For the hedonistic traveler, there are a number of four and five star beach resorts that line the North Coast of Mombasa, some of which offer an all-inclusive deal for their guests. Located on wide stretches of palm fringed, powdery white sandy beaches, these Mombasa resorts have an atmosphere reminiscent of Swahili culture. With air-conditioned, beautifully designed deluxe suites and standard rooms either facing the sea or lush gardens, these luxurious hotels have a wide selection of well equipped rooms to choose from. The rooms also generally are equipped with satellite TV, mini bars and a safe. There are also conference facilities available for those who are in Mombasa on business.

Most Mombasa beach resorts have more than one pool and a choice of bars and restaurants that are open throughout the day. Entertainment is provided by local bands and traditional dancers while you enjoy your dinner. Hotels such as the Sarova Whitesands and Serena Beach Hotels have in-house health and beauty spas which offer a variety of treatments to help you relax and rejuvenate. There are also gyms, tennis and squash courts, yoga and aerobics classes available on the hotel grounds. For those travelling with children, there are children’s clubs and activities organized to help keep the little ones entertained while you enjoy your sporting activities.

If you’re not fussed about expensive Egyptian cotton sheets and Italian tiled bathrooms and are looking for a more homely environment away from the crowds, there are self-catering, fully equipped beach cottages available in Mombasa. In most cases, you can hire a cook cum cleaner at a negotiable, reasonable rate. These are ideal for groups of people or families travelling together.

For those looking to escape the beach culture, Mombasa has a number of hotels located in the heart of town such as the colonial style Castle Royal Hotel located just ten minutes from Mombasa’s Old Town and the tourist hot-spot Fort Jesus. Furnished and self catered apartments such as the elegant Tamarind Village Apartments are ideal for business travellers looking for a quiet environment or if you’re planning to be in Mombasa for a longer period.

SIMs for these providers can be purchased for as little as Kshs. 100 and are widely available from many vendors. As long as your cell phone is not locked into another service provider’s contract and is GSM 900 compatible or tri-band / quad-band, you should be able to use the local lines effectively within Kenya at reasonable rates for international as well as local calls.

Nakumatt Nyali: This hypermarket has everything under one roof, from fresh produce to furniture, and is conveniently located within walking distance from Nyali Beach Hotel and Voyager Beach Resort. The centre that houses it also contains a bookstore, pharmacy, internet café, ATM machines, butchery, restaurants, a Kenya Airways booking office and a Safaricom (local cell-phone service provider) retail shop, amongst other shops.

Nakumatt Cinemax: This well-stocked supermarket is also located in Nyali and is Mombasa’s only 24-hour supermarket. Also available within the shopping complex is a movie theatre, casino, bowling alley, bar, coffee shop, internet café, bank, clothing store and a couple of restaurants.

Nakumatt Likoni: Located in close proximity to the Likoni Ferry, this superstore is particularly busy all through the day. The building contains a goldsmith, ATM machines, bookstore and access to phone services (both local and international) at reasonable rates amongst other services.

Nawal Centre in the Mwembe Tayari area and Lulu Centre situated approximately 2km from the town centre, both offer a variety of merchandise, from foodstuffs to clothes.

Kenya Railways operates a train service that leaves from both Nairobi and Mombasa every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

A first class return ticket (recommended) with two beds per compartment costs Kshs. 6,750 (less than USD 100) and includes bedding, dinner and breakfast.

If there are more of you, you can opt for a second class cabin with 4 beds for Kshs. 4,980 (approximately USD 68)

Although tickets may be purchased at the railway station on the day of travel, it is advisable to book a few days in advance especially during the holiday season.

Contact Kenya Railways on +254 20 221 211 or if dialing within Kenya, 020-221 211.

The above prices were valid at the time of writing this post.

This now gives travellers direct access to the South Coast and avoids delays if taking the traditional route from Moi International Airport to the South Coast via the Likoni Ferry service.

Current airfares posted on AirKenya’s website for a one trip ranges between US$100 to US$125 (as at August 4th)

For current information and bookings visit AirKenya’s website.

A collection of 45 apartments offering one, two or three bedrooms, it is a choice location for the business visitor, those wanting proximity to Mombasa or the traveler looking for a long term stay.

Decorated with authentic Swahili furnishings, each of the spacious apartments in the Tamarind Mombasa Village comes with ensuite bathrooms, generous living areas, air-conditioning, a modern and fully equipped kitchen and well-stocked mini bar, satellite TV, DVD player  and a spacious balcony from which to enjoy panoramic views of the Old Town and wonderful ocean sunsets. Towels are changed daily.

The business visitor gets easy access to a conference room, secretarial services and a business center with fax, email and telephone services. The traveler on holiday enjoys private five star accommodation, two swimming pools surrounded by well manicured green lawns, a jacuzzi, fitness center, spa and a squash court,

Other activities such as scuba diving, wind surfing, golf, hiking trips along the Bamburi Nature Trail are arranged on request. Mombasa’s Old Town is conveniently only ten minutes away.

Guests can avail themselves of room service, dine at the Harbor Restaurant by the pool or enjoy freshest seafood.at the nearby highly-rated Tamarind Mombasa Restaurant. Its French Asian and African cuisines have won rave reviews from such publications as the London Times, Herald Tribune and Gourmet magazine. Opt for terrace dining under starlight and make room for its Prawns Piri Piri and Chili Crab and Lobster.

Guests of the Tamarind Mombasa Village get preferred seating and a 15% discount at the Tamarind Mombasa Restaurant and on the Tamarind Dhow.

Mubin’s – this open air restaurant is popular with the locals and although they serve everything from chicken tikka (barbequed taandori chicken) to naan (Indian flatbread), it is best known for its “shillingi shillingi” which are mishkaki (beef / mutton cubes) barbequed on thin wooden skewers in front of you on a jiko (charcoal grill).

Yuls Beach Bar – located right next to Bamburi Beach Hotel: If you’re looking for a fun filled day at the beach for the family, this is the place to be. After your jet skiiing and surfing, you can settle down to enjoy the best burgers and pizzas on the beach. The Yuls ice-cream goes down really well on a hot Mombasa day!!

Looking for the best seafood in Mombasa?  The Tamarind restaurant has got to be it. The restaurant serves the freshest seafood and overlooks the old harbour. But the best experience would be a lunch or romantic dinner aboard one of their dhows where you can enjoy a tour around Tudor Creek while sipping on the house cocktail – “Dawa” before you dock to enjoy your meal.

Hashmi - hands down the BEST place to get Chicken Tikka (Indian tandoor stlye barbequed chicken)… finger lickin’ good!

Moorings Restaurant – the food here is fantastic but the ambiance is just heaven! It’s a floating restaurant located right in the heart of Mtwapa in the North Coast.

Kenya’s (Mombasa) timezone  is UTC/GMT +3 hours

Calculating Time Difference between the US and Mombasa:
If you’re in US/Pacific, Mombasa is 10 hours ahead
If you’re in US/Central, Mombasa is 8 hours ahead
If you’re in US/Eastern, Mombasa is 7 hours ahead

Calculating Time Difference between UK and Mombasa:
If you’re in London, England, Mombasa is 3 hours ahead

Calculating Time Difference between Canada and Mombasa:
If you’re in Canada/Pacific, Mombasa is 10 hours ahead
If you’re in Canada/Mountain, Mombasa is 9 hours ahead
If you’re in Canada/Central, Mombasa is 8 hours ahead
If you’re in Canada/Eastern, Mombasa is 7 hours ahead
If you’re in Canada/Atlantic, Mombasa is 6 hours ahead