Mombasa, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean
As the capital of one of Africa’s most rapidly developing cities, Mombasa is a diverse destination with many attractions. Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city and the economic center of the country, with modern amenities and well-maintained infrastructure. The city has a tropical climate that is warm year-round and has no long winters.
As a port city on an island in the Indian Ocean, visitors can enjoy white sandy beaches and marine life such as coral reefs, dolphins, whales, and porpoises.
Mombasa is often referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. The beachfronts are lined with palm trees, hotels, and resorts and there are several good places to grab a meal.
Mombasa boasts a vibrant culture, with colorful markets, historical sites such as Fort Jesus, and a renowned beachfront with pristine white sand. It also has a rich history of cultural change since it has been inhabited by different tribes from Asia, India, Arabia, and Europe.
If you’re planning a trip to Mombasa then this article will fill you in on what you need to know about it, including all its top attractions, best hotels for your stay, local life, and what not to miss!
The Best Time to Visit Mombasa For A Unique Experience
A traveler’s dream destination, Mombasa offers an ideal climate year-round and can be visited at any time. Mombasa is situated on the coast of Kenya and tends to have a tropical-like climate.
The coastal city of Kenya has two rainy seasons, with the longest season typically occurring in April and May. The intensity of rainfall decreases during these months. On average, there will be heavy rain in the afternoon but it doesn’t rain all day.
June-August is the best time of the year to travel as it offers good holiday crowds but also ensures you avoid peak family season. Mombasa experiences an extreme temperature of 33℃ (91℉) during summers. It also experiences a low temperature of 22℃ (71℉) during the night in winters.
When the sun shines the longest in Mombasa in November, you can expect to be outside for most of your day. It also rains most heavily from April-May so if you prefer drier weather, November is the best time to visit.
Where Should You Stay While Visiting Mombasa, Kenya?
Mombasa is a city on the coast of Kenya. The beaches and coastline are so beautiful, tourists from all over the world come to visit. There are many hotels and luxury villas along the beach. A luxurious beachfront villa provides an atmosphere of peace, relaxation & privacy for visitors looking for a break from the daily grind.
Msambweni Beach House is a great choice for anyone looking for serene ocean views. The beachfront villas also have private grounds, a pool, and gardens. They boast top-notch amenities, personalized service, and jaw-dropping views that will leave you mesmerized.
About Msambweni Beach House
‘The Msambweni Beach House’, a one-of-a-kind private villa, is located on the southern coast of Kenya near the Indian Ocean. It offers an unparalleled experience and is the perfect place for honeymoons, weddings, birthdays, and family getaways.
At the beach house, there are 4 houses – the main house, and 3 private villas. Each room has its own bathroom facilities, and balcony’s that overlook the beach.
The Main House
The main house provides you with spectacular views of the ocean and lush green landscape. The house is heavily decorated with authentic Swahili elements and has a lot of amenities you won’t find elsewhere. It also provides you with a quality living space that is not just luxurious but sets the tone for your African stay.
The Main House has 1 ocean suite and 3 Master suites. The residence accommodates all of your needs with its contemporary design to provide you with an in-home experience that is tailored to your personal tastes. This home has stunning ocean views and is surrounded by lush palm trees & a peaceful garden.
One of the most notable features of this beach house is its pool — it extends to 24 meters & overlooks the azure blue waters of the ocean. It has a bar area and lounge as well, to give you all the comforts of an exotic beach home. The main house has a lot of amenities, including-
- 24 meters swimming pool
- A/C, Shower and Bathtub in Master Suites I, II, and III.
- Ocean Suite with Shower
- Flat Screen T.V
- Free Wi-Fi
Private Villas
All our villas are close to the main house, within a five-minute walking distance, and offer their own private pools, gardens, and breathtaking sea-view. They also have the latest amenities so that you can enjoy your holiday in an ideal way.
Msambweni Beach House offers unparalleled and personalized care. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable and the house offers the best amenities at a reasonable price for tourists & locals alike. If you book one of the private villas, here is a list of what you can expect:
- Private Villa I – 1 A/C room and 1 Makuti room in the Private Villa I with a private 30 meters swimming pool
- Private Villa II – 1 A/C room and 1 Makuti room in the Private Villa I with a private 9 meters swimming pool
- Private Villa III – 2 A/C rooms and 1 extra room in the Private Villa III with a Private 18 meters swimming pool
All suites & villas have satellite TV, wireless internet, safe box, hairdryer, and an intercom phone. They also include a bouquet of flowers from the garden and the use of energy-saving light bulbs by the bed.
How to Get to Msambweni Beach House?
Msambweni Beach is about 35 minutes away from Diani on the way to Lunga Lunga, it is about 60 kilometers south of Mombasa and about 40 kilometers from the Tanzanian border.
The options for traveling to Msambweni Beach are to either take a 2-hour drive from the Mombasa International Airport, or it’s a 35-minute drive from the Ukunda Air Strip.
Msambweni Beach House also offers airport transfers of guests from Mombasa or Diani. They are conducted by professional chauffeurs who will fetch you to the destination hassle-free.
What to do in Mombasa & Things To See While in Town?
Mombasa is a city on the Kenyan Coast. It has an interesting history and is famous for its various tourist attractions. If you are planning on taking a vacation to this tourist spot, then you should make it your top priority to explore these tourist spots and activities in Mombasa-
1. Visit Fort Jesus
Built-in 1593, Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mombasa’s top tourist attractions. It was designed by Italian architect Cairati in the 16th-century Portuguese style.
The fort was built in the shape of a man, with a clear religious reference to Jesus. Between 1631 and 1875, The Fort changed hands nine times before finally coming to rest with the British.
Fort Jesus still houses a museum that showcases relics and artifacts from the different cultures that traded in the region. The exhibits are just as diverse as the regions they come from and include a vast collection of ceramics and pottery.
2. Feed the Giraffes at Haller Park
Did you know that Haller Park Mombasa is a hit with animal lovers? Formerly called Bamburi Nature Trail, this project began in 1971 when Dr. René Haller transformed the abandoned limestone quarries here into a nature reserve.
Dr. Haller created an ecosystem in a rural area with an emphasis on planting native trees and creating habitats for animals. Nearby residents can now enjoy the foxes, lions, deer, and many other animals found in their expansive wildlife preserve or garden.
Feeding the giraffes here is super popular, but be sure to check the times. Other attractions include free walking paths & cycling paths, an aquarium, various gardens, a butterfly pavilion, and various animal habitats.
3. Experience the Marine Life in Mombasa Marine National Park
Mombasa Marine National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Kenya, providing a variety of underwater activities for visitors to try. It protects mangroves, seagrass beds, sandy beaches, and coral reefs in addition to being a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.
The Mombasa Marine National Park is famous for having some of the best windsurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving spots in East Africa. You’re also likely to see stingrays, seahorses, and other marine life in the local waters.
Have you ever wanted to explore an underwater world without the hassle of scuba gear equipment? Book a tour on a glass-bottom boat to explore the world beneath. The boat is specially designed with a layer of glass bottom which allows you to see lots of exotic, sea creatures.
4. Enjoy water sports in Bamburi Beach
Mombasa, on the Kenyan coast, is a place many people enjoy for its beaches & other recreational opportunities. Bamburi Beach is one of the best options for activities with several environmentally-friendly options available.
Bamburi Beach is the best place for people who want to enjoy water sports. It is one of the best beaches in Kenya and has a great range of activities. There are swimmers, sailors, windsurfers, and kite surfers who come here to have an adrenaline-filled time.
It is a great place for water sports enthusiasts. There are many activities that you can enjoy such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing. There are also many spots to relax and soak up the sun on the sand.
5. Explore the streets of Old Town
The Old Town in Mombasa is a reminder of the days when it was a Portuguese trading hub. Nowadays, people of Arab, Asian, and European backgrounds make up the population of this vibrant downtown area.
The old buildings in this area are intricate & beautiful, and history buffs can spend a while here just taking it all in. It’s worth checking out the local shops & galleries, as well as strolling along the narrow streets to explore the city.
6. Watch Crocodiles in Mamba Village Centre
East Africa’s largest crocodile farm is in Mamba Village Centre is in Nyali. They’ll teach you about the life cycle and behavior of these fascinating amphibians with educational tours & activities.
Visitors often have the opportunity to hold a baby crocodile. At Mamba Village Centre, visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment options. There are horseback riding tours, botanical garden tours, and aquarium hours dedicated to the many aquatic plants that live in the local water.
7. Have Fun in Mombasa Go-Kart
Mombasa Go-Karts is an adventure for the whole family. They come in a variety of vehicles that riders can choose from to suit whatever they’re in the mood for. Riders will have a blast zooming around on the smooth concrete track, riding off-road buggies, and learning how to dig with Bobcat excavators.
8. Spot Wildlife in Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve is about 35km south of Mombasa, a popular destination for tourists looking for an off-the-beaten-path from urban life. Sometimes, you may need a break from city life and the hustle-and-bustle.
Woodlands, waterfalls, lily-topped ponds, savanna, and rain forest can provide you with a more relaxing home that’s rich with plant & animal diversity.
The park is also one of the few places in Kenya that can offer excellent wildlife encounters with multiple animals, like elephants, leopards, sable antelope, and more. On your visit to the park, you’ll find that there’s plenty to keep you busy. You can cool off in the swimming hole and picnic area at the Sheldrick Falls on the
Machenmwana River. Guided forest walks are available, too!
9. Visit Bombolulu Workshop & Cultural Centre
Bombolulu Workshops is a fair trade shop in Mombasa where you can buy quality crafts and products and help the local Kenyan economy at the same time. If you’re looking for unique African-made gifts or souvenirs to bring home, stop by!
The Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK) is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing greater opportunities and support for those with physical disabilities. It has several workshops and a cultural center where it offers social and economic rehabilitation.
When visiting the cultural center, you can explore traditional homesteads throughout Kenya and watch tribal dance performances. You can visit the workshops at the market and purchase souvenirs that include jewelry, textiles, woodwork, & leather. Funds from the sale help support the Center’s work.
How To Make the Most of Your Time In Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa is a city on the Kenyan coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, palm trees, outdoor activities, and exotic wildlife. Mombasa has so much to offer and the city offers up some of the best experiences in the world. It’s a place where your only limit is your imagination.
Making the most of your time in Mombasa requires patience and exploration. You need to know what you want out of your trip so that you can plan accordingly.
Having an itinerary pre-planned before you leave will guarantee that you get more out of your time in Mombasa than if you had decided to wing it on the fly.
Kenya is a beautiful coastal city with incredible nature and beaches. You’ll love the luxury of staying in villas surrounded by natural beauty while thriving in Kenya’s sunny environment. Msambweni Beach House offer high-quality villas and suites amongst the natural beauty of Mombasa.
The beautiful boutique is on the coast of Kenya and is an oasis for those looking to experience some peace. The amazing views, secluded location, and spacious villa will make you feel like royalty. Make your travel to Mombasa even better by booking your stay with us!
