Mombasa hotels are experiencing record-high occupancy this festive season, with major establishments reporting near-capacity bookings extending into early January 2026. The surge has been driven largely by domestic tourism and improved transport infrastructure.
Speaking exclusively to KNA, James Muchiri, Sales and Marketing Manager at Travellers Beach Hotel and Spa, said the five-star facility, which has 288 rooms and over 600 beds, is fully booked from December 30 to January 2. This year’s celebrations are themed “Carnivals of the Continent,” featuring African-inspired entertainment and activities.
“We are experiencing high traffic right now. On the 30th, 31st, and through to around the second, we are actually fully booked. We only have a little space from tomorrow, which we are filling up,” Muchiri said.
The hotel has lined up entertainment including DJ Joe Mfalme on Christmas Eve, local fusion bands on Christmas Day, and MC Oga Obinna for the New Year’s Eve countdown. The facility features seven swimming pools, five restaurants, and daily guest activities.
Mombasa Continental Resort has similarly reported exceptional occupancy, with 173 of its 178 rooms booked through January 3, 2026. General Manager Mike Kamau described this season as remarkably better than previous years, crediting domestic tourism and improved infrastructure.
“This festive season has been quite good. I must confess it’s remarkably better than any other that we’ve had before. One thing is that we have a lot of local people who have come down,” Kamau said.
Both hoteliers praised the government’s decision to add an extra Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train to accommodate increased passenger demand. Muchiri urged authorities to extend the additional service until the end of January rather than early January, noting that peak season continues longer.
“I want to say that it was a really wise thing for the government to add the extra SGR train because the other two were already full, which led to some people getting space to travel,” Muchiri said.
Kamau also commended the Kenya National Highways Authority and Ministry of Roads for clearing the road between Likoni and Mombasa town, which has reduced traffic congestion. He noted that the Mariakani section has also been managed well, eliminating delays that previously frustrated travelers.
The General Manager revealed a growing trend in beach weddings, with approximately 10 ceremonies hosted this season from couples across Nyeri, Kiambu, and Nakuru counties. He encouraged more Kenyans to consider beach weddings as unique and memorable experiences.
Mombasa Continental Resort has created day packages for guests staying at nearby short-term apartments, allowing access to hotel amenities, beach facilities, and entertainment from morning to evening. Kamau emphasized that this collaboration reflects a complementary rather than competitive approach to hospitality.
“We are not fighting each other. We are not in competition. We are complementing each other; they are complementing us. We are complimenting them,” he said.
The resort has organized daily entertainment including water games, dhow trips, marine park visits, deep-sea snorkeling, acrobatic performances, and traditional dances. On December 31, a seafood barbecue dinner is planned by the beach with fireworks, live bands, and DJ performances. The hotel has also reopened its League Club discotheque for soul and R&B music enthusiasts.
International tourist arrivals remain modest at approximately 10 percent of current occupancy, though Kamau expressed optimism that improved airline connectivity and the open skies policy will boost international numbers in 2026.
Muchiri acknowledged ongoing challenges including occasional power outages despite backup generators, and incomplete road infrastructure projects. He appealed for support from authorities and stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted services during the peak season.
Jane Munge, a local tourist from Nairobi, praised Mombasa’s weather and relaxing atmosphere but raised concerns about increased Marine Park entrance fees, which now stand at Sh500 per adult and Sh250 per child.
“The fees have really been increased right now. I think that for me that is too much. It really should be the Mwananchi amount like what it was before,” Munge said.
Charles Wilhelm, a German tourist who has visited Kenya since 1974, described Mombasa Continental Resort as offering the best beach experience with excellent staff and management.
By Sitati Reagan
