Mombasa Honeymoon Guide

MOMBASA HONEYMOON GUIDE

Mombasa Honeymoon Guide : Mombasa is an incredible and tranquil honeymoon destination in Kenya offering exciting travels and holiday to adventurous couples, newlyweds and love birds on retreat of celebrating love. Mombasa is the second largest city of Kenya after Nairobi, an ancient trading city and a gateway to the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Mombasa is dotted with uninterrupted stretch of beachfront stretching north and south of the ancient trading city of Mombasa gateway to the sparkling Indian Ocean which will make honeymoon experience in Mombasa a memorable experience.

BEST BEACHES IN MOMBASA

Mombasa a range of friendly beaches worth exploring during Mombasa honeymoon tour including Diani Beach to the south, Bamburi beach to the North among others. These beautiful beaches are situated in a short drive from Mombasa the second largest city in Kenya after Nairobi. Beaches in Mombasa offer a range of water sports to entertain you during your Mombasa honeymoon such as game fishing, sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, game fishing and boat ride in a glass bottom boat perfect for spotting marine life such as sea turtles and dolphins.

BEST BEACHES IN AND AROUND MOMBASA

DIANI BEACH

Diani beach is a beautiful 8 kilometers long stretch of shimmering white sands situated in the South Coast of Mombasa about 35 kilometers south of Mombasa, the beach’s features palm trees, pristine soft sand and glittering clear waters. Diani beach is lies in the center of an uninterrupted 20 kilometers long section of beach front with easy access to several offshore islands and coral reefs, Diani beach has been reputed as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world because of its range of beautiful and luxury lodges, hotels and beach resorts.

Diani beach offers various water sports you can do during your honeymoon in Mombasa, these include snorkeling, scuba diving, boat ride in the a glass bottom boat on which you will be able to view the underwater world, kayaking, windsurfing and game fishing. You can also go swimming in the sheltered waters, visit the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine national park situated in a short cruise from Diani beach, the park is excellent for snorkeling and diving above colorful coral gardens with several wrecks nearby.

Guided tours on foot are offered to the beachside Jadini Forest for sightings of endangered Angolan black and white colobus monkeys, troops of baboons, bush babies, butterflies and various bird species. To the further East of Diani beach, there are the Shimba Hills National Reserve and the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary where you will watch elephants, zebras, bushbucks, warthogs, monkeys and occasional leopards.

During your stay at Diani beach, lookout for turtles, menta rays, dolphins and white sharks best seen between January March.

Diani beach offers a range of accommodation facilities/options to suit all budgets of individuals and of these include

the Diani Reef Beach Resort, set in a lush tropical garden with a spa and casino, this resort offers plenty of water sports
The Funzi Keys, an exclusive romantic hideaway with spacious stone and thatched cottages situated on Fuzi Island which is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel which is walkable at low tide

TIWI BEACH

Tiwi beach a palm fringed beach with crystal white sand beach found on the South Coast of Mombasa about 21 kilometers south of Mombasa’s Likoni ferry station, unlike Diani Beach – Tiwi beach offers affordable accommodations dotted on a beautiful white sand beach that shelves into warm waters. Accommodation facilities at Tiwi Beach include Sand Island Beach Cottages and Amani Tiwi Beach among others.

Tiwi Beach is perfect for snorkeling done over a reef that sits just a short swim away from the shoreline, at low tide there is hundreds of exposed rock pools where children can explore.

NYALI BEACH

Nyali Beach is a beautiful beach of pale golden sands in Mombasa just north of Mombasa Island facing the Mombasa Marine national park, this beach is a 4 kilometers long palm fringed beach offer a number of amazing water sports such as swimming in the reef-protected waters, wind surfing, kite surfing, catamaran sailing and snorkeling on the offshore reef.

Nyali Beach has a range of hotels and resorts with facilities including sun loungers, umbrellas, toilets, restaurants and bars open to both hotel and day guests. Some of the beachfront hotels at Nyali Beach include the Voyager Beach Resort and the Nyali Beach Holiday Resort among others.

While on a honeymoon in Mombasa at Nyali Beach you can take a tour to the Baobab Adventure at Baobab Farm situated just 8 kilometers from Nyali Bridge, this site offers guests an opportunity to get close to giraffes, hippos, ostriches and crocodiles.

BAMBURI BEACH

Bamburi Beach is a 4 kilometers long beach with unspoiled, pale golden sands that shelves into the warm waters of the reef protected Mombasa Marine national park, the beach is flanked with palm trees and flowering convolvulus plants. Bamburi Beach is situated just 12 kilometers north of Mombasa and sits between two headlands separating it from Nyali beach to the South and Shanzu Beach to the north.

Bamburi Beach offers a range of accommodation options ranging from budget chalets to 5 star resorts with hotel facilities such as sun loungers, umbrellas and a range of water spots such as sailing, waterskiing, jet skiing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Some of the accommodations at Bamburi Beach include Whitesands Hotel and the Severin Sea Lodge.

A part from resting at the beach, you can go diving among groupers, jacks, lobsters and lionfish at the offshore wreck of the MV Dania, take a boat ride in a glass-bottomed boat in Mombasa Marine national park to see turtles, sea cucumbers and colorful butterfly fish. You can also hookup a fishing charter for sailfish, marlin, kingfish and wahoo.

SHANZU BEACH

Shanzu Beach is a 1.2 kilometers long beach on golden sands sitting between two rocky headlands and shelves into calm waters making the beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling activities in the nearby coral gardens of Mombasa Marine national park. Shanzu beach is dotted with beach resorts nestled in manicured gardens just behind the palm fringed beach. Some of the beautiful beach resorts at Shanzu beach is the luxurious Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel build in resemblance of a 13^th century Arab Town, featuring hand carved balconies overlooking narrow lanes and courtyards with fountains and narrow lanes.

WATAMU BEACH

Watamu beach is gorgeous white sand beach situated in the North Coast about 100 kilometers north of Mombasa, this beautiful beach curves around a palm-fringed cove framed by hilly cliffs facing tint offshore isles. Watamu beach is a picture perfect beach shelving into the crystalline water of Watamu Bay and Watamu Marine Park thus offering excellent water spots such as swimming, diving, snorkeling above the fringing coral reef teeming with several species of rainbow-hued reef fish and hiking on trails leading to the nearby coves of Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay-a home to clear turquoise water and indented by ting sculpted coral islets.

Facilities and water sports equipments are Watamu Beach are hired from various beachside resorts such as Hemingways Resort and Turtle Bay Beach Club among others offering a luxury tropical retreats and a range of comfort.

Apart from water sports at Watamu Beach, you can go on a tour in a glass bottom boat where explore ad see the submerged coral gardens of the marine park, go big game fishing, visit and tour the ancient Swahili ruins at Gedi which are situated short distance away from the beach. You can also visit the Mida Creek, a mangrove forest lieing south of the beach. Mida Creek is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving at the mouth of the creek, and excellent for bird watching opportunities for birds such as malachite kingfisher, yellow-bellied stork and African fish eagle.

SHELA BEACH

Shela Beach a 13 kilometers long stretch of pale golden sand beach by high vegetation-clad sand dunes located on Lamu Island, North Coast about 240 kilometers north of Mombasa and 1 hour flight. Lamu Island where Shela Beach is found is an unspoiled Island and a perfect spot to escape the large numbers of tourists on Mombasa beaches and soak up in the unique Swahili environment that has changed little over the centuries. Lamu is the oldest city in Kenya and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At Shela Beach you can take a camel ride along the beach, go walking, picnicking, go swimming, boogie boarding in the fresh waters, sun bathing, beachcombing or hire a donkey for a ride along the beach or explore the surrounding archipelago in a sailing dhow (traditional boat).

You can also explore the narrow and winding alleyways lined with traditional Swahili houses adorned with lattice windows, carved doors and Moorish-styled arches. Visit the Lama Fort where you will enjoy panoramic views and also examine the display of Swahili artifacts displayed in Lamu Museum.

Shela Beach has a range of waterfront accommodation options including The Charming Peponi Hotel set in Shela Village overlooking the Lamu Channel and Lamu House Hotel located in Lamu Town among others.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN MOMBASA

Away from beaches and water sports, a trip to the Mombasa’s Old Town will be a perfect complement to your Mombasa honeymoon, you will be amazed and fascinated with narrow alleyways dating back to 12^th century. Some of the things to do and see in Mombasa include

Climb the ramparts of Fort Jesus, a fortress built in the 16^th century by the Portuguese who were the colonial masters of Kenya’s coast, Fort Jesus was built as a way of gurading the harbor entrance to the coast.
Visit the Lamu Museum where you will enjoy views of the thick walks and interesting artefacts and archaeological excavations displayed
Visit some of the amazing reserves situated near Mombasa such as Shimba Hills National reserve, one of East Africa’s last remaining coastal rainforests or Arabuko-Sokoke Forest – the largest remaining patch of indigenous coast forest in East Africa, Tsavo East and Tsavo West national park which are the largest national park in Kenya together.

WHERE TO STAY IN MOMBASA

Mombasa offers a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from hotels, charming cottages, exclusive boutique-style and beach resorts available to individuals on a honeymoon in Mombasa.

THE MAJI BEACH BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Location: Diani Beach, Mombasa

Rating: 5 star

The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel is situated along the sandy Diani Beach, this hotel offers a home away from home in spacious air-conditioned room with elegant décor, a balcony with Indian Ocean views and a seating area with satellite TV. Some of the rooms have a private pool, all the rooms have en-suite bathrooms with

The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel features

An outdoor and indoor swimming pool
Restaurant serving a range of Swahili, Indian and Mediterranean Cuisine
Pool bar
A fitness center
Shared lounge area
Library
Souvenir shop

The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel is located just 5 kilometers from Ukundu Airstrip, 35 kilometers from Mombasa and 50 kilometers from Moi International Airport.

WATERLOVERS BEACH RESORT

Location: Diani Beach, Mombasa

Rating: 5 star

WaterLovers Beach Resort is located on Diani Beach with panoramic views of Indian Ocean about 35 kilometers from Mombasa, the resort’s accommodation combines Swahili designs with a touch of Mediterranean atmosphere. Accommodation is offered in form of suites and all of these suites have private verandah with ocean view and a villa set by the pool and overlooking the ocean with a full equipped kitchen.

Waterlovers Beach Resort features

Outdoor swimming pool
Restaurant (Tides Restaurant) serving Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients
Free Wi-Fi
Bar (Ocean Spirit) serving cocktails and other drinks
24 hour front desk
Airport shuttle
Bicycle rental services
A garden and children’s playground
Activities such as snorkeling, Kayaking, diving and windsurfing

SERENA BEACH RESORT & SPA

Location: Shanzu, Mombasa

Rating: 5-star

Serena Beach Resort & Spa is situated directly on the white sandy beach of Shanzu boosting panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the resort offer accommodation in spacious and air conditioned rooms featuring Swahili-Style door with beds surrounded by a mosquito net. Each of these rooms is equipped with a TV, mini bar and private bathroom.

Serena Beach Resort & Spa features

Variety of outdoor and indoor restaurants and bars (many of them play lively music)
Room service is available and guests can enjoy cocktails on their private balcony
Garden terrace where breakfast is served
Outdoor activities such as volleyball, pedalos, wind surfing and yachting
Maisha Spa and Health Club
Free parking
24-hour front desk

THE SANDS AT NOMAD

Location: Diani Beach, Mombasa

Rating: 5 star

The Sands At Nomad is a beautiful beach resort nestled in the breathing indigenous coastal forests with a garden and a palm-fringed beach, the resort is situated at Diani Beach in Ukunda.

Guest rooms at The Sands At Nomad are spacious, individually designed with a combination of Mahogany furniture with Swahili design, each room is fitted with a mini bar, air conditioning and private bathrooms with a shower, a hairdryer and towels. Some rooms have a Sa bath.

The Sands At Nomads features

Main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
A sushi bar and pizzeria
Pool bar serving cocktails, refreshments and snacks
Waterspot centre
24 hour front desk
A gift shop
An 18 hole golf course located 2 kiloneters from the hotel.

SAROVA WHITESANDS BEACH RESORT & SPA

Location: Bamburi Beach, Mombasa

Rating: 5 star

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa is situated on one of the longest beachfronts in Mombasa protected by the Mombasa Marine Park , the Beach Resort features

4 outdoor swimming pools
3 restaurants
A beachside night club
Minazi Café serving snacks and Kids menu
Lido Seafood Grill serving sea food and steak
Tulia Health Bar
Cocoa Beach Bar
A gym
Free Wi-Fi
A floodlit tennis court

Rooms at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa are air-conditioned and offer ocean, swimming pool and garden view. Each room is equipped with a satellite TV, a Minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and the beds are draped in mosquito nets.

BEST TIME TO HONEYMOON IN MOMBASA

Mombasa is an all year round destination, however the best time to honeymoon in Mombasa is from January to March. In this period chances of rain are minimal and temperate are average 28 degrees Celsius with a high of 33 degrees Celsius.

GETTING TO MOMBASA

Mombasa is located in the southern east part of Kenya about 487 kilometers from Nairobi the capital of Kenya, Mombasa is also situated north of the Tanzanian borders about 85 kilometers. To get to Mombasa the most convenient way is to use is by flying to Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa, the decide to take a connecting flight or just drive.