Today I decided to take a closer look at Mombasa in Kenya, or more specifically, the Mombasa coast. This is the area where most people going on safari in Kenya then head to for a week’s rest and relaxation at the beach. But what is the Mombasa coast like and how does it compare to better known beach destinations such as Zanzibar or Mauritius.
Firstly, I would say the Mombasa coast is as good as both Zanzibar and Mauritius. It too offers white sandy beaches lapped by the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It offers fantastic luxury resorts with lots of sporting and spa facilities. It also offer small, intimate boutique hotels perfect for honeymooners or those looking for peace and quiet in sophisticated surroundings. It also has one major advantage over its competitors in the Indian Ocean and that is ease of access. Getting to Mombasa is possible by car and a reasonable drive from the Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks and is just a short plane ride away from others such as the Masai Mara or Nairobi.
Mombasa itself is Kenya’s second largest city and is a thriving port based on an island separated from the mainland by a couple of channels. Mombasa’s Old Town is home to some fascinating buildings many remaining from the era of slavery and also from the days when Mombasa was one of the main trading stops for the Spice trade. Some of the buildings are so historically significant that they are UNESCO world heritage status such as the Fort Jesus whilst others are fantastic reminders of past days. Mombasa has long been a meeting point and also a melting pot of different cultures from the Arabs to the Portugese, the British and many different African nations. Today it is still very vibrant with lots of nightclubs and restaurants and all that a night-owl could wish for!
The Mombasa coastline is of course famous for its stunning beaches. To the north of the city lie Bamburi, Nyali and Shanzu beaches. To the south lie Shelly, Tiwi and Diani beaches. Nyali is the most popular to the north with an established Old Town, a huge range of entertainments and facilities and easy access from Mombasa. Diani Beach is the most popular to the south and has its own airport for access from Nairobi. It too has an upmarket appeal and is some distance from Mombasa itself giving it much more of a separate beach resort atmosphere. You can choose from lively places to stay with great and varied facilities but you can also find quieter beaches with no facilities at all.
The Mombasa coast is fortunate to have a mild, tropical climate with a couple of short rainy seasons in spring and autumn. It is not only the climate that makes it a perfect beach holiday destination though. The beaches themselves are world class with fine white sand and clear warm water. Also off the coast lies a significant coral reef making the diving excellent and also offering a home to a wide range of beautiful and not so beautiful marine life such as manta rays, dolphins, sailfish and all sorts of multi-coloured reef fish. There are dive trips on offer from most hotels and resorts as well as sailing trips on the traditional dhows and also sport fishing expeditions.
Mombasa is also the starting off point for those travelling further up the coast to places such as Malindi and Lamu.
