Mombasa, Kenya: travel guide
Swahili Old Town, a coral-stone fort and palm-lined Indian Ocean beaches
Kenya's historic Indian Ocean port — UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus, a Swahili Old Town, and the palm-lined beaches of Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu.
About Mombasa
Mombasa is Kenya's old port on the Indian Ocean, built on an island and shaped by centuries of trade with Arabia, India and Portugal. Fort Jesus, the sixteenth-century Portuguese fortress, anchors the Old Town, where narrow lanes, carved wooden doors and Swahili houses reward a slow walk.
Outside the centre the coast opens into palm-lined beaches at Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu, while Haller Park offers a green, wildlife-filled break from the sand. Seafood, coconut curries and spiced street snacks reflect the city's mixed heritage.
Mombasa suits beach holidays with some history attached, and it works as a base for the wider coast. It is warm all year; the drier months of June to October and January to February are generally the most pleasant for things to do in Mombasa.
- Country
- Kenya
- Currency
- KES
- Time zone
- Africa/Nairobi
- Nearest airport
- MBA
Last updated
Top places to visit in Mombasa
Fort Jesus
unesco fort · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
16th-century Portuguese fort guarding the Old Port — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum of Swahili-coast history.
Nyali Beach
city beach · 4.4 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A long stretch of white sand north of the island with resorts, water sports and camel rides at low tide.
Haller Park
nature park · 4.3 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A former limestone quarry rehabilitated into a wildlife sanctuary with giraffe, hippos, crocodiles and a reptile park.
Jumba la Mtwana
ruins · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Ruins of a 14th-century Swahili settlement in a coastal grove north of Mombasa — mosques and houses of coral rag.
Mombasa Tusks (Pembe za Ndovu)
landmark · 4.4 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The aluminium elephant-tusk arches over Moi Avenue, built for a 1952 royal visit and now the city's emblem.
Mamba Village
crocodile farm · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
East Africa's largest crocodile farm with feeding shows, a botanical garden and horse riding in Nyali.
Mombasa Marine National Park
marine park · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A protected coral reef off Nyali and Bamburi — snorkelling and glass-bottom-boat trips over reef fish and coral gardens.
Mombasa Old Town
historic quarter · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A warren of Swahili, Arab and Portuguese streets near Fort Jesus — carved doors, spice shops, mosques and cafes.
Things to do
- Fort Jesus & Old Town Guided Walk Walking Tour · 2.5 h · from KES 2,500 per person
- Mombasa Marine Park Snorkelling Trip Water Sports · 4 h · from KES 5,000 per person
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise Cruise · 3 h · from KES 7,000 per person
- Haller Park Nature Walk Nature · 2 h · from KES 1,500 per person
Day trips and tours
- Mombasa Old Town & Fort Jesus Heritage Day 6 h · from KES 6,000
Where to stay in Mombasa
- Nyali
North-of-the-island beach suburb with resorts, Haller Park and easy access to town.
- Mombasa Old Town
Atmospheric Swahili quarter beside Fort Jesus with guesthouses and history at every corner.
- Shanzu & Bamburi
North-coast resort strip with all-inclusive hotels and long sandy beaches.
Hotels
- Tulia House Backpackers 2-star · KES 1,500 to KES 5,000 per night
- Serena Beach Resort & Spa 5-star · KES 22,000 to KES 40,000 per night
- Voyager Beach Resort 4-star · KES 15,000 to KES 26,000 per night
- Sentrim Castle Royal Hotel 3-star · KES 8,000 to KES 14,000 per night
Where to eat
- The Tamarind Mombasa Seafood, Swahili · about KES 4,000 per person
- Forodhani Sea Front Restaurant Seafood, Swahili · about KES 1,800 per person
- New Recoda Swahili, Kenyan · about KES 800 per person
- Blue Room Indian, Fast Food · about KES 900 per person
- New Chetna Indian, Vegetarian · about KES 800 per person
- Tarboush Cafe Middle Eastern, Swahili · about KES 1,000 per person
Getting to Mombasa
Airport: Mombasa (MBA)
How visitors arrive in Mombasa
- Standard Gauge train from Nairobi By train from Nairobi · common
The train from Nairobi arrives at Mombasa Terminus west of the city; Wikivoyage calls it the better option than buses. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Fly into Moi International Airport By air from Nairobi · common
Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Fly540 fly from Nairobi, with direct flights from some European cities. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Coach or drive from Nairobi By road from Nairobi · common
Long-distance coaches and matatus use Mwembe Tayari bus station; the road runs via Voi and Mariakani. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Licensed airport taxi
Transfer taxis are the usual option from Moi International. Licensed cabs show papers on the windshield; agree the fare before setting off. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Ride-hail from the airport unconfirmed
Uber is listed as an alternative to street taxis in Mombasa. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Hotel airport shuttle
Some hotels run their own airport transfers; ask your hotel before you fly. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Licensed taxis show papers on the windshield rather than a roof sign; agree the fare before you set off. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the railway station to the centre
- Shuttle from Mombasa Terminus unconfirmed
The SGR terminus is outside the centre; a connecting bus shuttle and commuter train run to the old central station, with taxis also available. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Ferry
The Likoni ferry links Mombasa Island with the south mainland, as no bridge crosses the channel; a floating pedestrian bridge now takes most foot traffic.
- Minibus main way to get around
Matatus are the minibuses most residents use to move around Mombasa and its suburbs.
- Ride Hail useful for some trips
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber operate in Mombasa and are an alternative to negotiating a regular taxi fare.
- Tuktuk
Tuk-tuks are widely used around Mombasa for short trips, and the fare should be agreed with the driver before the ride.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Beach boys & 'papasi' touts
Nyali, Bamburi & Diani beaches
Touts attach themselves as unofficial guides or sell tours, curios or safaris at inflated prices and pressure for tips or deposits.
How to avoid it: Politely decline and book through your hotel; agree any price in writing before starting.
Curio 'special price' overcharging
Old Town & beach markets
Vendors quote foreigners several times the real price for carvings, kikoys and souvenirs.
How to avoid it: Bargain hard (start around a third of the asking price) and compare a few stalls before buying.
Best time to visit Mombasa
- Jan 33°C
- Feb 33°C
- Mar 33°C
- Apr 32°C
- May 30°C
- Jun 29°C
- Jul 29°C
- Aug 28°C
- Sep 29°C
- Oct 30°C
- Nov 31°C
- Dec 32°C
More in Kenya
Frequently asked questions about Mombasa
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Mombasa?
- The highest-rated places in our Mombasa guide are Mombasa Marine National Park, Fort Jesus, Nyali Beach, Mombasa Tusks (Pembe za Ndovu), Haller Park.
- Where should I stay in Mombasa?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Mombasa: Nyali, Mombasa Old Town, Shanzu & Bamburi.
- How do I get around Mombasa?
- Ways to get around Mombasa covered in our guide: Ferry, Minibus, Ride-hailing app, Tuk-tuk.
- What scams should I watch out for in Mombasa?
- Scams reported to us for Mombasa include Beach boys & 'papasi' touts; Curio 'special price' overcharging. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Mombasa?
- Average daytime highs in Mombasa run from 28°C in Aug to 33°C in Mar.
- Which airport is nearest to Mombasa?
- The nearest airport to Mombasa has the code MBA.