MOMBASA

Exploring the Kenyan Coastline

The Kenyan coast offers magnificent tropical beaches protected by
coral reefs, luxuriously upmarket beach resorts, excellent scuba
diving and snorkelling opportunities and fascinating historical sites.
You can laze about in the sun on gorgeous beaches with white
sand, coconut palms and clear blue water. There’s also an exciting
variety of water sports on offer such as windsurfing, kite surfing,
catamaran or dhow sailing, deep-sea fishing and glass-bottomed
boats. Many resorts also have spas and wellness centres, floodlit
tennis courts, squash courts, discos and you can even play golf.

If your interests extend further than sun, surf and sea, the historical
and cultural sites of exotic Lamu island and the mysterious Gedi
Ruins lie in wait as do ruins of ancient towns and forts. You’ll find a
strong Arab-Muslim influence along this coastline which can be
seen in the architecture, cuisine and clothing of the locals.
Mombasa is also worth visiting. As a trading post dating back to
the 12th century, it’s the largest port on the East African coastline.
You can still see the influence of previous rulers, especially in the
mosques and Portuguese Fort. The old section of the town, with its
narrow streets, mosques, carved doorways and old houses leading
down to the dhow harbour, is the most interesting. The Old Town
has the same kind of coastal Swahili architecture found in Lamu.
MOMBASA Fast Facts You’ll notice late 19th century Indian styles and British colonial
architecture, as well as intricately carved woodwork.
About Mombasa Mombasa is located on the East African
Coast of Kenya. It offers a selection of idyllic
Indian Ocean beaches with white sand, For this brochure, we’ve chosen a sample of highly recommended
coconut palms and warm, turquoise ocean beach resorts to the south and north of Mombasa. We can also
protected by coral reefs (safe swimming).
One of the most beautiful and popular recommend other hotels in Mombasa. Please talk to us or see our
beaches on Mombasa’s south coast is Diani website www.africanencounters.com for further options.
Beach where you’ll find the majority of
resorts. There are also many quieter beaches
to explore along the coast.
Capital of Kenya Nairobi
Main languages English, Swahili
Head of State President Mwai Kibaki.
Religions Christian, Muslim, Animist
Electricity 240 V, 50 Hz
Time zone Kenya is 3 hours ahead of GMT. (Most
locals dealing with foreign tourists know to
use this time. However, out of the main
tourist areas, be aware that traditional
Swahili time differs to “our time” by 6 hrs
and this can be either 6 hrs ahead or 6 hrs
behind. In Swahili time, noon and midnight
are 6 o’clock, while both 7am and 7pm are
1’clock. So, to calculate Swahili time, add or
subtract 6 hours, using common sense as to
whether its evening or morning.)
Money matters The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling
(KSh). It’s made up of 100 cents.
Highest mountains Mount Kenya (5199m) is Kenya’s highest
and Africa’s second highest mountain,
Mount Elgon (4321m) is Kenya’s second
highest mountain. Africa’s highest mountain,
Kilimanjaro (5895m) is found in
neighbouring Tanzania. You can see it from
Amboseli National Park.
Kenya’s top game Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu,
and nature reserves Mount Kenya, Tsavo, Lake Baringo, Lake
Nakuru and Lake Naivasha are the most
popular National Parks and Reserves.
African neighbours Kenya’s neighbouring countries are Tanzania
(S), Ethiopia and Sudan (N), Uganda (W)
and Somalia (E).
ABOUT

Our aim at African Encounters is to make sure you have the

best holiday imaginable from start to finish. We travel to and
research our destinations thoroughly to help you select the
right holiday. Not only do we go the extra 100 miles to offer
you superb personalised service, but we also provide the
best value and quality for your hard earned money. Whether
you’re on a tight budget or after a lavishly decadent holiday,
we can meet your needs.

At African Encounters we interact with each other more like

a family than a business. Everyone is made to feel at home
and we all share in each other’s good fortunes. We believe
this positive working environment rubs off on how our travel
consultants interact with clients. They’re professional whilst
also being friendly, helpful, honest and reliable. We’ve built
up a solid reputation over the years and are the leading
supplier to some of the largest travel agencies in South
Africa. We’re also fully ASATA and IATA accredited so you
can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

We’ll do everything we can to make sure you enjoy your visit

to Mombasa so you can share your treasured memories and
plan your next exciting trip. Who knows? You might be
inspired to return to Mombasa or try out another exciting
destination. Zanzibar, Victoria Falls, Egypt, Kilimanjaro or a
game safari in Tanzania and Kenya? Talk to your local travel
agent, we’ve got great deals in store for you.

Please note:
All these hotels have dress codes (smart casual for dinner, men to wear long trousers).
The only exception is Pinewood which has no dress code. All hotels close from around 15 April to beginning of June.

Leopard Beach Resort & Spa

Leopard Beach Resort and Spa has won many awards for being the
best hotel in Mombasa and the owners certainly aim to keep it that
way. Set on an idyllic, palm fringed beach with modern hotel
facilities and a fantastic new pampering forest spa, it’s the ultimate
in East African luxury. Personalised service and clever architectural
design, with rooms set almost invisibly in the beautifully landscaped
gardens, ensures that you’ll never feel overcrowded even though it’s
a big resort. The superb Uzuri Spa & Fitness Forest is set in the
indigenous forest offering a tranquil setting in which to relax.

This stylish and classy hotel has a hip-and-happening feel to it. Drink
cocktails in sociable bars such as Marco’s (set on a coral cliff and
shaped like a Spanish galleon) or Mario’s (with its quirky Colonial
artefacts), as well as enjoy Italian pizzas and homemade ice cream
on the beach.

Guest rooms are spacious, luxurious and newly renovated. There’s

an enticing variety of water sports and activities on offer from diving
and glass-bottomed boats to golf. One thing’s for sure, if you want to
be spoilt and pampered, Leopard Beach is the place to go.
 Location Leopard Beach Resort and Spa is on Diani Beach, 50kms from Mombasa Airport and 34 km from Mombasa town.
Room features There are 155 superb rooms. The 90 Standard Rooms (doubles or twins) are stunning. Also 48 Seafacing Superior Rooms (larger and
with a couch), 10 Chui Class Cottages, 7 Suites, 2 Superior Suites, 5 Honeymoon Suites and 2 Executive Suites. All rooms have en
suites (showers and baths), air conditioning, telephones, satellite television, mini bars, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryers and facilities for
disabled guests. The suites have sea views, sunken spa baths, power showers and safes. The Executive Suites have lounge areas and
outside patios
Restaurants Horizon (serving breakfast and either table d'hôte or buffet lunches), Coco Beach Mchana (stir-fry lunches), Chui Grill Room (à la
(5) & bars (4) carte menu) and Pasta and Pizza Tornati (Italian cuisine). Other options include beach barbeque parties and private dinners on Kusini
Beach. Chic bars and poolside lounges for cocktails and snacks. Ice cream parlour.
Hotel facilities PADI 5-star Dive and Watersports Centre, Uzuri Spa & Fitness Forest (see below), split-level swimming pool and Roman aqueduct,
games room, floodlit tennis court, adventure centre, conference centre (100 people), business centre with internet, curio and boutique
shop, discotheque.
Spa facilities Treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, exercise studio, fully equipped fitness centre, spa boutique, health bar.
Hotel services Laundry, babysitting, taxi services, doctor on call.
Hotel activities Diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, kite surfing, catamaran, glass bottom boats, kayaks, pedalos, tennis, spa treatments.
Aerobics, yoga, gym, forest walks, darts, pool table, table tennis, disco. Golf next door.

Papillon Lagoon Reef

This fantastic all-inclusive hotel is located on the southern tip of Diani Beach which
is very private. You can enjoy a holiday away from the hustle and bustle of other
beach resorts. The verdant landscaped gardens, boasting a massive 300-year old
baobab tree, provides a feeling of calm and serenity. There’s a stunning tropical
island-style pool and a sunken pool-side bar so you can sip cocktails in the water.

Papillon generously includes windsurfing, snorkelling, beach fishing, tennis and a

free pool dive in the package price. As the Reef is situated 600m off the coast and
close to pristine reefs, diving and snorkelling from here is highly recommended. So
are trips to Wasini, Kisite, Chale or Funzi Islands.

Papillon Lagoon Reef is smaller than many of the other hotels in the area which also
adds to the sense of exclusivity. All the staff are wonderfully friendly and helpful.
The Beachfront Rooms are the best given their seaside location and added luxuries
such as Lamu-style four-poster beds. If these popular rooms aren’t available, the
Garden Rooms are also recommended. Overall, Papillion offers exceptional value-
for-money in a beautiful setting. The hospitality is superb, probably the best on the
Mombasa Coast.

Location Papillion Lagoon Reef is on the quiet tip of Diani Beach, 34km from Mombasa and 49km from Mombasa Airport.
Room features 120 rooms divided into 26 Cottage Rooms, 76 Garden Rooms and 18 Beachfront Rooms. Cottage Rooms are situated at the back of
the lodge and are best suited for families. We recommend the Garden Rooms, located in 3-storey blocks, which are spacious and
overlook the garden. Beachfront rooms are located close to the beach.
All rooms have balconies, en suites (with shower only), air conditioning, fans, in house phones, safes and mosquito nets. Beachfront
Rooms also have Lamu-style four-poster beds, baths, satellite televisions, mini bars and baby cots.
Restaurants (2) This all-inclusive resort has one main restaurant serving generous buffet meals. Zig Zag Bar also serves breakfasts and lunches,
bars (3) poolside bar features sunken seats and there’s another bar for drinks on the beach.
Hotel facilities PADI Dive and Watersports Centre, swimming pool, 2 floodlit tennis courts, children’s play area.
Hotel services Laundry, dry cleaning, babysitting, taxis, all major credit cards accepted.
Hotel activities Diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, tennis, sundowners, cultural tours, kiddies play area, day trips to nearby islands.

Pinewood Village

Pinewood Village is an intimate boutique beach hotel offering outstanding, value-

for-money holidays on the secluded coastal strip of Galu Beach. The hotel is located
seven kilometers south of the tourist hub of Diani Beach. You can laze on the white
sand beach, swim in the warm ocean, sip cocktails at the splendid pool bar or visit
the tropical forest to see birds and endangered Colobus and Sykes monkeys.

This charming hotel has been recently renovated so it’s neat and tidy, yet Pinewood
retains its understated atmosphere without all the glitz of large resorts. It does,
however, boast a superb range of facilities and activities including one of the
biggest Watersports Centre on the Kenyan Coast and an entertainment centre with
shops, a casino, massage and beauty salon and medical care. Boat trips to snorkel
and dive around the island reserves of Wasini, Kisite, Chale, Funzi and Shimoni are
also on offer.

Most guest rooms have recently been renovated. If you want extra luxury, book a
spacious suite where a personally appointed chef will cook a gourmet dinner in
your room. This is a fantastic option for honeymooners or guests wanting intimate
dining. Pinewood is also an excellent wedding venue - the extensive package
includes a Maasai warrior bridal escort. If you want peace, quiet and privacy in a
small hotel away from the crowds, this is the place to be.
 Location Pinewood is on Galu Beach, 7km south from Diani Beach, 40km from Mombasa town, 55km from Mombasa airport.
Room features 58 rooms divided as 28 Standard Hotel Rooms, 2 Executive Rooms, 18 Suites and 2 Executive Suites. The rooms, recently renovated,
are in 19 detached units with 2 Standard Rooms upstairs and a Suite downstairs. A personal chef is allocated to each Suite guest to
cook dinners. All rooms have balconies and en suites (large showers), air conditioners, fans, hairdryers (on request) and safes (extra
cost). Executive Rooms are spacious and have double showers, mini bars and telephones. Suites and Executive Suites have double
showers (and bath tub in Executive Suites), verandas, kitchens (with services of personal chef), fridges and telephones. Most rooms
overlook the gardens and forest, while the Executive Rooms, Executive Suites and two Standard Rooms have sea views.
Restaurants (3), Bahari serves breakfasts daily and dinner 5 times a week (themed evenings), Peponi is a beach restaurant on the sand (twice
bars (3) weekly barbeques) and Jahazi Bistro (fantastic wood-fired pizza). There’s a bar with live sports and films, a beach bar shaped like a
boat and a sunken pool bar.
Hotel facilities Watersports Centre, swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, squash court, games room, satellite television, internet, boutique, library,
telephone service, excursion desk, massage and beauty salon.
Hotel services Laundry and dry cleaning, taxi service, 24-hour medical service on call, all major credit cards accepted.
Hotel activities Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skis, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, sea safaris to nearby islands and nature reserves,
beach volleyball, cultural tours, bird and game watching in forest, squash, tennis, darts, table tennis, beauty treatments, 18-hole golf
course nearby.

Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa

This chic, international-style boutique hotel with all the bells and whistles is set on a
magnificent white, palm-fringed beach. The décor is classy and modern, reflecting
its setting with sophistication. Certainly, no expense has been spared on the recent
refurbishments.

The resort boasts a state-of-the-art Maya Wellness Spa (with a range of exotic
treatments) as well as one of the best Diving and Watersports Centres in Diani
(everything from jet skis to glass bottomed boats). There’s also a gym, casino, 18-
hole golf course nearby and a host of other sports. Children will be in paradise with
all the fun activities including jungle gyms, waterslide, video games and Kids Club.

Guest rooms are spacious, luxuriously appointed and tastefully decorated in a

modern beach theme. Rooms face the sea, the swimming pool or the lush tropical
gardens. You can even select rooms with spa baths, lounges and personal butlers.
Diani Reef Resort is one of the top resorts in Mombasa. It offers value-for-money,
superb facilities and is a perfectly romantic honeymoon destination.

Location Diani Reef Beach Resort is on Diani Beach, 34km from Mombasa town, 50km from Mombasa Airport.
Room types 144 rooms divided into Twin or Double Standards, Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms with interleading doors, Penthouse Suites and
and features Presidential Suites. All rooms have en suites, balconies, air conditioners, satellite televisions, radios, internet, mini bars, safes and
tea/coffee facilities. Deluxe Rooms have spa baths and lounges (converting to child’s bedroom). Junior and Penthouse Suites are
larger and have dining rooms. The Presidential Suite has a dedicated butler on request.
Restaurants (3), Coral Rock Café serves all meals. If you have dinner at Saki (Oriental cuisine) or Fins Seafood Grill (on the beachfront) you’ll get a
bars (5) credit towards your bill. There’s also a coffee shop and 5 bars.
Hotel facilities Full 5-star Padi Dive and Watersports Centre, Maya Wellness Spa, 2 swimming pools (waterslide and Jacuzzi), casino, curio shop,
night club, games room, mini cinema, video games, 2 floodlit tennis courts, squash court, kid’s playground, local tours, conference
room (60 delegates), business centre, internet café, office rental.
Hotel services House doctor on 24 hour call, taxis, 24-hour babysitting facilities
Hotel activities Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skis, sea kayaking, glass bottom boat, big game fishing, kite surfing,
sailing, tennis, squash, gym, aerobics, yoga, massage and beauty treatments, casino, 18-hole golf course nearby. Children’s
entertainment includes jungle gym, mini-boats, water slides and swimming pool, table tennis, darts, pool table, cinema, video games,
fun centre, crèche.

Voyager Beach Resort

Voyager is a fantastic, all-inclusive, three-star resort located on Nyali Beach, north

of Mombasa. If you’ve ever dreamed of a cruise liner holiday but don’t like the
thought of being out at sea, Voyager will provide the fantasy. The whole hotel has
been decorated in a maritime theme complete with masts, sails and ship’s wheels
and the staff even have naval designations with the manager being Captain. The
daily buffet is themed around your ‘ship’s’ destination. Ahoy, me hearties, your
voyage has began!

This hotel is a particularly good option for families, given this nautical theme, as
well as the variety of child-friendly activities and facilities. To ensure your holiday
is action-packed, there’s also an extensive range of watersports (including glass
bottomed boats). Alternatively, chill out on the long strip of beach. There’s a variety
of restaurants and bars including Smuggler’s Cove built into a coral cavern.

The thatched buildings blend in amongst the palm trees and gardens. Many of the
rooms (or cabins, as they call them, to match the seafaring theme) overlook the
beach while the other rooms look out on the gardens. The hotel offers packages
for weddings and honeymoons. Overall, Voyager delivers a fun-filled and relaxing
beachfront holiday for families and couples alike.
 Location Voyager Beach Resort is on Nyali Beach, 7km north of Mombasa, 14km from Mombasa Airport.
Room features 234 cabins divided into Garden View, Garden View Plus, Superior Garden View, Superior Seafacing. Roughly a third overlook the
ocean, the remainder have garden views. The buildings are two and three-storey thatched units surrounded by rows of palm trees. All
rooms have private balconies, en suite bathrooms with showers, air conditioning, telephones and safes. Some have interconnecting
rooms for families. Superior Rooms have the addition of tea/coffee facilities, mini bars, satellite televisions, hairdryers and fans. Junior
suites have private lounges, large balconies and mini fridges. Business cabins have desks, televisions and business services. The
Superior Seafacing rooms are closest to the beach. Many rooms are wheelchair friendly and the public areas are easily accessible.
Restaurants (3), Meals at Minestrone (Italian cuisine) and Mashua (buffets) are included in your package. If you eat at Smugglers Cove (à la carte) ,
bars (4) you’ll get a 50 percent discount. Also Captain’s Table (meals with entertainment). Bar open 24hrs a day.
Hotel facilities Watersports Centre and Dive School, 3 swimming pools (including one fun pool with Jacuzzi and waterfalls), floodlit tennis courts,
sand volleyball court, games room, daily entertainment programme, boutique, hotel shopping arcade with Parisian hair salon and
fitness centre. Children’s facilities: high chairs, cots, interleading rooms, family shows, adventure club, play area, waterslide and pool.
Hotel services Laundry, room service, child care, luggage storage, medical clinic, private taxi service, shuttle bus transfers.
Hotel activities Diving, snorkelling, dhow trips, windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, glass bottomed boats, volley ball, tennis, snooker, table tennis,
darts, pool table, Haller Park, Wild Waters Theme Park, giant chess, nature trails, crocodile farm, safari to Tsavo game reserve,
Maasai tribe visit, 18-hole Nyali golf course nearby.

Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel

Set in beautifully lush tropical gardens along a gorgeous beach that stretches on for miles, the
Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel is highly recommended. The swimming pool is located on the
beachfront overlooking the paradise white sands, sapphire ocean and coconut palms. In the
gardens, you’ll find palm trees, water fountains, bougainvilleas and various other tropical
plants. There’s a dazzling array of facilities to keep you entertained from a gym, tennis and
squash courts to windsurfing, snorkelling and massages.

In true Serena style, this hotel offers class, charm and character. It’s designed to resemble a 13th
century Swahili town, with winding lanes, balconies and fountained courtyards. Décor,
reflecting old Mombasa tradition, includes Arabian lanterns, hand carved wooden furniture and
brass ornaments. They even have a Swahili-speaking parrot in a beautiful old bird cage. You’ll
also be reminded of the East African setting in the special Lamu island-themed Village Rooms,
comprising individual double-storey units scattered around the gardens which you enter through
a narrow alleyway. We highly recommend these rooms.

Although the Serena is more expensive than many hotels on the Mombasa coast, the quality
and location are far superior. It’s a superb resort, well situated and worth paying that bit extra.

Location Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel is set on Shanzu Beach, north of Mombasa. 10km from Mombasa, 25 km from Mombasa Airport.
Room features There are 165 luxurious rooms, divided into Suites, Village Rooms and Garden Rooms. Although less expensive and a little smaller,
we prefer the Village Rooms as they have plenty of character and a Lamu island theme. The Garden Rooms, located in semi-detached
units of 4 rooms each, are newer and larger. They overlook the gardens.
Rooms have en suite bathrooms with showers and baths, air conditioning, direct dial phones, satellite televisions, safes, mini bars,
modern hook-up and mosquito nets (on request).
Restaurants (2) Fountain Restaurant serves magnificently generous buffet breakfasts and dinners included in the price. Jahazi Grill offers an à la
bars (3) carte menu specializing in seafood – you’ll pay for meals eaten here. Besides the restaurants, there’s a coffee shop, pizzeria and ice
cream parlour.
Hotel facilities Watersports Centre, Health Club, beachfront swimming pool, 4 floodlit tennis courts, 2 squash courts, mini-golf course, business
centre, gift shop, boutique, hair salon.
Hotel services Laundry, dry cleaning, 24-hour room service, concierge, baby sitting, doctor on call, all major credit cards accepted.
Hotel activities Diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, catamaran, free windsurfing and sailing, tennis, squash, mini-golf, gym, massage.

40 Chester Road, Parkwood, 2193

YOUR ASATA AGENT:
Postnet Suite 45, Private Bag x12,
Roosevelt Park, 2129, South Africa
Tel +27 (0) 11-880-3079
Fax +27 (0) 86-611-9589
72 New Bond Street, London W1S 1RR, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0) 207-514-5836
Fax +44 (0) 207-514-5811
E-mail info@africanencounters.com
Website www.africanencounters.com