Mtwapa is one of the most popular tourist towns in Mombasa. In fact, the town’s economy is primarily underpinned by the local tourism center.
Here are the top 4 fun things to do in this small coastal town with a population of under two hundred thousand people:
1.Visit The Copacabana Beach In Mtwapa
Copacabana is a well-known public beach in Mtwapa. The beach is located approximately 1 kilometer(0.6 miles) from the Mtwapa Heritage Site. The beach’s coordinates are approximately 3.945793°S latitude and 39.772187°E longitude.
You can enjoy swimming in the warm, crystal clear waters of the Indian ocean, riding a speedboat, or sailing in a traditional Swahili dhow. If you prefer to relax, you can chill on the soft white sandy beach, soaking in the cool breeze and the stunning ocean views as you calm down your mind.
For drink lovers, there’s plenty of refreshing drinks to be enjoyed, including “mnazi”(palm wine) and madafu(coconut water) sold by beach vendors who keep moving from one spot to another on the beach.
Similarly, there’s plenty of authentic and delicious dishes to be enjoyed, including seafood.
The beautiful palm-thatched restaurants on the beach, including the Coba Cabana Beach Bar & Restaurant serve these delicacies diligently, taking care of your appetite and hunger. Their prices are relatively pocket friendly prices.
Another activity you can do at the Copacabana Beach Mtwapa is to enjoy a camel-ride or horse-ride along the beautiful shores of the Indian Ocean.
2. Jumba la Mtwana Ruins
The Jumba la Mtwana Ruins is located about 6 km northeast of Mtwapa town, particularly near Kanamai Beach and Mtwapa Creek.
Situated along the Indian Ocean coastline, this tourist spot is characterized by historic Swahili ruins.
The once thriving Swahili settlement was established in the 14th century and abandoned in the 15th century due to many factors including Portuguese invasion and economic decline.
The site includes ancient houses, mosques, and tombs that are up to 1400 years old, giving an insight into the coastal town’s historical past.
Whether you are an adventure seeker, history enthusiast, archeology buff, or any other kind of tourist, you are sure to have lots of fun at Jumba la Mtwana ruins.
3. Visit the Moorings Hotel In Mtwapa
The restaurant is built on the ocean and is one of the only floating restaurants, not just in Mtwapa but in Kenya as a whole.
The Moorings restaurant offers stunning water views and a serene ambiance, providing calm, peace, and freedom from disturbances.
Aside from the breathtaking scenery, there is also fresh, clean air, making it a perfect place to relax and cool off from Mombasa’s scorching heat.
The Moorings is an ideal tourist spot whether you’re going alone, with your partner, or even with family and loved ones.
It’s well-known across Mtwapa, Mombasa, and even throughout Kenya for its fresh and delicious seafood, not to mention fantastic boat rides.
It serves calamari, prawns, lobster, and a wide variety of ocean fish, all caught directly from the Indian Ocean. The combination of Swahili and international flavors makes their dishes incredibly tasty.
Beyond the mouth-watering delicacies, The Moorings is also a great place to enjoy boat rides and a variety of water sports.
You can rent a boat and sail comfortably along the Mtwapa Creek, enjoying the beautiful scenery, especially in the evening when the stunning sunset paints the sky.
Many guests love to experience dhow cruises before or after their meals. However, I would prefer booking a meal first, then going for a boat ride while it’s being prepared. By the time I return, my food is ready, and I can indulge right away.
It’s just an unforgettable experience, especially after a boat ride when you’re hungry and ready to enjoy a well-prepared delicacy from a top-notch seafood restaurant.
To explore the Moorings to its fullness, you’ll need a budget of about 200 dollars if you are visiting solo. This will be enough to pay for anything you may choose to indulge in.
Get to the Moorings from the Mtwapa town center:
- Proceed towards Mombasa, crossing the Mtwapa Bridge on the Mombasa-Malindi highway (B8).
- Turn left immediately after the bridge and look for a bright storey building named “Penthouse” which is the nearest landmark.
- Follow the access road and continue for less than 1 kilometer on this tarmac road until you reach the Moorings.
4. Enjoy The Nightlife In Mtwapa
One of the reasons I love Mtwapa is the nightlife. The people in this town love partying 24/7. That’s why beautiful nightclubs with top-notch infrastructure and amenities have flourished.
If you’re someone who enjoys raves, there are plenty of clubs that have been opened specifically for that purpose. And they’re everywhere, whether in the town center or on the outskirts of Mtwapa.
For example, The Yacht Lounge is one of the best nightclubs located on the outskirts of town. It’s situated just off the Mombasa-Malindi Highway, opposite the Total gas station, about 500 meters southeast of Mtwapa town center.
The nightclub is beautifully decorated with stunning lights, colors, and designs. Plus, they play a wide selection of high-quality music through state-of-the-art sound systems. There’s also an incredible variety of drinks catering to both hard drink lovers and soft drink lovers. The security is top-notch, ensuring that revelers can enjoy the best nightlife experience without worrying about their safety or that of their belongings.
These are some of the reasons why The Yacht Lounge is frequented by distinguished individuals. Normally you’ll find high-ranking government officials, international tourists, and business leaders gathered here.
Other good nightclubs that tourists can visit in Mtwapa include:
- Club Lambada – Lambada is located approximately 410 meters from Mtwapa town center and 160 meters from Lambada Holiday Resort Mombasa. This club offers a lively party atmosphere that attracts many tourists.
- The Pixies Lounge Bar – It’s a popular and trendy bar 2.9 kilometers south of Mtwapa town center. The bar is known for great music and and an incredible selection of affordable drinks.
- Casuarina Nomad Club – This nightclub is situated along the Malindi-Mombasa Road, near the Mtwapa-Mombasa Bridge north of the town center. It offers a mix of live music, DJ performances, and themed parties.
- La Marina – Nestled at Mtwapa Creek, this spot combines dining with breathtaking sunset views and an unforgettable nightlife experience.
- The Screenshot Lounge – Conveniently located opposite Prime Comfort Hotel along Beach Road, just a short walk from the town center. It offers great entertainment, featuring live music, DJ sets, and themed nights.
- Danka Grill & Lounge – This facility is found along Malindi-Mombasa Road, 1.2 kilometers southeast of the town center. It’s known for its stunning ambiance, ample parking, and excellent customer service.
Final Thoughts
Mtwapa is a great destination to visit as a tourist because it has so many fun activities that will ensure you never get bored. For example, the town boasts stunning beaches offering a variety of exciting activities. Apart from that, it offers state-of-the-art nightclubs that provide unforgettable experiences. Other attractions include the Moorings Hotel that floats on water and the Jumba la Mtwana historical site.
Would you like to arrange a trip? If so, go to this page to engage with one of our tour representatives. Alternatively, you may use the following contact details:
- Telephone Number: +254735133781.
- Email: admin@wildafrica.pro.