Mombasa
Perched on Bamburi Beach about 12 kilometres north of Mombasa, Severin Sea Lodge has been welcoming guests since 1972 – and it shows in the best possible way. The traditional Swahili-style architecture, with its round thatched bungalows scattered through a lush palm garden, feels genuinely rooted in place rather than plonked down for tourists. It's a proper beach hotel: two pools, an on-site diving school, and the Indian Ocean lapping at your doorstep. The food is fresh (vegetables come straight from their own organic farm), and the staff are famously warm. A good option for families, couples, or anyone looking to combine a Kenyan safari with a few days of coastal R&R without breaking the bank.
The newly revamped Swing Bar, complete with swinging seats overlooking the ocean – the perfect spot for a sundowner cocktail while the sky turns pink over the Indian Ocean.
Book a table at the Imani Dhow restaurant – it's a stranded traditional sailing boat converted into an atmospheric seafood spot. The fresh catch of the day is superb.
Beach boys selling tours and souvenirs can be persistent on the public beach, though hotel security keeps an eye on things and you'll feel perfectly safe.
A steamy, tropical metropolis with a mesmerising history and an intoxicating blend of cultures.
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