchen, a fridge, a sensible TV, and a clear rest room. Click on right here for extra particulars.

2. Resort Sapphire: This 3-star resort is my favourite in Mombasa Island due to its central location, out of doors pool, clear rooms, and excellent customer support. In case you’re a first-time customer in town or on the lookout 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 middle is conveniently situated shut to 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 Three Issues To Do in Mombasa Island

Under are a number of the greatest issues to do on Mombasa Island:

1. Mombasa Outdated City: For historical past lovers, Outdated City is the most effective place to begin your journey in Mombasa. You’ll be able to be a 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 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 gentle 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 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. Apart from stress-free and having fun with the ocean breeze and sundown, you too can work together with native distributors in this lovely place.

Where to Eat and Drink on Mombasa Island

Listed below are a number of the greatest eating places and bars on Mombasa Island:

1. Jahazi Espresso Home: Jahazi is the most effective restaurant to pattern Swahili dishes and espresso in Mombasa Outdated City. With its lovely 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 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 Four Lounge: This is among the greatest sports activities lounges in Mombasa Island. Right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from your favourite drink whereas watching matches on giant high-definition screens. The membership additionally hosts weekly themes like Reggae Wednesdays and Whiskey Fridays. Click on right here for instructions.

Shanzu: Finest Space in Mombasa for Nightlife

Alongside the north coast after Bamburi is the Shanzu neighborhood – the most effective place to keep in Mombasa for nightlife. As well as to quite a few seaside resorts, the world includes a stretch of unpolluted, white sand seashores. It additionally has a number of leisure spots, together with Membership Quantity, my go-to for an evening out in Mombasa.

In case you love good meals, journey, and a cushty keep, then Shanzu is your greatest guess. You’ll discover glorious resorts and spas like PrideInn Flamingo right here, and thrill seekers have the choice of go-karting or watersports. For foodies, a number of eating places serve scrumptious dishes.

Finest Locations to Stay in Shanzu

Shanzu neighborhood hosts a number of the greatest seaside resorts, flats, and villas alongside the Kenyan coast. Listed below are a couple of choices:

1. Serena Seaside Resort & Spa: Though a 3-star resort, Serena is a implausible resort providing top-class providers. As well as to air-conditioned and spacious Swahili-style rooms, the resort 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 keep in Shanzu subsequent to the seaside, I like to recommend PrideInn. This lovely resort is serene and presents world-class facilities akin to palm-fringed gardens, two bars, an outside swimming pool, and 4 eating places. Click on right here for extra particulars.

3. Platinum Home Resort: In case you’re a price range traveler on the lookout for an affordable place to keep in Shanzu, Mombasa, take a look at this resort. The three-star lodging facility presents clear rooms with a security field, a personal rest room, a youngsters’s playground, a terrace, and a restaurant, amongst different facilities. Click on right here for extra particulars.

High Three 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 lovers, 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 might be organized out of your resort. You too can take a look at native diving corporations like Calico Jacks.

2. Shanzu Seaside: This public seaside presents a serene house to chill out, stroll, and benefit from the ocean breeze. It’s much less crowded, clear, scenic, and one of the crucial lovely Mombasa seashores.

3. Mombasa Go-Kart: For thrilling sports activities like karting and zip-lining, head to Mombasa Go-Cart. This journey venue is appropriate for adults and youngsters, providing households a possibility to have enjoyable. It additionally hosts a wonderful restaurant for scrumptious meals akin to fish (from their pod), beef burgers, and spaghetti bolognese.

Where to Eat and Drink in Shanzu

Listed below are a couple of of the most effective bars and eating places in Shanzu:

1. Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant: This lovely restaurant serves nice meals and drinks, together with Swiss rosti, fillet steak skewers, roast rooster, and chilly shrimp cocktails. It additionally performs nice music with a dwell band session each Tuesday and Friday. Its employees members are additionally heat and useful. Click on right here for instructions.

2. The Tavern Inn: Apart from providing reasonably priced lodging in Shanzu, this splendid resort has a phenomenal backyard restaurant open to in-house and outdoors company. Right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from tasty pork or nyama choma served with ugali earlier than hitting the bar to seize your favourite drink. Click on right here for instructions.

3. Quantity Membership: This lavish nightclub has fashionable 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. As well as to varied drinks, you’ll be able to order meals – akin to nyama choma served with ugali. Click on right here for instructions.

Nyali: Coolest Place to Stay 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, engaging resorts, and excellent eating places. It’s additionally shut to a marine park the place adventurous vacationers can indulge in varied 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 keep in Mombasa, I extremely advocate this space. It’s additionally ideally suited for {couples} and anybody looking for some tranquility and enjoyable.

Finest Locations to Stay in Nyali

Listed below are a number of the greatest locations to keep in Nyali, together with luxurious seaside resorts and accommodations.

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 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 neglected. This full of life ship-themed resort strives to provide the most effective providers to households, teams, {couples}, and solo vacationers. Click on right here for extra particulars.

3. Resort Englishpoint Marina: On the far south finish of Nyali, overlooking Mombasa 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 on right here for extra particulars.

High Three Issues To Do in Nyali

In case you’re booked right into a resort or resort in Nyali, listed below are my high picks of issues to see and do in 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 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 among the greatest locations to go to close to Nyali. It permits you to have interaction with locals and see how individuals residing with disabilities use their expertise and skills for financial empowerment. As well as to 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. Apart from stress-free, swimming, and strolling, you’ll be able to kitesurf and scuba dive at Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park.

Where to Eat and Drink in Nyali

Under are the most effective eating places and bars in the Nyali space:

1. Tamarind Dhow and Restaurant: Nestled in the guts of Outdated Nyali is the Tamarind Restaurant. This oceanfront restaurant is famend for its swish ambiance and pleasant dishes. As well as to serving barbeque and continental delicacies, Tamarind is well known for town’s most interesting seafood. Click on right here for instructions.

2. Govinda’s Restaurant: In case you’re on the lookout for a vegetarian restaurant in 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 proper chill spot beside the ocean. It serves varied 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: Finest for Households 

Bamburi is among the greatest neighborhoods in Mombasa for household holidays. This charming space extends from the Indian Ocean to the mainland and has a number of sights.

Bamburi Seaside is much less crowded, clear, and flanked by world-class resorts, making it good for rest. 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 take in 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’ll be able to stroll by means of the market watching the every day lifetime of the locals and in a while go social gathering at Dublin Avenue.

Finest Locations to Stay in Bamburi

Listed below are a number of the greatest lodging choices in 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 unbelievable sea views, attracting all forms of vacationers. E-book your keep right here for indelible reminiscences. Click on right here for extra particulars.

2. Plaza Seaside Resort: In case you’re on the lookout for luxurious in an reasonably priced place close to Bamburi Seaside, 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 on right here for extra particulars.

3. Sarova Whitesands Seaside Resort: This lovely oceanfront resort is among the high-end lodging choices alongside the coast. It’s a singular Swahili fort with all of the facilities for a cushty and luxurious keep. Click on right here for extra particulars.

High Three Issues To Do in Bamburi

Listed below are the most effective issues to do in 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’ll be able to spot hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, and varied chook species. It additionally has a serene forest path for nature walks and a biking path main to the Butterfly Pavilion – a must-visit.

2. Loosen up 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 surroundings. It additionally boasts loads of implausible resorts with eating places and bars. In case you favor taking issues gradual whereas on trip, take into account staying alongside this seaside.

3. Go Scuba Diving: Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park stretches from Resort Englishpoint Mombasa to Shanzu. This park presents 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 Workforce – my best choice.

Where 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 in 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 among the most interesting selections in Bamburi for these looking for scrumptious seafood, barbecue delights, and refreshing cocktails. It presents a captivating open-air setting that offers diners a terrific 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: In case you love Italian delicacies, that is the most effective 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: 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 guts and soul of Kenya’s coastal attraction. The neighborhood is among the greatest locations to keep in Mombasa for price range vacationers and teams. It combines luxurious, modesty, tranquility, vibrancy, sightseeing, and rest.

Right here, you’ll discover varied locations to eat, bars to check out, and lovely villas perched on the cliffs of Mtwapa Creek – a beautiful deep water inlet. Alongside the creek’s shore is among the greatest seashores in Mombasa, and additional alongside, you’ll discover ruins of a 15th-century settlement.

All this stuff make Mtwapa a vacation spot for each type of traveler. It’s additionally a favourite to these drawn to the seaside, nightlife, historical past, and reasonably priced experiences.

Finest Locations to Stay in Mtwapa

Listed below are a number of the greatest locations to keep in 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 house has a terrace, an outside pool, a backyard, and a completely outfitted kitchenette. Click on right here for extra particulars.

2. Royal Palms Residence A4: This is a superb place to keep 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 Residences: This can be a good keep for comfort and nice worth for cash. The flats boast clear rooms, a completely outfitted 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 Three Issues To Do in Mtwapa

Under are a number of 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 15 minutes 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 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 you may 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 house to a number of leisure spots and nightclubs. This is a perfect place to keep if you happen to get pleasure from dancing, consuming, and listening to good music. My favourite nightclub in right here is The Yacht Lounge.

Where to Eat and Drink in Mtwapa

Under are a number 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. As well as to its nice meals, La Marina offers company 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 looking 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, thanks to its pleasant employees, top-notch hospitality, and good ambiance. If you need a terrific night time out with good music and drinks, spend a night at The Yacht. Click on right here for instructions.

Finest Areas to Stay in Mombasa: FAQ’s

In Conclusion

I hope you loved studying this text on the most effective locations to keep in Mombasa and that it’ll additionally allow you to resolve what to do and see close by. No matter the place you select to keep, you’ll be in one among Africa’s most lovely and charming cities and will certainly get pleasure from it.

For extra on Mombasa, please take a look at our guides beneath.