Mombasa has a plethora of beautiful beaches stretching down to the Tanzanian border. These beaches are part of the attraction of taking your holiday in the city. Mombasa is known for its laid back atmosphere; and the beaches only add further to that feeling. It is the perfect place to unwind, relax, and enjoy natural surroundings. Depending on the beach you visit you will have a variety of activities to choose from daily. Here are the best beaches Mombasa has to offer:

Nyali Beach is the first beach to the North of the city. It is the most easily accessible beach from Mombasa, which adds to its popularity. Nyali has a gorgeous lagoon where you can kite surf; this is a unique feature you won’t find at any of the other beaches. It is also home to many of the area’s most popular hotels making it a great spot to stay and experience all Mombasa has to offer.

Diani Beach is one of the best-known beaches by international tourists. It is located south of the city and boasts tranquil waters and picturesque white sand. The surrounding reefs protect the area and make it a perfect spot for ocean swimming. During the high season this beach can get rather crowded. It is lined with souvenir stalls, beach houses, and luxury resorts. It is focused on tourism so there are a lot of activities and people; it is great for those who are looking for a lively holiday.

Another popular beach for a lively crowd is Bamburi Beach. It is north of the city and known for its excellent restaurants and busy nightlife. There are a number of fun nightclubs for those looking to party. It is one of the top spots for water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and water skiing. You can also experience dhow cruises and Camel rides on this beach.

If you’re interested in snorkeling and fishing, Malinda Beach is for you. This is where you will find Malinda Marine Park, which is one of the best places for diving and other exciting water sports around Mombasa. This is also the best place for avid fishermen. At certain points during the years the trade winds and tropical currents bring in an influx of fish and makes for great big game fishing. You can choose to stay at any number of resorts or private guesthouses located on deserted beaches or in the forest. This is a unique beach you should be sure to visit even if you decide to stay somewhere else.

Finally, if you are looking for a quiet, more natural setting for your stay, check out Tiwi Beach. This beach is located at the southern end and it does not have any large hotels or resorts. It is a tranquil getaway that draws fewer people making it a more private place to enjoy your holiday. The reef is close which makes for wonderful ocean swimming. You will not find panhandlers or many merchants here; just a few restaurants and some laid back activities. Tiwi Beach is the perfect place if you’re looking for peaceful getaway.
 

The Severin Sea Lodge has many unique qualities which separate it from other hotels in Mombasa. One being that it is an eco-lodge. An eco-lodge is an accommodation sustainably integrated with the natural environment. It is designed to have the least impact possible on nature.

To be considered an eco-lodge, the accommodation needs to meet the following prerequisites:

• To be located in a natural area removed from noise, traffic, air pollution, etc.

• Use management systems to protect the surrounding environment from pollution.

• Use a sustainable waste management system, water saving system, and minimal use of non-biodegradable materials.

• Offer organic food, plant native trees annually, support biodiversity, and protect native flora and fauna.

• Use natural cleaning materials, sustainable building materials, and renewable energy where possible.

• Build within natural surroundings, use traditional design for architecture, and use less than one third of the available land.

• Employ local staff as much as possible, pay fair wages, and take part in local village and government meetings.

• Inform guests of the importance of being eco-friendly, utilize nature guides knowledgeable about the surrounding environment, and set an example showing ecotourism as more sustainable than clearing and building.

The lodge lives up to all these standards and more. It is made up of a main building with newer rooms and a series of detached huts, which have been designed like traditional African huts with thatched roofs. There are two different types of rooms in the main building – Karibu and Comfort Class. The Karibu rooms have basic amenities like air conditioning, mosquito nets, and showers. The Comfort Class rooms are much more upscale and feature more amenities such as a mini bar and flat screen TVs. They also boast gorgeous Lamu carved beds and furniture.

The lodge prides itself on its first class cuisine. There are three different restaurants on site and much of the produce is sourced from the lodge’s own organic garden. The Kisima restaurant boasts a wonderful view of the Indian Ocean, while the Imani Dhow Restaurant, situated on an old African dhow, offers fish and other fleshly-caught delicacies. The Safari Bistro is an Italian themed restaurant next to the Safari Bar, which specializes in pizza and pasta.

The lodge has won several awards for its eco-friendly set up. It offers a variety of wedding packages for those seeking a destination event. It is designed mostly for adults; there are no special amenities for children though they are welcome. Overall, it is a wonderful place to spend your Mombasa holiday in.

Located just south of Diani beach, the Pinewood Bay Beach Resort is an award winning boutique hotel. It is considered a romantic destination and they offer wedding packages that include an astounding array of amenities for both the bride and groom. This intimate and stylish beach resort prides itself on exceptional personal service and attention.

When you book your wedding with them, the entire day will be all about you. They only book one wedding per day so you’ll receive service beyond measure. Just one of the many highlights is the group of chanting Maasai warriors who will escort the bride through floral archways leading to the beach. Couple that with included massages for both him and her, manicure & pedicure for her, cocktails and sparkling wine, and a reception at Peponi Beach restaurant and you’ve got a destination wedding no one will ever forget.

Of course you don’t need to get married to enjoy the services of the resort. When you stay here, you get your own personal chef who will prepare gourmet meals for you during your stay. These chefs are capable of producing the highest culinary standard from a suggested menu, or from a menu of your choice. You can be served inside your suite, outside on the veranda, or anywhere else you wish. Pinewood has a reputation for dining excellence – the food and service are incredible and makes a holiday here one you’ll want to repeat.
The gardens at Pinewood are some of the most beautiful in the region. Some of the ingredients of the food your chef will prepare will be fresh from the gardens right outside your suite. The design of the resort flows with the natural beauty surrounding it and these elements are incorporated into every facet of the experience.

When you want to pick things up a bit you can visit Aqualand. This is Kenya’s first five star water sports center. It is based at Pinewood and provides guests with exciting ways to spend the day before relaxing at night. The highlights are Scuba Diving and the world famous whale shark spot not far from the center. Aqualand’s location was specifically chosen due to this unique geographical layout. The area is still free from large hotel developments and as such, offers a beautiful, safe, hassle free beach, which is ideally suited to the extensive selection of water sports available at the resort. The amazing beach and the calm waters of the beautiful lagoon in front of the Resort offers ideal conditions for Kite Surfing, Windsurfing, Snorkeling, as well as Big Game Fishing.

Pinewood Beach Resort offers an amazing holiday getaway perfect for couples with active and adventurous lifestyles. Its secluded location makes it the perfect escape from reality.

After a full day spent exploring the city, checking out the beaches, or going on safari it’s nice to let your hair down and have some fun. Here is a list of some of the best spots in and around Mombasa to unwind at the end of the day.

If you’re into shows, music, and cabaret, the Bora Bora Night Club is a great place to spend an evening. It’s a relaxing place aimed at pulling in a more adult crowd. The cabaret show features locals as well as Russian dancers. Situated in the North Coast right before all the major hotels, it is ideal for a relatively quiet and enjoyable night out.

Club Lambada is located in the busy area of Mtwapa and draws in a varied crowd. It is open every day of the week and functions as a restaurant all day before turning into a club at night. The facilities include a health bar for nonalcoholic drinks, in-water-bar for those who would like to enjoy their drinks while in the swimming pool, barber and salon services, a boutique for gift shoppers, and a splash disco. Club Lamdada has ample parking and a sister hotel, Lambada Resort for those in need of long-term stay around the property.

For a trendy bar experience, Bob’s Bar is the place to go. It is open air with two large bars and a wide terrace. During the day the terrace is used as a sitting area for the restaurant and in the evening it is cleared and used as a dance floor. Bob’s is one of the few bars in Mombasa that accepts credit cards.

If you like beach bars, Pirates Beach Club is the perfect place to spend your evening. It is right on the shores of the Indian Ocean and is open during the day as a restaurant and entertainment zone. When it starts to get late and the partiers come out it has two well-stocked bars, a wide dancing area and a state of the art music and lighting system. They offer Hookah smoking for adults, which is popular among locals as well as tourists.

If it’s jazz you’re looking for, head to Club Cuba Libre. It has changed names a few times over the years and is no longer a jazz-only club but that is still primarily the atmosphere. You’ll also hear salsa music, karaoke, and a range of live bands. It has an excellent restaurant, sports bar, and large dance floor. It is popular because it offers something for everyone. It is open late every night, a great spot to relax and unwind or party it up.

The many stunning beaches stretching from Mombasa to the Tanzanian border are a big part of city’s draw. With a more laid back atmosphere than many other coastal east African cities, Mombasa is a great place to unwind and enjoy great sun, sand, and surf on its 500 kilometers of white sand beaches. Here are the top beaches surrounding Mombasa:

Nyali Beach

Of the many beaches in the area, Nyali is the most easily accessible. It lies directly north of the city and is home to some of the most popular hotels in the region. The beach has a great lagoon that makes it a prime location for kite surfing. There are many activities available here through the hotels and various vendors.

Malinda Beach

If you’re looking for snorkeling, scuba, and reef watching, Malinda has a large selection of areas for you. It is also a great location for big game fishing at different times throughout the year because of an increase in fish population caused by trade winds and tropical currents. There are many resorts here as well as numerous private guesthouses located along the deserted beaches and throughout the forest. Malinda Marine Park is a premiere location for snorkeling and diving and brings many water sports enthusiasts from around the world to the Mombasa area annually.

Diani Beach

Head south from Mombasa for another international tourist destination, Diani Beach. Here the white sand beaches are exquisite and the water is tranquil. The reefs around this area have created a perfect condition to protect the waters and make a great swimming spot. The beaches are lined with souvenir stalls, beach houses, and luxury resorts and can often become rather full during the high season. If you like a bustling beach holiday, Diani Beach is the place to go.

Bamburi Beach

If top notch restaurants and bumping nightclubs are more your scene, Bamburi Beach is just north of the city. It is also a great location for water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving and water skiing. Camel rides on the beach and dhows cruises also are available from here.

Tiwi Beach

For a more romantic and secluded beach holiday, head to Tiwi. This is a quiet southern beach that does not have any of the large hotels or resorts that many of the other beaches do, making it a tranquil getaway spot. The reef here is also very close – perfect for swimming. You will not find panhandlers or people selling goods here; just few restaurants and activities. Most cottages are either self-catering or have small restaurants attached to them. If you are seeking a peaceful getaway, Tiwi Beach is for you.

Mombasa Marine Park sits just offshore from the city of Mombasa. It spans about 200 km and is easily reached by boat. The scuba area is a small part of the national reserve, covering just about 4 square miles.

Patrolled by Kenya’s wildlife service, and offering diverse marine life as well as natural wonders topside, this portion of the park extends from the Mtwapa Creek mouth south to Likoni. With spectacular reefs at depths from just a few feet to beyond diving limits, Mombasa Marine Park provides perfect diving for all skill levels.

If you’re a beginner or prefer snorkeling, Serena and Bamburi Reefs are shallow sites where you’ll see colorful coral, large and small reef fish, and possibly even a young reef shark. Remember to look but not touch. This area is populated by some small yet dangerous species including Stonefish that look very much like lumps of coral or small rocks; they and the Scorpionfish and Leaf Fish you’ll sometimes encounter pack a powerful sting.

Along the outer edges of the reef, watch for species like Tuna and Trevally, and the occasional Stingray; you have a good chance of spotting some turtles here as well. During the monsoon season, visibility at these reefs is normally about 25 feet; during the remainder of the year, you’ll enjoy visibility at better than 40 feet most of the time.

For slightly more advanced diving, visit Nyali Corals, Ras Mkungombe, and Lucky Chance. Between May and August these sites can be plagued by mild currents but will be calm the rest of the year. With beautifully vibrant corals and sponges in an astonishing array of colors, these sites offer some small shipwrecks as well as some underwater caves.

The marine life you’ll encounter along the way is spectacular; large groupers and shoals of sweepers can be found inside sheltered areas, while shoals of yellow and blue lined snappers are everywhere. In addition, the site is home to octopi, lobster, moray eels, stingrays, and even the occasional ribbon ray.

Mombasa Marine Park even caters to non-divers. Take a glass bottomed boat tour to experience a “dry” snorkeling experience. There are trails to explore, plus you can spend as long as you like lounging on the beach watching the birds and wildlife. Mombasa itself has plenty of accommodations at various levels, and local dive operators are friendly, accommodating, and well equipped. An outstanding place to spend a day or two, Mombasa Marine Park is a treat for everyone.