Bamburi Beach- Kenya Africa

The next beach heading north is Bamburi, which has huge hotels, boisterous nightclubs and some good restaurants. Offshore is the Mombasa Marine Park which has impressive marine life, although it cops some pollution from industry in the area. On land, Bamburi is dominated by the Bamburi Cement Company.

The beach hotels begin just north of the junction between Links Rd and the main highway north from Mombasa. There is branch of Barclays bank next to white sands Hotel.

The most popular public beach is Kenyatta Beach, besides the infamous pirates Disco. Loads of Kenyans come here, and while you won't escape the attentions of the beach boys and hawkers, it's usually a fun atmosphere when it's busy. Glass bottomed boats to the marine park cost around Kshs 3,000 per boat (negotiable) for a 2 ½ hour trip, not including a park fees.

Beach Sights, activities & attractions

Founded in the 1950's to process coral limestone, the cement Company were a derelict eyesore until the creation of this ingenious complex of nature trails and wildlife sanctuaries at Baobab adventure. It was a huge undertaking, involving bringing in tons of topsoil before anything could even be planted.

The main attraction is Haller Park, which includes a wildlife sanctuary, crocodile farm, fish farm, and reptile park and drive-through giraffe compound. Giraffes are fed at 11 am and 3pm; hippos at 4pm. You can also meet local celebrity Owen, a baby hippo orphaned by the 2004 tsunami who was brought here to recover and hit the head-lines thanks to his unusual friendship with the park's 100 year old giant tortoise.

Also here are the Bamburi Forest Trails, a network of walking and cycling trails through reforested cement workings with a butterfly pavilion displaying many coastal species and a terrace to catch the sunset. North of the main cement plant is Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary, where herds of ostriches, elands and Oryxes are farmed. Tours here must be booked in advance.

The various parts of the Baobab Adventure are well signposted from the highway north from Mombasa and have well-marked bus stops.

Accommodation in Mombasa Bamburi beach

Budget and Midrange Beach Hotels

There are no budget choices here at all, but groups in particular can find some reasonable accommodation for a moderate price.

Bamburi Beach resort

This tidy little complex has direct access to the beach and a choice of appealing bamboo-finished hotel rooms and self catering rooms (with outdoor kitchens). There is a nice beach front bar with a big shaggy makuti thatch. Prices of accommodation in Mombasa Bamburi beach resort are from US$ 20-90

Accommodation in Mombasa Bamburi beach

Fontana

While the rooms are thoroughly liveable, the highlight of this small German owned establishment is the big thatched lobby restaurant (mains Kshs 420-700), which resembles a musty safari lodge stuffed with a huge job lot of Africana. The beach is 100m beyond the compound. Prices of accommodation in Mombasa Fontana beach resort are from d low season/high season. Kshs 2,500/3,000

Accommodation in Mombasa Bamburi beach

Camper's Haven and Jamboree

A large slightly bumpy camping ground on the beach. The four person tents are Ksh1500; room prices include breakfast in low season and half board in high season. If you're wondering where jamboree comes into, wait until the evening-with disco nights Wednesday to Sunday and local stars the Utamaduni band playing every Sunday afternoon, peace and quiet isn't high on the agenda! Camping fees of accommodation in Mombasa camper's haven include, campsites per tent Kshs 500,

Accommodation in Mombasa Bamburi beach