Mtwapa
Mtwapa is in Coastal Kenya.
Understand
Mtwapa is a dusty place, about 15 km north of Mombasa and one of the fastest growing communities in Kenya. This is partly due to the lack of modern public transport (tram, metro) in combination with the chaotic traffic in Mombasa and the associated development of urban suburbs to new centres. On the other hand many Europeans settle there and bring development. Mtwapa is known as “the village that never sleeps”. It is the centre of nightlife and prostitution in the area of Mombasa. Due to the many Europeans who build homes for retirement or just spending winter time there, the place has become trendy for Kenyans too and real estate prices and construction activity raised dramatically in recent years.
Get in
The cheapest way to reach Mtwapa from Mombasa is by minibusses („Matatus“) at about 70-100ksh (2015). Mtwapa is the terminal station for Matatus going from Mombasa center (Post Office) via Nyali direction north coast. By taxi you will need about 1500-2000ksh from Mombasa to Mtwapa.
Get around
Motorbike taxis are used by most people within the village at about 25ksh/km.The bicycle taxis (once common there) are not operating anymore.
See
The only "must see attraction“ is the Creek. It is a bay with beautiful tropical flora and fauna and with some small marinas. The place is famous for bird watching and is used as a starting point for deep sea fishing tours. Some good restaurants offer well-known seafood dishes on their terraces overlooking the bay. Another attraction are the Jumba Ruins which are about 5 km from the center of Mtwapa as you walk down to the sea. Jumba is a picturesque ruined village about 600 years old. The remains of houses and mosques are located in a picturesque woodland setting near the seaside.
Do
Most tourists visit Mtwapa because of its unique night and day life. Mtwapa is known as the "village that never sleeps" with all kind of entertainment that tourists expect to find, like discos, bars, restaurants, and last not least also prostitution. Mombasa and especially Mtwapa are known for sex tourism.
It also has nice beaches with beach hotels or beach bars which are not crowded and perfect for relaxing.
Buy
Eat
- Jumba Ruins Monsoons: very good restaurant (Italian, seafood) next to the ruins at the seaside.
- La Marina: excellent restaurant (International, seafood) with nice view on the creek, but a bit pricey. The restaurant has a floating boat where guests can also be served.
- The Moorings: very good restaurant (International, seafood) on a floating boat at the creek.
- Maridadi Restaurant and Bar: Great restaurant in an idyllic location alongside the beach at Mtwapa Kikimbala, offering a novel twist on African cooking
Drink
- Casaurina: In this nightclub partying and drinking beers goes on at all hours of the day. Casaurina is just as packed on a Tuesday night as a Saturday. This is one of the biggest ‘pick-up’ clubs for old Europeans and young Kenyans. Usually locals (of both sexes) will try and seduce you on the dance floor.
- Club Lambada International: great music, bikini pool dance, great service, easily accessible.
- Cobba Cabana Beach bar with international visitors, loud music and tropical flair direct at the seaside
Prestige Holiday Resort A modern Holiday Resort that offers accommodation for Apartments and Rooms with swimming pools and WiFi