Africa Hotel

Ever wonder what Mombasa’s oldest hotel witnessed? The Africa Hotel, standing proudly on Sir Mbarak Hinnawy Road, has seen Mombasa transform from a bustling port city to a modern metropolis. The Africa Hotel first opened its doors in 1901. Mombasa was the gateway to Kenya’s interior, making it the perfect location. Initially, it boasted twelve sea-facing rooms, each with its own balcony offering breathtaking views. The hotel has served as a hub for countless businesses over the years. It has housed shops, been a school, and even served as a room rental facility. Its walls echo with stories of traders, adventurers, and travelers from all corners of the world. The Africa Hotel’s story is intertwined with the construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway in 1898. This railway brought an influx of British ships, Indian workers, and merchants from Goa, Calicut, and Bombay. Among them were the entrepreneurial Indian businessmen who, inspired by Zanzibar’s first East African inn, established what we now know as the Africa Hotel. The hotel’s architecture reflects a Portuguese style, with a large dining room reminiscent of an English dinette. Imagine the clinking of glasses and lively conversations that once filled this space. In the early 1900s, the Africa Hotel was unique, the only building facing the sea, its balconies overlooking the Mombasa Canal. Even Sir James Sadler Hayes, governor of the East African protectorate, enjoyed its hospitality, documenting his stay in what he called “the oldest hotel in Mombasa”. Today, the Africa Hotel offers a glimpse into the past. A photo gallery showcases the hotel’s rich history and the era it represents. Visitors can admire the original carved wooden balcony, a testament to its enduring legacy. The entrance fee, a small price to pay for a journey through time, supports the restoration of this historic gem. Residents pay Kshs 200, while non-residents contribute Kshs 500. The Africa Hotel isn’t just a building; it’s a living testament to Mombasa’s vibrant past.