Where to Stay When in Mombasa this Summer

Mombasa is well known for its white sandy beaches, and therefore you will be spoilt for choice on where to stay. The town has various types of accommodation along the North Coast and South Coast. You can either stay in a hotel, guest and beach house, apartment, lodging, villa, summer cottage or a bed and breakfast. All these are available at different rates. When choosing where to stay consider your budget, preference, hobbies and the number of people you are traveling with if you are not alone. These factors will help you choose the right type of accommodation and save you money. To help you decide let us explore features of the different types of accommodation in Mombasa.

Each hotel in the Coastal town has a unique theme and distinct services, to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Hotels in Kenya are of international standard with high quality service. In most hotels, visitors can choose from a range of fun activities for all age groups. These include safaris, deep sea fishing, diving and other water sports. The town also has many villas. This kind of accommodation features a number of bedrooms, bathrooms, large dining and sitting areas plus TV and internet access. Some villas come with their own cook and housekeeper to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Villas provide endless opportunities for people of all ages and interests.

If you are interested in a more private kind of accommodation you can stay in an apartment. The bedroom is usually en-suite, fully furnished and serviced. Beach houses are also a common type of accommodation in Mombasa. They are much similar to apartments but different in that they come with a private compound. You feel like you are in your own backyard. This type of accommodation is also best for large traveling groups. Another similar place to stay is in a cottage. All these give you the opportunity to do your own catering meaning that you cook your own food. However laundry and cleaning services are provided.

If you are backpacking and moving from one town to another or in Mombasa only for a short stay, then you should go for the bed and breakfast type of accommodation. Here you only get to spend the night and you are provided with the next day’s breakfast. With the variations in accommodation in Mombasa, as a visitor at the Kenyan Coast you are guaranteed of finding every modern convenience you could wish for. So go on make a reservation for this summer and enjoy your holiday in Mombasa. For more information on accommodation in Kenya visit http://www.intokenya.com

Dream of Africa Hotel

Games to Enjoy at the Kenyan Beaches this Summer

Many people visit the Kenyan Coast every year to see the famous historical sites such as Vasco Dagama and Fort Jesus. The beaches at the Coast are also a favorite to many tourists who tour the area. A lot of visitors however go back without enjoying the numerous beach activities that have become quite an attraction. When visiting the Kenyan Coast this summer try something new by engaging in the new sports that have hit the Kenyan beaches. You will certainly be assured of a good and relaxing time. You do not have to spend all your vacation time in a hotel go out and have some fun!

Activities at the Coast include scuba diving and snorkeling. Though these are new sports they are gaining quite a momentum and have been rated highly even by professionals in the two sports. Te Kenya Wildlife Service Marine has stepped in to popularize summer games at the beaches by guiding tourists in the protective reef where they can go diving. Diving is more popular at Watamu National Park along the Kenyan Coast. After diving you can sit back and enjoy watching the fish swim around through the glass panels. The reef has extremely exotic fish, in every shape and colour. You can also be able to see harmless whale sharks.

Diving amongst the coral in Mombasa is an amazing experience and any one either a beginner or an expert can try it out. The north coast also has a great deal of variety to offer in terms of under the sea entertainment. There are several qualified diving schools along the beaches that can take you through a diving course for those who have no experience but cannot help themselves to jump into the beautiful Indian Ocean. The lessons are very few and only take a few hours all you need is courage to stand the fast waves.

Other activities at the beaches include windsurfing and kite surfing which are loved the world over as well as at the Kenyan beaches. Kite surfing is considered one of the fastest growing water based sports today including in Kenya. Anyone looking for an adrenaline rush should try kite surfing. At Kenya you can go surfing at Manda Bay and enjoy its calm waters. If you are interested you can participate in a competition just for fun and charity. Kenya hosts a kite surfing festival in February and March each year to raise money for a local health charity. Do not have a boring vacation when you visit the Kenyan beaches this summer as you are spoilt for choice with the many summer games.

Mombasa Beach Hotel

The Nyali Beach Hotel

Nyali Beach Hotel is set amid 20 acres of flamboyant tropical gardens and has been extensively refurbished and modernized while retaining its cultural charm. The hotel, which is one of the first beach hotels to be established in Mombasa, is rated as a 5 star accommodation.

It displays an impression of cool, whitewashed walls and tiled floors. There are ceiling fans, potted palms, cool marble and wicker furniture.The atmosphere is laid back and comfortable. There is a wide variety of accommodations from luxury suites to mature cottages. The main building has spacious older rooms while the Garden Wing rooms are more modern and spiral through the tropical gardens.The Garden Wing has a total of 122 twin rooms. The luxury Palm Wing has 52 rooms close to the sea, most with ocean views. These are spacious rooms with wood floors, satellite TV, radio and mini-bar. All rooms have modern bathrooms, air-conditioning, telephones and 24 hour room service.

HOTEL FACILITIES:
Bistro Mchana- Is a popular restaurant on the ground floor of the main building serves a la carte meals and a daily specialty which includes children’s menu.Mvita Grill- Located right on the beachfront this attractive thatched a la carte grill specializes in seafood. Our resident jazz trio is extremely popular with all guests.

Pool Terrace- Is an open- air terrace with a custom built barbeque area. It gives you a chance to dine as you get entertained by a 5- piece band.

Pizza Place - Beneath the pool terrace and alongside the pool edge is a pasta restaurant and ice cream parlor. A selection of pastas, pizzas and salad bars are served daily.

Parrots Terrace - Situated near the beach, this casual open plan thatched restaurant enables diners the opportunity to enjoy the cool sea breezes and watch the beaches many activities. This restaurant specializes in barbecued seafood.

L’Orangerie - This attractive split level dining room in the main building, serves breakfast and
sumptuous carvery dinners.

Harry’s Bar This air conditioned English style ‘pub’ is open daily from 5.00pm until midnight and from 1.00pm on weekends.

Fountain Lounge: The atmosphere of this attractive open plan lounge is enhanced by views over the pool terrace and serves a variety of drinks including Coffee, Cappuccino etc.

Noon’s Night Club: A modern disco where the resident DJ plays the latest hits as well as the best golden oldies.

Pool Bar: Share a drink with friends and have fun at the happy hour bar which is located by the main pool.

Lanes Bar: You can also choose to have your drink at the beach front, 20 meters away from the sea.

Beach getaway

By Wambui Thimba

When you go for a beach holiday, the last thing you want is to tug around bags of clothes. Travel light when you go anywhere warm by choosing pieces that work for day and night.

For an effortless beach look, wear light comfortable clothing like a sundress, flip flops, shorts, skirts and wrap-arounds such as kikoys and lesos.

Wear key accessories for a look that is chic yet functional. Don’t forget to carry a beach bag and a pair of sunglasses.

Take very little make-up. A moisturiser and waterproof mascara will be enough. Add sunscreen, some face powder and lip balm and you are ready for a fun and stylish holiday.

The weather in Kenyan beaches is mostly hot and sunny, you therefore do not want to wear any heavy clothing that will leave you feeling very uncomfortable.

Dicounted Easter Offers you Can't Miss!!

Easter holiday is just round the corner and it is time to get down and plan a fun activity for you and your family. If you are the fun loving types then you will certainly enjoy these Easter offers by Bonfire Adventures. take a look at their fantastic offers to different travel destinations in Kenya. They will also give you an opportunity to stay at various Kenyan hotels of your choice.


SCHEDULED DEPARTURES EASTER WEEKEND 22nd to 25th APRIL 2011

Bush and Beach - (North Coast) 4 days 3 nights Getaway TSAVO West and Mombasa staying at Ngulia Safari Lodge and Mombasa Beach Hotel ON 22nd TO 25th April 2011 @ Kshs. 24,500/-($310) PER PERSON.
This package cost includes Return transport in luxury safari shuttle, accommodation in 4 star hotels - 1 night at Ngulia Safari Lodge and 2 nights at Mombasa Beach hotel, meals on full board in Tsavo and half board in Mombasa, 2 game drives in Tsavo West, half day excursion to Mombasa Marine Park in a glass bottom boat, Easter Last supper will be a candlelit beach dinner. The cost excludes drinks and park entry fees.

MT. Kenya Reagion 4 days 3 nights getaway - Aberdares , Shaba and Samburu. Staying at Treetops and Sarova Shaba Game Lodges on 22nd to 25th April 2011 @ Kshs. 24,500/- ($310) per person.
The package includes transport luxury 8 seater open roof tourvans, accommodation in 5 star hotels – 1 night at Treetops Game Lodge and 2 nights at Sarova Shaba Game lodge, Meals on full board, game drives in Aberdares National Park, Shaba and Samburu Game reserves, . It excludes lunch on departure and return day, drinks and tips.

Bush and Beach (South coast) 4 days 3 nights getaway Diani Beach and Shiba Hills staying at LTI Kaskazi Beach Resort and Shiba Hills Game Lodge on 22nd to 25th April 2011 @Kshs. 21,000/-($265) Per person.
This package cost includes Return transport in a luxury safari shuttle, Accommodation in 4 star hotels - 2 nights at LTI Kaskazi beach hotel and 1 night at Shimba hills Game lodge, Meals on half board in Diani and full board in Shimba hills, full day excursion to Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park, 2 game drives in Shimba Hills, Easter Last supper will be a candlelit bush dinner. Cost excludes drinks and park fees.

Great Rift Valley Region 4 days 3 nights getaway Staying at Elementaita Country Lodge and Lake Bogoria Spa Lodge on 22nd to 25th April 2011 @Kshs. 24,500/-($310) Per person.
Accommodation in 4 star hotels – 1 night Elementaita Country Lodge and 2 nights at Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, meals on Full board, Boat Ride in Lake Naivasha and crescent island walking safari on Day 1, Game drive in Lake Nakuru on day 2, Visit to the hot springs on day 3 and boat ride in Lake Baringo on day 4. It excludes park fee and drinks.

For more information visit http://bonfireadventures.com or contact bonfireadventures@gmail.com.

Planning a Safari

Millions of people would want to visit Africa at least once in their lifetime but due to the high costs involved majority end up not doing so. But what many of us are not aware of is that with the proper planning, a safari to our dream destination does not need to be expensive and unaffordable. There are several ways one can arrange a safari. One can buy a package available from tour and travel companies or you can have them customize a safari for you. Alternatively you can arrange everything for yourself. Many people prefer the former two alternatives as they are less time consuming and all you have to do is choose a destination and a company to arrange the safari for you.

Those who choose to plan everything for themselves mostly do it as they believe that it is a much cheaper alternative, however this is not necessarily the case as a lot of research is required and can be costly. An idea would be to travel as a group and share out the cost of vehicle rental, and some tourist establishments do offer discounts for group travel.
Whichever method one chooses to plan their Safari there are several things that one needs to consider before embarking on the trip.

Destination
The first thing is to choose where you want to go for your Safari. You may consider factors such as your hobbies, likes and preferences to help you decide where you want to go. Do you want to go on an adventure tour, sightseeing, wildlife safari, mountain climbing or visit the beach? Once you have decided on what you are interested in then search different destinations that offer your type of tour and pick one. Consult with reputable organizations in your chosen destination
Gather information from companies in the tours and travel industry in the destination you have settled on to enable you know more on what to expect. This will make you familiar with where you are going even if it will be your first time. You will also learn more on the activities available at the destination.

Peak and Off Peak Seasons
In some areas especially in Africa there are certain months that the tourist destinations experience high season meaning that tour services will be more expensive as more people will be visiting. It is good to consider whether you want to travel during the high or low seasons.

Transportation
Research on the available modes of transport to and from your chosen destination. Inquire on the legal issues involved while traveling to that destination such as the travel documents that will be required. Compare the cost of the available modes of transportation and pick one that suites you. If you need to book vehicles, do so in good time.

Accommodation
Just like transport, consider what kind of accommodation you want. Will you be staying in a hotel, will you go camping or will you rent a cottage? Again make your bookings early. Online hotel booking save you a lot of inconveniences.
Apart from accommodation and transport you will have to budget for food, buy or rent camping equipment and maybe even have to hire a local guide to show you around.

What to Pack
The following will give you an idea of some of the things you will need to bring. But remember not to carry a lot, consider buying some things at your destination.

1. Essentials
Passport, Air tickets, Vaccination cards, money, credit cards (mastercard/visa) and traveler’s cheques.

2. Clothing
Light clothing (long pants for walking in bush), walking or hiking shoes, hats and sunglasses. Remember you pack a sweater for the nights or for those going to cold areas. You may also need a swim suit.

3. Equipment
Camera, film (if you use it), binoculars, battery chargers and a flashlight.

4. Sundries
Sun block, sunglasses, sun hat, insect repellent, anti-malaria tablets and a day pack (small backpack).

General security issues
Make sure you are aware of any security issues concerning your preferred destination and remember to exercise caution when traveling around.

Languages
Know the native language used by the natives in your preferred destination, if it is different from yours you can possibly learn a few of the common terms that will help you find your way during the Safari. You can also pack a language dictionary for easy translation.

Discount hotels

Mombasa your tropical holiday destination

Mombasa at the beginning of twentieth century, Mombasa was seat of the government and capital of Kenya, mainly because there was no other town the railway was built. Mombasa is an island linked to the mainland by a causeway, a bridge and a ferry. It is the main port and railway terminal. The conglomeration of buildings above the deep blue sea make up old Mombasa and include the old docks where some dhows still berth after arriving from middle east early in the year
-A drive down Moi Avenue towards the docks and the administrative offices, takes you under two huge pairs of tasks. This is a well-known and remembered landmark of
Mombasa Island .The information bureau is nearby.
-stalls containing a large variety of wood carvings bracelets, drums, stools, beaded necklaces, batiks and other Africans crafts. These are places for goods hearted bargaining.
Prices may come down to less than half the original demand and you will certainly get a
fair deal as there as there is so much competition.
- A walk round old Mombasa takes you into another world. Cars are allowed, but in some places cannot pass each other because the streets are narrow. You are welcomed inside ancient building. You can pick up goods and bargain, everything look old and genuine At certain times Ivory rooms are open you may have to get permission to get inside. You will see Arab selling their very strong coffee from old copper pots.
- There are many mosques which you can enter after removing you shoes. Fort
- Jesus was built by Portuguese mariners route to India from Turk and Dutch
A wide moat round three sides made the fort almost impregnable heavy guns were placed outside facing the sea Between 1696 and 1698,there was a siege by Arabs of Oman and the fort was captured. Arab occupation to fort Jesus continued until 1895, when it was bombarded by the Swaminarayan All are welcome inside as long as you remove your shoes.
- This is fine example of Mombasa’ many Hindu temples; their most important festival is diwali, which is cerebration of the return of the God, Rama, and his wife after 14 years of exile in the forest this is Hindu new year it might be October or November according to Indian calendar. The Jains are most prosperous Hindu community in Mombasa. They are strict vegetarians
--A visit to the Kenya coast is a tropical dream and a wonderful way to begin or end your holiday coconut palms fridge the sea shores and give shade to the gardens of most beach hotels. Africans cut steps up the trunks of palm trees and shin up in no time at all. Coconut juice makes a refreshing drink and can be extracted when the nut is green.

The glory of a tropical sunset on a palm – fringed shore is a memory you will treasure forever.

Mombasa Hotels