Travel Eye Nyali Beach (Kenya)

Write a review or view peoples experiences in Nyali Beach.	Hotels in Kenya	Flights	Car Hire/Rental

Want to contribute to the writings of this travel guide? If so, Click here

Overview:

Nyali is Mombasa's well-to-do mainland suburb, connected to Mombasa Island by a bridge stretches for 6 mls along the coast and 1 ml inland, the resort's hotels rub shoulders with consulates, a golf course and numerous private villas set in heavily guarded gardens.

Its main claim to fame is that, in the mid-19th century, it became the site of the first European missionary toe-hold on the E coast. The architecture varies according to the builder, whether a Sikh temple, colonial police station or Victorian church, but most buildings are unobtrusively concealed behind tall trees and fences.

This area is suitable for those seeking a beach holiday with the convenience of Mombasa's urban attractions close to hand.

There is a wide choice of accommodation here, from the cheaper end to all-inclusive, upmarket, self-contained hotels offering almost everything. At weekends, hotels may be invaded by the wealthier residents of Mombasa and Nairobi although the main market is package-tour business from Europe. Dec to March is high season with July and Aug also busy with charter flights from Europe.

There is the possibility of terrorist attacks on tourists in Kenya; Foreign Office advisory notices offer the latest official advice and should be consulted before booking.

Locality:

Nyali is on the south east coast, facing the Indian Ocean (300 mls SE of the capital Nairobi, 4 mls N of Mombasa, 66 mls S of Malindi, 10 mls NE of Mombasa's Moi international airport). It is found on several miles of pale sandy coast, backed by private villas, hotels and gardens.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

There is a long stretch of soft white sand protected by an offshore coral reef, which disappears at high tide. Mombasa Marine National Park lies off the Nyali headland. There are few beach facilities and what exists is provided by hotels in their specific areas. The water is clean and the gently sloping shore, extending to coral reef, makes it safe for swimming.

Local shopping offers handicrafts and trinkets which are sold in hotel boutiques and in a couple of shopping centres to the S of Nyali. Most visitors tend to go souvenir shopping in nearby Mombasa or the vast Nakumatt hypermarket..

During the daytime there are numerous water sports, including scuba diving, snorkelling, glass-bottomed boat trips over coral reefs and sailing; horse riding; 18-hole golf course; trip into nearby Mombasa for sightseeing and shopping.

The nightlife here is only in the larger hotels, but discos are a short taxi ride away, along the road to Malindi, near Bamburi Beach.

There is little eating out facilities within walking distance, but you are only a short taxi ride from several top-class restaurants, including those around the Nakumatt hypermarket (Chinese, Kenyan and seafood) and many local joints serving fried fish or grilled goat meat. It is not advisable to drink the local water; stick to the bottled variety.