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Aparthotels & serviced apartments in Mombasa

12 stays · 10 aparthotels and 2 serviced apartments

Aparthotels and serviced apartments in Mombasa suit families and groups who want a kitchen and extra space on the Kenyan coast, because the main beach areas have shops, markets and supermarkets within reach and a self-catering base makes longer stays easier. Wikivoyage describes Mombasa as Kenya's main tourist destination, on the Indian Ocean coast, and says most hotels and activities are concentrated on the island of Mvita and along the northern coast in the Kisauni division. For an introduction to the format, see what is an aparthotel.

12 stays

Where to stay in Mombasa

Nyali

  • families
  • long stays
  • shopping

Wikipedia describes Nyali as a prime residential area on the mainland north of the island, linked by the New Nyali Bridge, with beachfront hotels along the North Coast, shopping malls, banks, a multiplex cinema and the Nyali Golf Club. It says that for many residents Nyali has become a self-contained residential area, which makes it a practical base for a longer stay with groceries and services close at hand.

Stays in or near Nyali

Bamburi

  • beach
  • families
  • nature

Wikivoyage calls Bamburi Beach a very nice beach with many hotels, resorts, apartments and shops. Wikipedia lists the Jomo Kenyatta public beach, known as Pirates, and Haller Park, which occupies a former limestone quarry and opened to the public in 1985. Wikivoyage also mentions the Bamburi Forest Trails, with marked routes of 3.5 to 10 km for walking, cycling and running.

Stays in or near Bamburi

Shanzu

  • beach
  • conferences
  • quieter stays

Wikivoyage lists Shanzu among the North Coast areas. Wikipedia says the Tembo International Convention Centre is in Shanzu and that conference tourism has expanded alongside Mombasa's beach market. Wikivoyage also lists a go-kart track in Shanzu. It suits visitors who prefer to stay on the beach side and travel into the city for specific outings.

Stays in or near Shanzu

Old Town and Fort Jesus

  • history
  • sightseeing
  • short stays

Wikipedia says Fort Jesus was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011, with the adjoining Old Town as its buffer zone, and describes the Old Town districts of Kibokoni and Kuze as having Swahili architecture. Wikivoyage describes Old Town as typical Swahili architecture with a more peaceful ambience than the rest of the city, and says Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596. It is best for a short stay centred on history.

Mama Ngina Waterfront

  • sea views
  • evening walks
  • street food

Wikipedia says the Mama Ngina Waterfront has a 2.1-kilometre promenade and space for food vendors, with a harbourfront setting. Wikivoyage says Mama Ngina Park is one of the two best-known parks on Mombasa Island, where you can watch ships arriving and leaving the port and the ferry crossing to Likoni.

Getting around Mombasa

Wikipedia says Moi International Airport is in the north-west mainland suburb of Chaani and that it is the second largest airport in Kenya, with scheduled flights to Nairobi and other Kenyan, European and Middle Eastern destinations. Wikivoyage says it is in Changamwe, 6 km from Mombasa Island, and lists tuk-tuks and taxis as the usual ways into the city. Wikivoyage also lists ride-hailing and shuttle apps as an alternative to regular taxis.

For rail travel, the Kenya Railways Madaraka Express booking site lists Mombasa Terminus among its stations on the Nairobi line, with stops including Mariakani, Miasenyi and Voi. Wikipedia says Mombasa Terminus is at Miritini, about 20 kilometres from the city centre. Wikivoyage says a commuter train links the terminus with the central railway station. Wikipedia says the island is connected to the mainland by the Nyali Bridge to the north, the Likoni Ferry to the south and the Makupa Causeway to the west, and that ferries are operated by the Kenya Ferry Service. Wikipedia says most local people use matatus, and that tuk-tuks are widely used.

Living in Mombasa for longer

For a longer stay, Nyali is the area best set up for everyday needs. Wikipedia lists two Nakumatt stores, shopping malls, banks and a multiplex cinema there, and Wikivoyage has a shopping section covering malls and supermarkets. Wikivoyage's self-catering section names the Naivas and Carrefour supermarkets and City Mall in Nyali, which has a Carrefour Hypermarket, and says Kongowea Market is one of the largest in Kenya, with over 1,500 stalls.

Wikivoyage says Mombasa Island has few parks, the best known being Uhuru Garden and Mama Ngina Park, while Bamburi has the Forest Trails and Haller Park for exercise and day outings. Wikipedia says short-term rentals have expanded in the city. See the long-stay accommodation checklist for what to check before you book.

When to visit Mombasa

Wikipedia describes a tropical wet and dry climate, with the rainiest months April and May and minimal rainfall between January and February. Because Mombasa lies near the equator, the seasonal temperature variation is slight, with highs between about 29 and 34 °C. Wikivoyage describes a major rain season from mid-April to late May and a minor wet season in October and November.

If you want the driest weather for the beach, the January to February window described by Wikipedia is the quietest for rainfall. Wikivoyage lists a carnival in November and New Year fireworks arranged by the hotels at Nyali beach, so check local listings if you travel at those times.

Mombasa is Kenya's second-largest city and, according to Wikipedia, centred on Mombasa Island but extending to the mainland. Choosing the right side of the water matters, because the island, the north coast and the south coast are linked by bridges, a causeway and a ferry. If you are also visiting the capital, see Nairobi, and for the beaches south of the ferry see Diani Beach or browse the Kenya hub.

Long-stay tips for Mombasa

Of the 12 properties here, 2 offer an in-apartment washing machine, 2 list a laptop-friendly workspace, 2 include some form of housekeeping and 9 have a 24-hour front desk. For longer stays, the facts box on each property page shows exactly what the apartments include.

12 properties list a full kitchen and 0 only a kitchenette, so check the room type if you plan to cook more than simple meals.

Where room sizes are published, the median apartment here is 105 m².

Moving for work? Our guide to serviced apartments for relocation explains what to look for.

Other cities in Kenya

Comparing destinations? See aparthotels in Nairobi, Diani Beach, Nakuru, Mtwapa, Nanyuki, Syokimau, Malindi and Kitale.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Mombasa?

Nyali suits longer stays because Wikipedia describes it as largely self-contained, with malls and services. Bamburi and Shanzu are beach areas on the North Coast, and Old Town suits a short historical stay.

How do I get from Moi International Airport to the city?

Wikivoyage says the airport is 6 km from Mombasa Island and that tuk-tuks and taxis are the usual way into the city, with ride-hailing apps as an alternative.

Can I take the train from Nairobi to Mombasa?

Kenya Railways' Madaraka Express site lists Nairobi Terminus and Mombasa Terminus among its stations. Wikipedia says Mombasa Terminus is at Miritini, about 20 kilometres from the city centre.

When is it rainiest in Mombasa?

Wikipedia says the rainiest months are April and May, with minimal rainfall between January and February. Wikivoyage also mentions a minor wet season in October and November.

Is Fort Jesus a World Heritage Site?

Wikipedia says Fort Jesus was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011, with Old Town as its buffer zone.

How many aparthotels are there in Mombasa?

We currently list 12 aparthotel and serviced apartment properties in Mombasa.

Do aparthotels in Mombasa have kitchens?

12 of the 12 properties we list have a kitchen or kitchenette in at least one apartment type.

Which aparthotels in Mombasa have a washing machine?

2 properties list an in-apartment washing machine. Use the facts box on each property page to check.

Sources

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