Mombasa

Old Town

Beaches

Mombasa Tusks

Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus is a major tourist attraction located in Mombasa. It’s currently the third busiest port in Africa and a gateway to Kenya, but also Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, Sudan, and Somalia. Construction began in 1593, under orders of King Philip I of Portugal to guard the Mombasa port, which was vital to the spice trade and was completed in 1596. It was designed by an Italian architect named Giovanni Battista Cairati; when viewed from the air the fort is the shape of a man and is considered to be a paragon of Renaissance military architecture. While the fort is an admired tourist destination, it is also used for research programs, a conservation lab, and conservation offices.

Tuliahouse Backpackers

Tuliahouse Backpackers hostel is positioned in the capital city of Mombasa, literally feet from Nyali Beach (Mombasa Beach). The hostel is a short ride from Mombasa Airport. 

It’s a fantastic place to stay with a pool, full pool bar and kitchen. I even managed to buy a bottle of rum there. The hostel has wifi, laundry, and a bookshelf if you want to read on the hammocks. 

Definitely take a tour of Mombasa, the city has a lengthy history due to early exploration by the Portuguese, then Oman after they vanquished Portugal. Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese to protect the port, is a major tourist attraction. 

You can easily get a tour to Tsavo National Park which is about three and a quarter hours away.

http://www.tuliabackpackers.com

https://goo.gl/maps/2FiiG9u4DeQRdVEY8

Diani Backpackers

This hostel is in Diani Beach, located on the eastern coast of Kenya about 30 kilometers south of Mombasa. I included it with Mombasa hostels because Diani is too small to have it’s own section.

The northern end of Diani Beach contains the Kongo Mosque, believed to have been built between the 13th and 14th century. Diani Backpackers offers a swimming pool complete with towel, poolside bar and restaurant, laundry service, and pick up from the Ukunda airport. 

The sleeping area accommodates 6,8, 12, and 16 bed dorms and is only a five minute walk from the beach. It is a fun, well-known hostel for Kenya travelers.

http://www.dianibackpackers.com

www.Dianibackpackers.com

https://goo.gl/maps/Fn86hUYHTsp6PN8V6

Serena Beach Resort and Spa

https://goo.gl/maps/wUMaWy3sFAfcKERp6

The Sands at Nomad (Diani Beach)

https://goo.gl/maps/i76R2GFRUATaH3xTA

The Villa Luxury Suites Hotel

https://goo.gl/maps/7FbrcayJZ1sNCde8A

The hotels mentioned for Mombasa are located at beaches near the city of Mombasa, but not necessarily in the city. The nicer hotels are situated around Diani Beach (30 kilometers away), etc.. Additionally, the beaches in Mombasa and Kilifi counties are typically not safe at night time. The last couple times I’ve been to Mombasa, the Kenyan Defense Forces patrol the beaches at night. The beaches are known for assailants with machetes, looking to rob unsuspecting tourists. That being said, the Tuliahouse Backpackers is one of the best values for hostels I have found.