Anyone who thinks a trip to Mombasa is just about the beach hasn’t been paying attention. After four visits, I realised the real story isn’t in the sand or the sunsets  it’s in the buildings. Nyali especially. Every time I’m there, another high-end apartment block is rising from the ground. Cranes everywhere. Construction everywhere. Money everywhere.

But here’s the part nobody tells you unless you live there, work there, or mingle long enough with the right people: these apartments are not really built for day-to-day residents. A huge chunk aren’t even meant to be sold. They’re rentals  but not your “long-term tenant” rental. This is a completely different game.

Mombasa runs on short term stays more than we realise. Most Kenyans who aren’t locals go there for only three reasons: a quick getaway, a proper holiday vacation, or business. All temporary. So the question becomes: Who fills all these luxury one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments?

so here comes the entrepreneurs:
They take these already well-designed units, rent them from the owners, furnish them to premium standard proper classy finishing, everything in place and in a few months, those units start paying for themselves. And I mean paying.

I’ve been in Mombasa during off-season and peak season, and honestly, the crowds don’t change. The SGR stays full. The buses stay full. Everyone is always travelling to the Coast. But the big puzzle is always: Where do all these people stay?

Not in hotels  not anymore.
They’re booking the same furnished apartments these business people are flipping into short-term holiday homes.

Here’s the part that shocked me.
A two-bedroom apartment in off-season can go for around 10,000 Ksh a night. That same unit during December peak season jumpsuit to 25,000 Ksh a night. And the wild thing? You must book as early as November or you’ll find everything fully booked.

Let’s disect this:
If rent is roughly 70,000 Ksh per month and you’re charging 10,000–25,000 per night, the profit margins are ridiculous. One good month can cover rent and still leave someone smiling all the way to the bank.

And after check out a proper thorough cleaning is all that is needed and prepare for the next guest to check in.

Most of these apartments come with pools, private beach access, gyms, and walking distance to malls in Nyali. Guests cook for themselves because the units are fully equipped. Some offer private chefs. Sunrise Apartments even had a lounge and restaurant inside the compound. And if I’m being honest it is in fact much affordable than a five star hotel.

So while most travellers are just enjoying their holiday, entrepreneurs are quietly cashing in behind the scenes. This is the side of Mombasa tourism that rarely gets talked about a hidden real-estate goldmine built on short stays, holiday seasons, and the simple fact that people never stop travelling to the Coast.

And as more high-end apartments keep rising, one thing is very clear: the real money in Mombasa isn’t made on the beach. It’s made on the people who want to be near it.