General Information.

Booking

Normally you book your individual stay directly with us. Some specialized tour companies (→ Links) also offer Mbuyu Beach Bungalows as part of their safari package, so you may come in through them. Of course you are free to ask any other tour operator to consider us as the beach part of your Kenya schedule. We are not dealing with package holidays or booking portals.

We generally answer your email request within 24 hours. Only during closure time it might take a bit longer - please have some patience with us.

Our seasons

Our opening months fom October to Easter offer the greatest deal of sunshine and the best swimming conditions, due to the warm monsoon winds (Kaskazi), blowing from northeast. Only in October/November the subsiding southeastern Kusi winds might bring along some occasional rain and wash seaweed to the shore.

Time zone

The East African Time is +2 hours compared to the Central European Time zone (+1 hour during the period of daylight savings time).

Language

At Kenya's coast both Swahili and English are commonly spoken. The management of Mbuyu Beach also speaks German, French, and some Italian.

Money

Payment in euros or Kenyan shillings ( → Currency Converter OANDA). All rates include 16% VAT and 2% Hotel Levy. Advance payments by bank transfer or mpesa may be required (details on request). Sorry, we cannot process credit cards. Local ATM accept European bank cards only to a limited extent.  Euros and dollars are equally welcome in Kenya. Traveler's checks are not common.

Entry

An electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required to enter Kenya; it has replaced the conventional visa since January 2024. The eTA can be applied for individually or for a travel group and costs US$ 30 (also for children). It can be applied for online 3 months to 3 days before departure at www.etakenya.go.ke. The confirmation email must be shown at check-in and on arrival.
Documents to be uploaded (jpg, pdf or word) are a passport photo, the passport (data page), the flight ticket and a booking confirmation from the safari company or hotel. We will be happy to email you a booking confirmation on request; please include your name and address.
The eTA also includes the customs declaration (declaration of items over US$ 500, foreign currency over US$ 5,000), so that no more forms need to be filled in on arrival.

Security

Mbuyu Beach Bungalows are a day trip away from the troubled Somali border area in the very north. The south coast, and particularly the southern part, has never been affected by travel warnings. The same applies to the popular national parks. If you want to avoid Mombasa on arrival or during safari: that's possible (→ Getting there). In general, Msambweni  is an exceptionally peaceful and safe place with very friendly people.

Health

Corona is no topic any more. Regarding Malaria, Mbuyu Beach is definitely no hot spot. Prophylaxis - yes or no: this is your personal decision. Please consult your general practitioner. Besides, do not go over the top - yellow fever vaccinations for example are not mandatory in Kenya.

Phone and Internet

There is connectivity through Safaricom (the biggest provider), Telkom and Airtel. Mobile-based data services are working. We  have a WiFi spot on the compound.

Transport

On request, we will organize taxi transfer from Mombasa airport ( 5,500 KSh) or Ukunda airstrip (2,500 KSh per car).  For the more adventurous, it is possible to explore the area by means of the very inexpensive "matatu", the local mini-bus, or "boda boda", the motorbike taxis (→ Mbuyu Beach!/Getting there).

Parking

If you come with your own car, you can park free of charge on our secure compound.

Electricity

The current is 220 V AC, and works most of the time. U.K.-style wall sockets (with adapters). The showers are connected to solar water heaters.

Water

From the public mains and in an acceptable quality. For drinking, we provide osmosis-filtered water for free.

Massage

Can be organized on short notice. We have a special room with a massage bed.

Pets

Sorry, you have to leave your own pets at home. You should know that some (cute) cats are living around here.  But even if you have a cat allergy - these pussycats are strictly not allowed into the bungalows.