Best Hotels in Mombasa: Old Town to North and South Coast

Mombasa divides into three distinct zones when it comes to accommodation. Old Town on Mombasa island is compact and walkable, with history on every corner. The North Coast resorts at Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu stretch along a 10km beach strip accessible by road. The South Coast, reached by the Likoni Ferry, is quieter and home to Diani Beach — consistently ranked among Africa’s best beaches.

Old Town and City Centre

Mombasa Beach Hotel (North Beach, Mombasa) is set on a small beach at the northern tip of Mombasa island with views across the old harbour. Rooms from approximately KES 9,000/night. The hotel has a pool and a seafood restaurant with fresh catches daily. It’s older than the newer North Coast resorts but has more character.

Swahili House (Old Town) is a restored Swahili merchant house in the heart of Old Town, with carved wooden doors and traditional furnishings. Only a handful of rooms are available; rates from approximately KES 8,000/night. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace. Advance booking is essential as it books out weeks ahead.

Tamarind Village (Nyali, opposite Mombasa city) is the accommodation arm of the Tamarind Dhow operation. Apartments and villas from approximately KES 12,000/night, sleeping two to six people. It’s on the northern shore of the Old Harbour with direct access to the dhow jetty.

North Coast — Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu

The North Coast is Mombasa’s main resort strip. Most resorts here offer all-inclusive packages, which can represent good value if you plan to spend most of your time on the beach.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa (Bamburi Beach) is one of the North Coast’s most established large resorts. It has multiple pools, direct beach access, and a large watersports operation. Rooms from approximately KES 18,000/night room-only; all-inclusive packages from approximately KES 25,000/night as of 2026. The beach section is wide and well maintained.

Voyager Beach Resort (Bamburi) is popular with families and couples. It has a good pool area, kids’ club, and direct beach access. Rooms from approximately KES 15,000/night room-only. It’s one of the better-maintained mid-range options on the North Coast.

Tiwi Beach Hotel (Nyali) is a smaller property compared to the large all-inclusive resorts. Rooms from approximately KES 10,000/night. Its intimate scale suits independent travellers who want beach access without the sprawling resort atmosphere.

English Point Marina (Nyali) is a boutique hotel on a private marina with Mombasa harbour views. Rooms from approximately KES 22,000/night. It’s better placed for exploring Old Town and the city than for pure beach time.

Bamburi Beach Hotel (Bamburi) is a long-running resort that offers reliable three-star accommodation at approximately KES 11,000–14,000/night. Not glamorous, but consistent.

South Coast — Likoni and Diani

The South Coast requires crossing the Likoni Ferry from Mombasa island. Once across, it’s 25–35km south to Diani Beach on the A14 highway.

Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa is the South Coast’s flagship property — over 150 rooms set in mature tropical gardens with direct beach access. Room rates from approximately KES 25,000/night (room-only) as of 2026; all-inclusive from approximately KES 35,000/night. The beach is excellent and the resort has a watersports centre and dive school.

Leopard Beach Resort and Spa (Diani) is a well-maintained property with lush grounds and a long beach section. Rooms from approximately KES 20,000/night room-only. The central pool area and beach bar are well done.

Almanara Luxury Villas (Diani) is a smaller, boutique operation of seven luxury villas set in private gardens leading to the beach. Each villa has its own plunge pool. From approximately USD 400/night as of 2026. It’s the most exclusive option on the South Coast.

Southern Palms Beach Resort (Diani) is a large family-friendly resort with multiple pools, a beach, and a kids’ club. Room-only rates from approximately KES 16,000/night; all-inclusive from approximately KES 22,000/night. Popular with package tour operators.

Diani Sea Lodge (Diani) is a smaller, more budget-conscious option at approximately KES 7,000–10,000/night. It’s within walking distance of the main Diani Beach strip and suits travellers who want a base rather than a resort.

Booking Tips

All-inclusive vs room-only: On the North and South Coasts, all-inclusive packages can save money if you drink and eat at the resort. But they reduce incentive to explore local restaurants, which are considerably better than resort buffets.

Long rains April–May: This is low season on the Kenya coast. Many resorts close for maintenance and those that remain open discount by 30–50%. Avoid if rain bothers you, but excellent value if it doesn’t.

North vs South Coast: The North Coast is closer to Mombasa city and has a more commercial resort atmosphere. The South Coast has better beaches (Diani is consistently rated among Africa’s top beaches) but requires the ferry crossing and longer transport.

For dining recommendations in Mombasa, see our Mombasa food guide. For activities and sightseeing, see our things to do in Mombasa guide.