Hotels in Mombasa

Mombasa Introduction

With pristine white sand beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean and bordered by swaying palms, Mombasa is a tropical paradise. An island city, Mombasa is known for its stunning beaches and is steeped in seafaring history. The city has been influenced by a dazzling array of cultures, evident in the exotic Old Town with its twisting, narrow streets – rich with the aroma of spices – winding past ancient architecture. With an amazing cuisine influenced by immigrants from numerous nations, Mombasa is an exciting city of modern innovation and ancient tradition.

Hotels in Mombasa

The tropical island city of Mombasa offers stunning natural beauty and a wide range of accommodation options. Choose from family-friendly resorts, private luxury resorts ideal for a romantic getaway, tidy city apartments and beautifully appointed boutique hotels – there's something for every budget and taste preference. Luxury hotels in Mombasa feature secluded white sandy beachfront locations and exquisite dining, featuring freshly caught seafood and local organic produce. Mid-range Mombasa hotels and boutique hotels provide unique African architecture and elegant spas for personal pampering. Discount hotels are usually within walking distance of the beach and offer basic but nourishing buffet meals.

Where to stay

For beachside resorts with the highest luxury and personalized service, look along Mombasa's south coast where you'll find sea-view cottages surrounded by mangroves. Cheap Mombasa hotels are found in the city centre, along with rental apartments and inns that provide basic accommodation and essential amenities. These are good places to stay if you want to want to save your money for excursions and fine dining. For the best views and easy access to water sports like kite-surfing and snorkelling, stick to the coastline, where both lavish and mid-range resorts dot the white sand beaches.

Things to see

The port of Mombasa is guarded by the towering Fort Jesus, an imposing edifice built in the 16th century; with its underground passages and crumbling battlements, it's a must see for tourists. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is a wonderful place for underwater adventures, from snorkelling in the crystal-clear water to scuba diving at the magnificent coral reefs. If you want to see marine life but don't fancy plunging beneath the waves, take a tour in a glass-bottomed boat instead. For more nature-based fun, you can spot crocodiles at Mamba Village, keep an eye open for hippos and giraffes at Haller Park, or stand in awe of magnificent waterfalls in Shimba Hills National Reserve. Climb aboard an Arab dhow for a night of dinner and sailing down the coast, or head into the city to explore the markets and enjoy dried mangoes with pepper, sweet, fudgy labania or fried potatoes with tamarind sauce.

How to get to Mombasa

There are several ways to reach the exotic coastal city of Mombasa, but the easiest by far is by air. Fly direct to Nairobi then catch a connecting flight to Moi International Airport, which is located just 9 km from the centre of town. Bus travel from Nairobi to Mombasa can be a bit dodgy and takes from 8-12 hours. If you do fancy the adventure, be sure to pack your own food and drink, and keep a close eye on your belongings. Train travel is faster and more comfortable, with the high speed Madaraka Express trip taking only 4.5 hours.