General Information
Languages
Main languages in Kenya are English and Swahili.
Visa
All visitors including infants and children who travel to Kenya must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before the start of their journey. Read more about eTA here: http://www.etakenya.go.ke
We recommend our guests apply at least two weeks in advance, even though the process usually takes three days.
Upon applying, you will need:
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Valid passport for six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page
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Passport-type photo
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Contact information, email address and phone number
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Details of your arrival and departure itinerary (flight info)
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Accommodation booking confirmation (you will get it from us upon payment of deposit)
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Credit card, debit card or other means of payment (visa is safest option)
More information can be found here: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en/pages/TA_INTRO
If you are visiting us without a booking arrangement, please email us and we will send you details.
Flights
Several major airlines offer flights from various European countries to Mombasa, Kenya (Moi International Airport - MBA), usually with one or more stopovers. Some of the most common airlines serving this route include:
1. Ethiopian Airlines: Departure from major European cities (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, etc.) via Addis to Mombasa.
2. Turkish Airlines: Departure from almost all major European airports (London, Amsterdam, Milan, Vienna, etc.) via Istanbul to Mombasa.
3. Qatar Airways: Departure from many European hubs (Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, etc.) via Doha to Mombasa. Other have a layover in Nairobi:
4. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Departure from Amsterdam with connections from across Europe via Nairobi to Mombasa.
5. Lufthansa: Departure from Germany (Frankfurt, Munich) and connecting flights from across Europe via Nairobi to Mombasa
6. Kenya Airways (In partnership with KLM and Air France)
Departure from various European capitals (London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc. via Nairobi to Mombasa.
Getting to Msambweni from Nairobi
Once you arrive in Kenya, there are a few ways to reach Msambweni:
Option 1: Domestic Flights
For a quicker journey, consider a domestic flight from Nairobi to Ukunda Airstrip (UKA) in Diani Beach, which is about a 45-minute drive to Msambweni. Several local airlines operate daily flights, including Safarilink, Jambojet and Fly540
Option 2: Road Transfer from Mombasa
If you arrive at Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa, you can travel by road to Msambweni via:
Option 3: SGR Train from Nairobi to Mombasa:
For a scenic experience, take the Madaraka Express Train from Nairobi to Mombasa. This high-speed train takes about 4.5 hours.
Taxi
Taxi rates to Msambweni are as follows:
(They are be subject to change, so always confirm in advance)
Seasons
Our location on the equator at sea level provides us with a warm and humid climate throughout the year. Traditionally, there are two rainy seasons: the short rains in October and November, and the long rains from April to June.
The dry seasons typically occur from January to April and August to November. However, with changing global weather patterns, these conditions may vary and are becoming increasingly unpredictable.
Culture
On the Kenyan coast the pace of life is slow and laid back. People are very friendly and love a good laugh.The predominant inhabitants of Msambweni are the Digo people, one of the nine ethnic groups that comprise the Mijikenda community. The Digo are renowned for their rich traditions, including music, dance and crafts, which are integral to their cultural identity.