Emanuel Yeswa
Mombasa, Kenya
The Moorings
If you happen to be in Mombasa and have a taste for seafood, The Moorings is the floating restaurant you never knew you were missing. It’s one of the oldest best seafood spots around, with a wide selection of fish, lobster, crab, and prawns, situated on the north coast of Mombasa in Mtwapa. The best part about it all is that as you enjoy your delicious meal, you’ll experience a thrilling sensation as you float on the Mtwapa Creek in a serene waterfront setting. The spectacular, expansive view makes The Moorings the ideal spot for dining in style, tasting the freshest catch, and basking in the warm hospitality you can expect to find time and time again here.
Mamba Village
Mamba is a Swahili word for crocodile, and Mamba Village in East Africa’s largest crocodile farm offers a unique experience that gives you an up-close look at these reptiles. It is home to the Big Daddy – one of the biggest and oldest crocodiles in Africa – and is the only place he plans on spending his retirement years breeding and relaxing with his companions (if you dare, you can feed him and his two wives). Perfect for the budget-conscious, you can brush up on your croc knowledge before taking a relaxing horseback riding tour – or hop on a camel for a truly unforgettable experience.
Watamu
The whole of Watamu is paradise on earth – you’ll spot its reef-protected lagoons and pristine white-sand beaches from a mile away. The village is a popular spot to stay for travelers who love a picture-perfect setting, eco-friendly accommodations, and an overall laidback spirit that’s just as ideal for lounging the day away as it is for using as a base area to explore nearby ruins, creeks, and forests. Don’t miss the Watamu Marine National Park – great for snorkeling or diving – and check out Pilipan for a relaxing open-air place to enjoy a drink or plate of curry.
Chale Island
The problem with Chale Island is that you’ll never want to leave. A jewel in Mother Nature’s crown, the island is covered in indigenous forest and offers magnificent ocean views. For a truly epic few days, the so-called Eden of Kenya is perhaps best experienced from The Sands, a beach resort that looks more like Fiji than it does East Africa and boasts three pools and a long list of spa treatments. If the hustle of Mombasa or Nairobi have you feeling like you’re due for a break, make the trip to Chale Island, post up on the beach, and unplug like you’ve never unplugged before.
They say Nairobi is the city under the sun, but anyone who has visited Mombasa can tell you that it is the city at the very heart of the sun. Being a local, I can confidently say that Mombasa is everyone’s dream destination, packed with breathtaking natural scenery along the coastline and myriad hotels and resorts. The aquamarine of the Indian Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see here, nearly melting into the blue sky on the horizon, making Mombasa a perfect place to relax and unwind.
Emanuel Yeswal Onamu is a creative designer, paint artist, and social media specialist with close to seven years of experience in visual communication. He is also an avid traveler and a Domestic Tourism Ambassador. He is spontaneous, adventurous, flexible, and loves traveling.