Mtwapa, Kilifi County Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Mtwapa, Kilifi County? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (June 2025 – May 2026), the short answer is $1,200 per year — at a $42 nightly rate, 25.3% occupancy, and a $11 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
With just 43 active listings, Mtwapa is a micro-market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Mtwapa?
In Mtwapa, the headline Airbnb metrics are $1,200 in average annual revenue,25.3% occupancy, $42 ADR, and $11 in RevPAR, and guests book about 10 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Mtwapa?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Mtwapa is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Mtwapa is typically December, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Mtwapa across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $885+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $294 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $163 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $75, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Mtwapa
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Mtwapa?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Mtwapa STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Mtwapa:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 52%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 30% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 19%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 10% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Mtwapa
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Mtwapa?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Mtwapa involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Mtwapa typically peaks in April and dips lowest during July. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $121+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $45 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $23 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $17 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Mtwapa
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Mtwapa?
RevPAR in Mtwapa is currently $11. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $4 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $6 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $10 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $26 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Mtwapa
RevPAR Insights for Mtwapa
- The average RevPAR in Mtwapa is $11. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($26) and bottom 25% ($4) is $22, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Dec and bottoms out in Sep, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Mtwapa benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $6, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $10+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Mtwapa?
Mtwapa's peak Airbnb season falls in December, October, August, while the softest stretch is June, July, September. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (December, October, August)
- Revenue averages $564 per month
- Occupancy rates average 33.1%
- Daily rates average $41
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $290 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 23.5%
- Daily rates hold near $58
Low Season (June, July, September)
- Revenue drops to average $144 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 19.3%
- Daily rates adjust to average $40
Seasonality Insights for Mtwapa
- Airbnb seasonality in Mtwapa is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Mtwapa's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $602, occupancy reaching 38.1%, and ADRs peaking at $67.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $140, occupancy could drop to 13.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $39.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Mtwapa need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Mtwapa, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Mtwapa?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, Kenya point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Mtwapa to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Mtwapa?
With a compact short-term rental market, Mtwapa gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mtwapa Creek | A serene coastal area popular for its waterfront properties and proximity to the beach. Ideal for vacationers seeking relaxation and water activities. | Mtwapa Creek, Mtwapa Beach, Water sports activities, Local seafood restaurants, Nightclubs, Dolphin watching |
| Shanzu Beach | Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and luxury resorts, Shanzu Beach attracts both families and couples looking for a romantic getaway. | Shanzu Beach, Vasco da Gama Pillar, Kinuni Village, Scuba diving and snorkeling spots, Water sports centers, Cozy beach bars |
| Kilifi Town | A charming town with a mix of historical sites and modern amenities. It's great for cultural experiences and accessing the local community. | Kilifi Creek, Fort Kilifi, Local markets, Cultural festivals, Kilifi Bridge, Mida Creek |
| Bamburi Beach | Famous for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beachfront, Bamburi Beach is a hotspot for both tourists and locals, making it a great investment area. | Bamburi Beach, Mombasa Marine National Park, Nightclubs and bars, Restaurants with a view, Scuba diving sites, Beach activities |
| Malindi | A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife parks, Malindi attracts both tourists and long-term travelers. | Malindi Marine National Park, Vasco da Gama Pillar, Local markets, Watamu National Park, Malindi's beaches, Historical sites |
| Diani Beach | Renowned for its stunning white sands and lush greenery, Diani Beach is a premium location for vacation rentals and attracts a classy clientele. | Diani Beach, Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, Colobus Conservation, Water sports activities, Diani Sea Lodge, Local dining experiences |
| Nyali | A posh area in Mombasa offering a variety of accommodation options. It boasts beautiful beaches and is sought after for both relaxation and nightlife. | Nyali Beach, Mombasa Golf Club, Wild Waters Waterpark, Shopping malls, Sea view restaurants, Nightclubs |
| Lamu Island | A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical significance and Swahili culture, ideal for those seeking unique vacation experiences. | Lamu Old Town, Shela Beach, Lamu Fort, Cultural festivals, Local crafts shops, Traditional Swahili architecture |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Mtwapa offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Mtwapa?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Mtwapa
- The Mtwapa Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 95.3% of the 43 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Mtwapa, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (81.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 18.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
Mtwapa Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Mtwapa
- The dominant room capacity in Mtwapa is 1 bedroom listings, making up 60.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms properties represent 81.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Mtwapa, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- With over half the market (60.5%) consisting of studios or 1-bedroom units, Mtwapa is particularly well-suited for individuals or couples.
- A significant 20.9% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Mtwapa.
Mtwapa Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Mtwapa
- The most common guest capacity trend in Mtwapa vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (55.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Mtwapa STR market, accounting for 74.4% of listings.
- A significant 55.8% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Mtwapa.
- 23.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Mtwapa.
- On average, properties in Mtwapa are equipped to host 3.6 guests.
How Do Listings in Mtwapa Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Mtwapa can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Mtwapa
- At 24.4 photos per listing on average, Mtwapa hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 53.5% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Mtwapa averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Mtwapa?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Mtwapa
- Essential amenities in Mtwapa that guests expect include: Wifi, Free parking on premises, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Pool, Iron are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- A pool is a highly desired but not standard amenity, making it a key feature for attracting guests seeking leisure in Mtwapa.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Mtwapa: Wifi, Free parking on premises, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Pool to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Mtwapa to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Mtwapa?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Mtwapa, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Coffee | 11.6% | $5,280 | $664 | 695.8% |
Barbecue utensils | 14.0% | $4,749 | $625 | 660.1% |
Backyard | 11.6% | $4,925 | $710 | 593.4% |
Crib | 11.6% | $4,901 | $713 | 586.9% |
BBQ grill | 18.6% | $3,871 | $590 | 556.1% |
Resort access | 14.0% | $4,080 | $733 | 456.4% |
Conditioner | 16.3% | $3,823 | $690 | 453.7% |
Hair dryer | 14.0% | $4,044 | $739 | 447.2% |
Pets allowed | 23.3% | $3,188 | $598 | 433.1% |
Coffee maker | 20.9% | $3,348 | $632 | 429.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Mtwapa
- Coffee tops the revenue impact list with a 695.8% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $5,280 vs. $664 without it.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Mtwapa STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Mtwapa. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsMtwapa Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Mtwapa
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Mtwapa consists of a mix of domestic (41%) and international guests, with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 40.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include Kenya (40.9%) and United States (13.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (47.2%) followed by Spanish (9.4%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Mtwapa?
Listings in Mtwapa average 4.71 out of 5 overall, with about 5.5 reviews per active listing and 20.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Mtwapa
- An average rating of 4.71 places Mtwapa in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.77), while Location (4.65) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 20.9% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Location — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
- With only 20.9% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Mtwapa Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Mtwapa
- The most common availability pattern in Mtwapa falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 97.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 100.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Mtwapa (74.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Mtwapa?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Mtwapa
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Mtwapa is 10 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during January (average 20 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 4 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (16 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (9 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (10 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Mtwapa.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 16 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Mtwapa averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Mtwapa?
Guests in Mtwapa stay about 4.9 nights on average, generating roughly 216 reservations and 5 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 10:00 AM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Mtwapa
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Mtwapa
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- Stay lengths peak in Jul (5.6 nights) and shorten in Jun (2.3 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 10:00 AM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Mtwapa Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
37 listings
86% of total
2 Nights
4 listings
9.3% of total
30+ Nights
2 listings
4.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Mtwapa is 1 Night, adopted by 86% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (95.3%) of the Mtwapa Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 86% of Mtwapa hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Mtwapa.
Mtwapa Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
3 listings
7% of total
Flexible
30 listings
69.8% of total
Moderate
7 listings
16.3% of total
Firm
3 listings
7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Mtwapa
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Mtwapa is Flexible, used by 69.8% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 86.1% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Mtwapa may expect booking flexibility.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 69.8% market standard in Mtwapa.
- Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (69.8%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Mtwapa.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Mtwapa?
Cleaning fees in Mtwapa are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Mtwapa
- Only 34.9% of listings charge a cleaning fee, suggesting that most hosts in Mtwapa bundle cleaning costs into the nightly rate.
- The average cleaning fee of $4 is close to the median ($2), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 2.5% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Mtwapa median of $2. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Mtwapa Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Mtwapabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Creekside villa Bavaria
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Coziest Beach-Front 1Bdrm Villa
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Villa 17
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Mtwapa Luxury Retreat
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
1- bedroom Creekside Villa Bonito
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
28 Greenwood Gardens Phase 1
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Mtwapa?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Mtwapa based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judy | 2 | $15,106 | 3 | Not Rated |
| Dee | 1 | $6,920 | 6 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Martin | 1 | $3,992 | 1 | Not Rated |
| Isaac | 1 | $1,732 | 1 | Not Rated |
| Hezron | 1 | $1,588 | 4 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Nkirote | 1 | $1,539 | 7 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Vigilance | 1 | $1,357 | 1 | Not Rated |
| Emily | 1 | $1,294 | 0 | Not Rated |
| Denis | 1 | $1,162 | 9 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Eminent | 3 | $1,116 | 12 | 3.91/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Mtwapa.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Mtwapa?
Mtwapa has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Mtwapa
- Only 18.6% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting a relatively young or casual market where quality improvements can pay outsized dividends.
- 14.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 65.1% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 14.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Mtwapa averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Mtwapa's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Mtwapa Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Dabaso ward, Mtwapa has 13 percentage points lower occupancy and about $155 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramisi ward | 13 | $2,088 | $234.95 | 31% |
| Dabaso ward | 103 | $1,945 | $196.78 | 38% |
| Mnarani ward | 29 | $1,876 | $241.12 | 30% |
| Tiwi ward | 17 | $1,727 | $194.99 | 30% |
| Shella ward | 98 | $1,583 | $221.86 | 32% |
| Kinondo ward | 170 | $1,317 | $194.19 | 30% |
| Ukunda ward | 294 | $1,188 | $146.87 | 31% |
| Kibarani ward | 15 | $1,077 | $129.42 | 26% |
| Watamu | 93 | $942 | $156.49 | 32% |
| Junju ward | 45 | $895 | $241.89 | 20% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Mtwapa
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Mtwapa.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mtwapa?
Mtwapa hosts earn about $1,200 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $42 and RevPAR of $11. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Mtwapa market, June 2025 to May 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mtwapa?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mtwapa is 25.3%. December is the strongest month and September is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Mtwapa?
Listings in Mtwapa average $42 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Mtwapa?
Mtwapa currently has about 43 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Mtwapa?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Mtwapa as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Mtwapa?
RevPAR in Mtwapa is about $11. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Mtwapa?
Occupancy of 25.3% means Mtwapa is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $1,200, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Mtwapa?
The average booking lead time in Mtwapa is about 10 days — a relatively short booking window, meaning most guests decide within a few weeks of their trip — dynamic pricing can capture late demand. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Mtwapa?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Mtwapa include Mtwapa Creek, Shanzu Beach, Kilifi Town. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Mtwapa?
entire_home listings make up 95.3% of the active supply in Mtwapa. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Mtwapa compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Ramisi ward posts $25,052 in average annual revenue with 31.0% occupancy, compared to Mtwapa's $1,200 and 25.3%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Mtwapa?
The average Airbnb stay length in Mtwapa is about 4.9 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Mtwapa?
Airbnb listings in Mtwapa average 4.71 out of 5 overall. About 20.9% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Mtwapa?
Coffee and Barbecue utensils are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Mtwapa. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Mtwapa?
Yes. About 34.9% of active Airbnb listings in Mtwapa charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $4. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Mtwapa?
Only 18.6% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting the market has a large share of newer or less active operators — an opportunity for committed hosts to stand out.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-05-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.