Six must-visit clubs in Mombasa
Mombasa at day is a dull, hot place with the usual traffic jams caused by the many Tuk tuks on the road. But if you have lived in Mombasa for a while then you know that life begins after sunset – well the night life.
It gives true meaning to Jamnazi’s song Riziki that says– Usiku umekuwa kama mchana na mchana sasa ni kama usiku. So here is a look at clubs that are a must visit while in Mombasa.
1. Sheba Lounge at City Mall
Sheba Lounge was among the first exclusive lounges in Mombasa to be opened. The roof top location will give you a magnificent view of the Mombasa-Malindi highway and Haller Park. The venue prides itself of Ethiopian hospitality, so from 10pm expect your eyes to be bombarded by the bevy of beauty who are mostly, but not all, ‘yellow yellow’ – if you know what I mean.
But don’t be surprised when an extremely tall man comes to your table to find out how you are doing – that is just the owner, a behavior he says comes by default since Ethiopians are known to be very friendly people. The place has become so popular that it is always near impossible to find space in the late hours. The prices are however a bit on the higher side.
2. Florida
Any Nairobian visiting Mombasa has to have Florida night club on the to-do list. Florida is not only famous to the locals and local tourists but all the sea men whose ship happened to dock at the Mombasa port before proceeding on with their journeys. In fact, part of Florida is built on top of the Indian Ocean, so for those guys who like filming ships as they come into the port, this is the place you will get your best shots. Treat yourself to different food experience by stepping into the Chinese restaurant but be warned, order fish or anything that comes from the ocean – to be on the safe side – and brace yourself to eat rice with chopsticks. Moving over to the night club it is one of the rare places that will give you the feeling of walking into Las Vegas at night. Where there are all these casinos with neon lights giving you a promise of endless possibilities if you try one of them out.
3. Tapas Cielo at Nyali Business Centre
If you are lucky you will get sitting space at the pub terrace where the music is not so loud and privacy is guaranteed by small booths located at the far end and separated by large plants. But if you are the type that likes clubbing where there is minimum space for body movement, then Tapas is your place during the weekends.
The venue is patronized by multi-racial clientele and the music is on point. You will meet people from your local neighborhood to high profile business people. You will also bump into a few of the who-is-who in the entertainment industry at the coast and the rest of the country.
If you want to try one of the cocktails, go for the Tom Collins Margarita or the Gold Reserve – both old-fashioned signature drinks. The food caters for all palates, including vegetarians, and pays homage to its location with a vast array of sea dishes. However, be ready to deal with a huge dent in your wallet after a night at Tapas.
4. Z Lounge
This is one of the new baby’s in town in the string of lounges that have cropped up in Mombasa. If you have been to Sheba and Tapas and then gone to Z lounge. It will be evident to you that Z lounge is a kind of a combination of the two (Tapas and Sheba). A favourite of people from the Asian community and located on the rooftop it has both an open air area and a closed VIP area. Inside the VIP area the bar is well stocked with a variety of drinks that will leave you spoiled for choice.
5. Bella Vista
There was a time when Bella Vista used to enjoy being the only hip place in town. Then came the lounges at Nyali. But somehow even with the new kids on the block the place has managed to keep its allure. The music is on point and the décor changes from time to time. The revelers there are mostly locals (I want to say Africans but I don’t want to sound racists). This is where your managers and CEO sit while waiting for the Nyali bridge traffic to ease up. Although most people have gravitated to the north coast, you can still be assured of a good time at Bella Vista.
6. Azura
Not so many people know about this hidden gem. Located before the Nyali Bridge, Azura caters for all party goers’ needs. Right at the entrance you will find the dance floor with its own bar – for those who like to dance the night away. Further in is the pool area which also has seats for those who would like to relax in an open area with the deejay music not being too loud. Then there is one of my favorite places; past the pool area is the bar/lounge area that overlooks the Indian Ocean and also has a glimpse of the Nyali Bridge. If you are one of those people who like to enjoy a drink, in a serene environment with the ocean breeze engulfing your senses, then Azura is the place for you. The menu has an array of food to carter for different palates at very affordable prices.
