Holidays in Mombasa

An introduction to Mombasa

Holidays in Mombasa have two faces. There's the bustling island city with its authentic African atmosphere. Then there are the nearby beach resorts, reached by bridge or ferry, where luxury hotels hug the smooth white sands and the pace of life is as laid back as a sunbed. So, when you travel to Mombasa you get the best of both worlds: the exciting buzz of Kenya's second city and the classic resort holidays package.

Mombasa's hotels are generally of the up-market variety, so don't hold your breath for bargain holidays. However, if you're looking for the extra value of all inclusive holidays, Mombasa is a good choice. Take the Bamburi Beach Hotel, for example. It offers a good all inclusive package, including plenty of fun sports and pastimes. Alternatively, there's the Southern Palms, where top of the attraction list are a pair of stunning free-form swimming pools, each with a rather convenient swim-up bar.

Having all the culture and history of the city on your doorstep is one of the big plus points of holidays in Mombasa. It's been a trading post for centuries, and the old town is packed with colourful little bazaars where you can pick up a bargain if you're prepared to haggle. Colourful 'khanga' cottons are a good buy, as are the beautiful, hand carved sculptures and knick-knacks. And there's also an exotic market where you can get mouth-watering fresh fruit and quality vegetables at knock down prices.

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