Apartment Rentals in Kenya: A Practical Guide for Short Stays
Jul 11, 2026
Not every trip needs a full villa. If you're travelling as a couple, on your own for work, or just want something more compact and budget-friendly, an apartment rental is usually the better fit — and Kenya's apartment scene has grown well beyond the standard serviced-apartment block.
What makes an apartment rental different
Compared to a villa, an apartment is typically smaller, simpler to manage, and priced for one or two people rather than a large group. You still get a private space with your own kitchen and bathroom — you're just not paying for four extra bedrooms and a private pool you won't use.
That makes apartments a natural fit for business trips, weekend getaways, or couples who want privacy without villa-sized costs.
Where to find them
Mombasa city and the Diani coast both have a growing supply of apartment rentals. Mombasa apartments tend to suit business travellers and those who want to be close to the city, while Diani apartments lean toward holidaymakers who still want beach access without booking a full villa.
What to check before booking
1. Confirm what "sleeps X guests" actually means — some apartments count sofa beds or shared rooms in that number.
2. Ask about parking and building access, especially in city apartments, since this varies a lot between buildings.
3. Look at what's within walking distance. Apartments are often in more built-up areas than villas, which can be a plus (restaurants, shops nearby) or a minus depending on what you're after.
4. Housekeeping frequency isn't always daily for apartments the way it often is for villas — worth confirming if that matters to you.
Booking with D Stays
Our apartment listings are personally managed the same way our villas and cottages are — inspected in person, with direct booking and no agent fees. If you're after something smaller and simpler for your next Kenya trip, browse our current apartment rentals below.
What makes an apartment rental different
Compared to a villa, an apartment is typically smaller, simpler to manage, and priced for one or two people rather than a large group. You still get a private space with your own kitchen and bathroom — you're just not paying for four extra bedrooms and a private pool you won't use.
That makes apartments a natural fit for business trips, weekend getaways, or couples who want privacy without villa-sized costs.
Where to find them
Mombasa city and the Diani coast both have a growing supply of apartment rentals. Mombasa apartments tend to suit business travellers and those who want to be close to the city, while Diani apartments lean toward holidaymakers who still want beach access without booking a full villa.
What to check before booking
1. Confirm what "sleeps X guests" actually means — some apartments count sofa beds or shared rooms in that number.
2. Ask about parking and building access, especially in city apartments, since this varies a lot between buildings.
3. Look at what's within walking distance. Apartments are often in more built-up areas than villas, which can be a plus (restaurants, shops nearby) or a minus depending on what you're after.
4. Housekeeping frequency isn't always daily for apartments the way it often is for villas — worth confirming if that matters to you.
Booking with D Stays
Our apartment listings are personally managed the same way our villas and cottages are — inspected in person, with direct booking and no agent fees. If you're after something smaller and simpler for your next Kenya trip, browse our current apartment rentals below.
