Published on 13 February 2014

Flights to MombasaFlying to Mombasa from outside of Kenya is an experience. Kenya is a major international travel hub as thousands of visitors from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America fly in every year. Typically, there are two ways to fly to Mombasa: take a flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and then a connecting flight onto Moi International Airport in Mombasa, or directly to Moi International airport.

Any time is a good time to fly to Mombasa, the climate is very temperate so it is nice all year round. Prices vary depending on where you are flying from, but flights to Mombasa tend to fill up quickly from the end of June to early September, and from December to January, as it is the main holiday season. For trips during these months, it is advisable to book at least a few months in advance in order to get the best-priced fares.

In the off seasons you can get great deals on flights by taking advantage of their off-seasons rates. Before booking, call Find Mombasa Hotels and let us shop around for the best price. Travel insurance is never a bad idea no matter where you’re traveling to. We will be able to advise you on where to purchase additional insurance if you wish.

When flying from the UK, London is the best departure point. You will find direct flights from Heathrow to Jomo Kenyatta seven days a week. The trip usually takes about nine hours and is offered most commonly by British Airways and Kenya Airways. You can also charter a flight from the UK to Mombasa if you prefer.
From the US and Canada you will not find a direct flight, though this might change in the near future as travel from these countries to Kenya continues to increase. The fastest routes to Nairobi are from New York via London, either on British Airways or on a combination of Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways. There are also various other European hubs through which you can travel.

There are also no direct flights from Australia and New Zealand. You will have a stopover in Asia or Southern Africa. The most direct flights are through Johannesburg via South African Airways or a combination of Quantas and a few other major airlines.

From South Africa you can get to Mombasa by simply using South African Airways and Kenya Airways. You can usually travel directly from Johannesburg to MOI International.

Published on 10 February 2014

Mombasa Beach Hotels

Mombasa Beach Hotels

Both the North and South coast of Mombasa are known for beautiful white sand beaches and fun activities. There are a number of hotels along both coasts that offer a wide range of amenities, but the most interesting (in terms of uniqueness) are the boutique hotels.

A boutique hotel is an accommodation that is not part of a chain and provides a stylish and intimate atmosphere as well as top-of-the-line amenities. Most often these are small hotels that have fewer than one hundred rooms. Mombasa’s boutique hotels stand out in terms of their staff, design, locations, and ambience.

The staff at these hotels is dedicated to creating a personal experience for guests. They always address guests by name and do their best to anticipate their needs. They strive to have what you want, how you want it, and when you want it before you ever have to ask.

They often design their establishments based on a theme. The artwork, décor, common area music, and appliances all work together to create the atmosphere the hotel is centered around. Special treats like complimentary champagne or vintage wines often await guests once they check in.

Each hotel may offer its own range of activities. Since Mombasa sits on the Kenyan coastal shore, many of these activities are centered around water sports. Deep-sea fishing, scuba, and other watersports are quite popular in the area. You will find some hotels offering safaris to places like Haller Park and day trips to Mombasa’s many markets. Most of these hotels have in-house bars and restaurants in addition to their close proximity to major clubs and casinos.

Some of the most popular boutique hotels in the area are:

The Diani beach boutique hotel, which is located amongst a tropical garden. It is a romantic retreat perfect for couples. Eight of the ten en-suite rooms offer a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. Despite its romantic atmosphere, the hotel is family friendly. They offer many family activities and even offer a babysitting service if you want to get away for the evening for a romantic night out.

The Tijara beach hotel is decorated in a traditional Swahili décor. All the furniture is hand carved and the artwork is local. One of the special amenities of this hotel is the famous Black Jack’s Cave where guests can visit and have a meal. The hotel also has its own hunting and stocks of wildlife like wild pigs, bush babies, dikdik, and more.

There are many more boutique hotels throughout the area. If this type of accommodation appeals to you, call Find Mombasa Hotels today to discuss all your options and book the perfect trip.

Published on 06 February 2014

Mombasa Tusks

Mombasa Tusks

Fort Jesus is considered by many to be the most evocative of Mombasa’s monuments. The Portuguese built the fort in the 1590s for defense. You can now take a walking tour and visit the museum housed within. The history of the fort is vast and violent – during a three year siege, 2,500 men barricaded themselves inside.

The narrow lanes of nearby Mombasa Old Town take you back to the era of gilded architectural, with intricate latticed balconies, exquisitely carved doors, and a multitude of old mosques dating back as far as 1570. By traveling a bit further north, visitors can see the pillar erected by the Sultan of Malindi at the spot where Vasco Da Gama came ashore in 1498.

Slightly south of Malindi, tourists can visit the Gedi Ruins. This small Swahili town was suddenly abandoned during the 16h Century and no one really knows why. Speculation includes a possible lack of water or a hostile invasion but we will never know for sure. Gedi was a prosperous settlement that included a sultan’s palace, several mosques, and a series of grand houses. Touring the ruins is a great way to spend half a day while visiting the area.

If you’re more interested in nature than history or culture, the Bamburi Nature Trail offers a host of natural wonders. It has recently been renamed Haller Park, either name will be used depending on whom you speak with about it. Located just north of Mombasa, this gorgeous piece of reclaimed land houses a deep forest teeming with wildlife.

The former cement quarry now provides a home for a large variety of birds, reptiles, insects, and mammals. It offers walking and cycling trails so you can take in the majesty of its complex ecosystem while enjoying the outdoors. Haller Park produces 40 tons of fish each year, exports crocodile skins, raises butterflies, and harvests impressive quantities of timber, fruit, and organic vegetables.

Closer to Watamu you will find Arabuko Sokoke Forest. This forest is what is left of what was once a vast rainforest. It is now 40 square kilometers of protected land that provides a habitat to six threatened bird species. It is also home to a butterfly-breeding project that is designed to restore interest in the forest. This project has been successful not only in raising awareness for the birds but other wildlife as well. The Watamu Turtle Watch also operate from this area. This initiative pays local fishermen for rescuing sea turtles caught in their nets.

These are just a few of the many amazing things to do in and around Mombasa. Visit Find Mombasa Hotels for more activities and places to visit. Call us if you have any questions or prefer to book your trip over the phone.

Published on 31 January 2014

Mombasa Beach Hotels

Mombasa Beach Hotels

If you love to travel, you understand the excitement of visiting different cities and countries, exploring unfamiliar cultures, and seeing the world in all its beauty. You also know the importance of booking in advance and finding the right accommodations.

Staying at the wrong hotel can put a damper on your entire trip. Fortunately, when you’re visiting Mombasa Kenya, it’s hard to find a low quality hotel.

While hotels vary in the amenities they offer and star ratings they have received, all provide excellent service as well as options for activities. Mombasa has many hotels, some located close to the city, others built close to one of the beautiful beaches you’ll find here. Where you decide to stay should be based on the activities you are most interested in pursuing during your stay.

In deciphering the star rating system, there are general expectations that you may have. 5-star hotels should offer reception and room service around the clock, soundproof rooms, and superior furniture and room appliances. The staff should address you by name and endeavor to see that all your needs are met 24 hours a day. 5-star hotels are a truly luxurious experience and often the price tag reflects that.

A 4-star hotel may have reception on call rather than fully staffed at night. The furniture and appliances will be very nice but not necessarily top of the line. They may offer room service for a limited time each day (usually 16 hours rather than the full 24). These hotels are still luxurious but don’t carry as high a price tag as the 5-stars. They may have a slightly less grand location as well but are still well worth your attention.

3-star hotels are much more basic. You will usually have a telephone and television in your room but not much else. In some cases, you may have to share a bathroom, so be sure to find out ahead of time if this is the case; it’s not something to leave to chance. These hotels are great if you’re planning to be out all day and simply using your hotel as a place to rest.

Mombasa is the most popular destination in Kenya. The quality of the hotels in the area reflect that. Pretty much every hotel in and around the city has at least one swimming pool, which is a nice bonus when you want to quickly cool off in between activities. Many have multiple pools – kiddie pools, lap pools, and pools with swim up bars.

It’s pretty easy to choose a good hotel in Mombasa since there are so many. When setting up your trip, decide how close you want to be to the beach, what restaurants you want to try, and what activities you’ll be doing and the right hotel will surface quickly. If you have questions, please call Find Mombasa Hotels. We’ll get you answers and help you book the perfect trip.

Published on 12 January 2014

Lotus HotelIf you have business in downtown Mombasa or just want to stay close to the cultural center of the heart of Mombasa, the Lotus Hotel is a great place to stay. It is a quick walk to the town center where you will find businesses, shops, banks, the town market, and mosques. It is also close to Old Town and Fort Jesus, two places one must visit during their stay in Mombasa.

There are also recreational activities close by including the Mombasa Golf Club and Myita tennis club. If you’re simply stopping through town on your way to the North or South coast, the Lotus is perfect for a quick visit. At the hotel, two ancient lotus flowers surround the terrace area and the hotel arches are the originals made from Indian timber – the building has been designated Kenyan historical architecture.

The décor is a mixture of modern and Oriental furnishings, which creates an air of relaxation. You have a choice of single, double, or triple rooms. All are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. A conference hall is available for business meetings and seminars, which can easily seat 40 people to accommodate your needs.

There are plenty of restaurant choices in the area as well as a dining room and two bars at the hotel. The smaller bar is called the Kaka Bar and is decorated in wood panels and arches to create an intimate atmosphere. The larger bar is called the Karibu Bar. It opens to the courtyard and provides more of a party atmosphere. No matter your taste, our chef will accommodate it. The dining room is located just across the reception area and offers Western, Oriental, and traditional cuisine.

The front desk can arrange taxis if your destination is beyond walking distance and they will help arrange tours and excursions. They also receive Missionary groups, arrange interaction with local churches for fellowship and promote church backed projects.

Overall, the Lotus Hotel is an affordable place to stay when you’re in town. It is located on Cathedral Street in the Kizingo area of Mombasa, known for being the home to State House in Mombasa and a number of embassies; The Lotus Hotel is in one of the most secure areas of Mombasa Town.

Published on 10 January 2014

When you need to travel internationally for business, it can be tough to make sure the hotel you’re booking has everything you need. Ideally, you want a hotel that combines the best of both worlds: business and pleasure.

Designed for the most demanding business traveler, these top hotels offer everything you need to get your work done and unwind after a long day of meetings.

These hotels offer access to top tech amenities, advanced conference rooms, and personal services to make sure you are completely covered. When you’re ready to relax, you’ll find upscale cocktail bars, local entertainment options, and in-room amenities so you can kick back in business class style.

Whether you want the best executive hotel in Mombasa or need to find a place near your company’s offices, Find Mombasa Hotels has what you need. Call us at 254 (0) 736 441 397 and we’ll advise you on all your options to find the perfect place to stay.

With our can’t-miss offers, choosing a business hotel in Mombasa has never been so simple.

Here are some of the best in Mombasa:

Sarova Whitesands Beach Hotel – 5 stars

The Whitesands has the longest stretch of beachfront on the North Coast. It is a big resort with large public areas. Each room offers either an ocean or pool view and is en suite. Facilities include three conference rooms, wireless internet, three restaurants, five swimming pools, beach and pool bars, 24-hour room service, wellness spa, and even a disco.

Voyager Beach Resort – 5 stars

Generally thought of as the best hotel on Nyali Beach, The Voyager is an all inclusive style resort. Facilities include conference room, three bars (one open 24 hours for late night meetings), three restaurants, health centre, several pools, and more. You also have access to windsurfing, sailing, and other sports in your leisure time.

Alliance Africana Sea Lodge – 3 stars

The resort is built in the style of a village – the rooms are inside thatched-roof cottages and each has a private terrace. The resort offers conference facilities, three restaurants, a few bars and lounges, and two pools with a brasserie. There are live performances with music and African dances during the evenings. Among the sports offered are tennis, squash, deep sea diving and wind surfing.

Castle Royal Hotel – 3 Stars

If you need to stay in Mombasa City, this hotel is considered the best. It has been recently renovated and offers conference facilities, broadband Internet, and a rooftop restaurant.