10 Tips for Travellers & Best Beach Hotel in Mombasa Kenya
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Mombasa is Kenya’s largest coastal city and is among the most popular with tourists. But you might have wondered if Mombasa is a safe place for tourists or what can you do there or where to eat. And you would want to choose the best hotel to relax at one of the country’s stunning white sand beaches.
Mombasa is safe for tourists due to tight security around tourist hotels and the fact that hotels and resorts take their guests’ safety seriously. Even with the best security, you must still use common sense to stay safe and find the best place to stay and eat while traveling. Here are some useful tips that will come in handy while visiting Mombasa, Kenya.
About Mombasa
- The city was founded circa 900AD.
- The estimated population is 1.4 million.
- It was visited by the Arab traveler Ibn Baá¹á¹Å«á¹ah in 1331 and by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama in 1498.
- Kilindini Harbour is one of the deepest harbors worldwide with a depth of 57ft.
Looking for the best beach hotel in Mombasa or hotels in north coast? Book a Hotel in Mombasa.
Travellers Beach Hotel & Club – Best Beach Hotel in Mombasa
Want to stay at one of the top north coast hotels? Everything at the Travellers Beach Hotel in Mombasa – a top-rated hotel in Mombasa north coast is created to make your stay a memorable one. From its convenient beachfront location (just 2 minutes away from the best beach Mombasa – Bamburi) to its elegant rooms, and fun activities. Sometimes all we need is a simple, enjoyable location that doesn’t sacrifice unmatched service, sumptuous dining options, and comfort. That’s exactly what you’ll find in this paradise.
Your dream Beach holiday awaits
Being one of the best resorts in Mombasa, it features eco-conscious stunning garden/sea view rooms and suites that will wow you! These private oases are located next to sprawling swimming pools. Equipped with all modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, charging wires, fruit baskets, coffee and tea makers, telephones, AC, hair dryers, safes, and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. Check out the TripAdvisor Reviews.
Explore equisite rooms & suites
The soul of this bustling city is intricately linked to the flavors that dominate its dishes, and guests at this beach hotel are in luck when it comes to savory food and drinks. Want to try the famous beach restaurants in Mombasa? The local cuisines at Safina Restaurant join the delicious continental dishes in taking your palate on a journey that will delight it. LA Pergola is a cozy restaurant that serves mouth-watering pizzas and spaghetti.
Want to dine at one of the best seafood restaurants in Mombasa? Set by the poolside, Suli Suli Grill is a family restaurant serving fresh seafood. Searching for one of the finest Indian restaurants in Mombasa? Sher e Punjab is one place you’ll keep coming back to for authentic Indian food of the Nawabs.
Msafiri Bar stands out for its live band and Karaoke nights with some amazing drink options. And if you want to enjoy piped music, play pool table or table tennis as you savor your drink of choice, go to Kisima Bar. Located by the beach, Pwani Kofi Bar is the ideal place to spend your evening with your favorite drink.
Looking for events in Mombasa this weekend or just crazy about water sports in Kenya? This beach hotel provides some adrenaline-pumping and heart-pounding fun activities. From deep sea diving, and beach volleyball to indoor games like darts, tennis, and foosball. Looking for one of the best swimming pools in Mombasa among other things? You can indulge in a wide range of Mombasa spa services or laze around near the pool, or hit the best gym in Mombasa as well.
Are you looking for event venues in Kenya? This beach hotel is the perfect choice to host weddings, private parties, and even meetings. Their spaces are equipped with modern conference facilities and high-speed internet and can accommodate up to 400 people. The concierge and a dedicated team not only provide the best service but also the best snacks as per your choice.
First-class meetings & conference services
Tips for Travellers Visiting Mombasa & Staying at a Beach Hotel
Mombasa on Kenya’s East Coast is popular among tourists and offers unrestricted access to the stunning Indian Ocean via pristine white sand beaches. It is a traveler’s paradise with stretches of white sand beaches, marine parks, temples, and much more. Try to include a few days in Mombasa and Mombasa sub counties if you intend to visit Kenya.
Make sure that you know about the area before you go to avoid getting into trouble while you are there. We have discussed the best beach hotel and now here are the 10 most vital things you should know before visiting.
1. What is the Weather like in Mombasa Kenya?
Even though Mombasa is a coastal city located along the Indian Ocean, the temperature there may rise above 30°C despite the fact that the average daytime temperature in Kenya is between 20°C and 28°C. The weather in Mombasa Kenya is hot and humid. Don’t worry, the monsoon winds will help to cool Mombasa down. In Mombasa, the summer months are from December to March, and the winter months are from July to October. There are many beach hotels in Mombasa. The tropical weather is perfect for a staycation at the best beach hotel in Mombasa.
2. How to Travel Around?
Mombasa offers many travel choices. You can take an air safari, fly locally on a scheduled airline (often in a small plane with great visibility), or rent a light plane for your own use if you want more privacy on your solo trip. You can travel on a shared or exclusive road safari where you can sign up for a fixed package or a custom itinerary.
You can easily rent a car for self-driving or with a driver if you like more freedom. You can also opt for airport transfers if you are staying at the best beach hotel in Mombasa. There are some affordable places to visit in Mombasa as well and if you’re on a tight budget, you can choose from many public transport options.
These options range from AC buses operated by major operators to small firms and “saccos” (cooperatives) with a single worn-out minibus. Nissan minibus in large and small numbers referred to as Matatu, compete for travelers with these firms in Mombasa. But the railway network appears to be in terminal decline.
3. Best Time to Visit Mombasa in Kenya?
Anglers can catch a yellowfin tuna anytime from the end of August to the start of October. The best time for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore Kenya’s marine life is from October to March. Safaris from Mombasa are more popular during the dry months, from January to March and July to September.
During the long and brief periods of rain that occur between April and June and between November and December, beach hotel or resorts lower their rates. Plan your trip to Mombasa for a time between December and January or between June and September. Keep in mind to reserve your tickets in advance since this is the busiest time of year! These are the best seasons for the weather in Mombasa.
4. Where to Eat?
The cuisine in Mombasa is a fusion of all the cultures that have passed through the city. Many nations came, conquered, and cooked at points in time, bringing new flavors to the local cuisine. Mombasa has been occupied by the Omanis, Portuguese, and British since the 18th century due to its port’s strategic location along the East African coast.
As early as the 12th century, Arab traders came to Mombasa and traded spices. Even today, spices like saffron, turmeric, and more are used to season Swahili food. You can’t help but notice plenty of popular Indian dishes like samosas and bhajis in Mombasa as well. This is a result of Indian people that moved there after finishing the Kenya-Uganda railway line under British colonial rule.
Image credit – tripadvisor
You can visit many places to eat in Mombasa. You can try the local street food at every corner in the city like Nyama Choma, Mitai, Mogo, and more. But if you want to have a divine dining experience then you can go to the Safina restaurant at Travellers Beach Hotel & Club Mombasa for some delicious local Swahili dishes. Still hungry? You can try amazing Indian cuisine at Sher e Punjab or the best seafood in Mombasa at Suli Suli Grill.
5. What are the Popular Attractions in Mombasa?
Want to visit the popular tourist sites in Mombasa? There is a lot to discover in Mombasa and we have a list of the best things to do in Mombasa. From white sand beaches like Bamburi, Nyali, and more, Haller Park, Mombasa Marine Park to Old Town, Mandhry Mosque, and Fort Jesus in Mombasa to Jain Temple.
Image credit – safari254
These are some of the best places to visit in Mombasa. You’ll be walking a lot, so get a pair of sneakers and avoid flip-flops and sandals unless going to a beach (especially when staying at any beach hotel or the Travellers Beach Hotel & Club which is located on a pristine stretch of sandy beach and is just 2 minutes from Bamburi beach).
6. What are the Health Measures you should take?
It is strongly advised that you obtain preventive malaria medicine from your doctor before your trip to Mombasa because this issue is unique to Kenya. It is advised to use anti-insect sprays because there may be some medical side effects. Get vaccinated against yellow fever as well in a similar manner. Upon entering Kenya, the authorities may ask you to present a vaccination certificate.
You need to follow the Covid-19 travel requirements as well. Authorities will check either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted not more than 72 hours before departure.
Consume only water that is known to be safe. Avoid drinking or using tap water to brush your teeth. Stick with bottled or canned drinks of well-known brands. Only have mineral water bottles opened in front of you. In case of doubt, boil water with chlorine or iodine or use a water purifier. Be sure the water used to make the ice is pure. Apply a lot of high-factor sunscreens, wear a hat, drink lots of fluids and dress in shady attire.
7. What is the Language & Currency?
Kenyan Shillings.
Image credit – bbc.com
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Visa, Mastercard, and local mobile money are accepted as well. Many languages are spoken in Mombasa but the official ones are Swahili and English. To make it easy for you to talk in Mombasa, try learning a few Swahili phrases that are used commonly on a daily basis.
- Habari = Hello
- Asante = Thank you
- Sawa = Ok
- Goodbye = Kwaheri
- Welcome = Karibu
- Please = Tafadhali
What Essentials should you Carry? Where can you go Shopping in Mombasa?
City Mall in Nyali, Mombasa.
Image credit – facebook.com
You won’t spend much planning a trip to Mombasa as far as carrying items is concerned. You only need a t-shirt, a hat, some comfortable shoes, a scarf, full-sleeve cotton shirts for the evening, a light zipper for the summer, and a warm jacket for the winter. Don’t forget to bring along a copy of your passport, binoculars, high-SPF sunscreen, and suitable medicines even though you are staying at a beach hotel.
When it comes to shopping, Mombasa has some great shopping places. To name a few, there is City Mall Nyali, Coast Zanzibar Curio Shop, and Bombolulu Workshops. The most popular are the Maasai markets for street shopping. Shopping here is exciting and enjoyable but don’t forget to bargain and get a souvenir from any gift shop in Mombasa for your loved ones.
Read More:10 Best Shopping Places to Go in Mombasa & Where to Stay
9. What are the Photography Rules?
You are not permitted to take photos of The Kenyan flag, government buildings, and the military. You will risk getting in trouble if you take pictures or videos of the president or his home. Therefore, exercise caution in this area. As per local custom, it is advised to always ask before taking pictures of people.
10. How to Stay Safe in Mombasa?
In Mombasa, crowded areas are not ideal for tourists. In the unlikely event of an accident like a fire, being in a crowded area puts you in greater danger than if you were alone. Crowds also attract pickpockets.
Avoid wearing your 2, 3, or 4-figure jewel pieces in broad daylight to prevent any instances of being mugged. To prevent losing them, keep all of your valuables in your line of sight and if at all possible, keep them together in one bag. Instead of carrying your backup credit card with you at all times, it is advised to leave it safely in your beach hotel room locker.
Due to poorly maintained roads, fast-moving traffic, and road accidents, it is still not advisable for you to drive yourself on Kenyan roads even if you have a license to do so. You should avoid lonely beaches, late nights, and early mornings as well, and always use a safety bag when you are roaming around in town.
Other General Etiquettes
Tipping those who assist you is regarded as polite behavior in Mombasa. It would be great if you gave your porter $1 per bag or your server 10% of the total cost of your meal as a tip!
Mombasa is Like No Other with the Best Beach Hotel in Kenya
One of the top tourist hotspots in East Africa is Mombasa, and we advise adding it to your itinerary if you plan to travel there. There are countless other activities and experiences for you to try during your stay, but this post only sums up our favorite and most notable tips for those traveling to the city.
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is to enjoy yourself and follow the above-mentioned tips to make your trip safe and more enjoyable. So, what are you looking for? Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure by visiting Mombasa in Kenya! Looking for Mombasa beach hotel contacts and the best Mombasa hotel prices? For more details on the best beach hotel, restaurant, spa, and more, contact us!
