Mombasa (*I’m hoping that by now you know it’s nickname is Coast) is located on the eastern coastline of Kenya. Tropical climate, white sandy beaches, clear water, diverse marine life, world-class hotels, friendly people, great food – somebody stop me!

Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city and a major trading center as it is Kenya’s only large seaport, the Kilindini Harbour (‘Kilindini’ is a Swahili word meaning ‘deep’). It has a long and complex history with Portuguese, Arabs and British taking over control over the years due to its strategic location. (*also clearly since it’s so breathtakingly beautiful) The city is located on Mombasa Island and spreads out to the surrounding main lands, separated by two creeks: Tudor Creek and Kilindini Harbour. To the north, the city is connected by the Nyali Bridge, the south by the Likoni Ferry and to the west by the Makupa Causeway which runs alongside the Kenya-Uganda Railway.

Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu are popular beaches on the north coast of Mombasa and are normally bustling with people, the seafront filled with restaurants and hotels. The more isolated and exclusive beaches are the ones on the South Coast of Mombasa. Tiwi and Diani are long white sandy beaches with lots of water sport activities and a few great beach bars and clubs.

Do:

• Bombolulu Workshops – founded in 1969, it is a project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK) and is the largest rehabilitation center in Kenya with 150 disabled employees who create jewellery, textiles, wood and leather crafts.
• Mombasa Tusks – located on Moi Avenue, the tusks were built in 1956 and are located at the entrance to the city and form dual archways over each side of the road.
• Fort Jesus – a Portuguese fort built in 1591 in the shape of a man (from aerial view) to guard the Old Port of Mombasa.
• Old Town – located near Fort Jesus and is a historic district with old buildings and architecture.
• Mtwapa Creek – an Indian Ocean inlet with some small marinas and beautiful tropical vegetation which is very famous for bird watching, mountain bike tours and deep sea fishing trips. It is also famous for its clubs and active nightlife.
• Kinazini Funzi Dhow Safaris – a dhow adventure that includes a visit to a local village, an excursion to the mangroves and crocodiles of the Ramisi River and a gourmet lunch on a private island.
• Haller Park – includes animals such as giraffes, hippos, monkeys and a reptile house.
• Go Kart – located in Shanzu, near Haller Park, it is Mombasa’s motor sport arena with a restaurant and lounge.
• Shimba Hills National Park – the park is mountainous with lush tropical vegetation with animals like elephants and antelopes, the waterfall and the Mwaluganje forest.

Eat:

• Miyake Restaurant – an authentic fusion restaurant with African and International dishes located opposite Fort Jesus with a gorgeous scenic view.
• Tamarind Dhow – eat as you sail; very popular restaurant on a dhow that departs daily to and from the Tamarind jetty for lunch and dinner offering excellent service, delicious fresh seafood and entertainment on board.
• Blue Room – offers an intercontinental self-service cuisine.
• Jahazi Coffee House, Old Town Kiboknoni – relaxed lounge ambience with traditional spiced Swahili coffee and other refreshing drinks.
• Il Covo, Bamburi beach – great Italian food, offers sheesha and good music.
• Café Mocha, Nyali – cute coffee shop with fresh snacks and pastries.

Drink:

• Yuls, Bamburi – this restaurant, bar and gelateria is famous for its mojitos, burgers, delicious icecreams and water sports, turning into a lounge and club at night.
• Bob’s Bar, Nyali – lively and popular bar and grill.
• Fontanella Beer Garden, Moi Avenue/Digo road junction – relaxed atmosphere in the middle of the city.
• Club Lambada, Mtwapa – located in the north coast offering food, drinks and a night disco.
• Sheba Lounge, City Mall Nyali – rooftop bar.
• Miyake Restaurant Nyali – the best whisky rooftop bar in Mombasa

(*please note that there are many more things to do, places to eat and hot spots to get your weekend drunk on – I have only mentioned a few)