About Mombasa

Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya. The city is a gateway to Kenya’s coast and is situated on a coralline island bordering the Indian Ocean. From the 8th century to the 16th century, the city was the center of Arabic trade for ivory and slaves. Due to its legacy as the largest port in East Africa, Mombasa is a cultural melting pot. British, Arabic, Indian, and Chinese immigrants have enriched the city's architecture and cuisine. Today Mombasa is a bustling city with a major port, an international airport, and is an economic hub in the region. The main attractions are the pleasant atmosphere, excellent hotels, white sandy beaches, and unique marine wildlife. Mombasa offers a wide range of attractions on its travel itinerary that are well spread across the city. The coastline south of Mombasa is a world of natural beauty. Turquoise seas lap at sun-kissed beaches, where tourists sprawl under rustling palms. Rainforests consisting of lots of wildlife, birds frequent this idyllic stretch of the coastline, and coral reefs protect the swimming areas from larger waves. Explore Shelly Beach, Tiwi Beach and Diani Beach, the Jewels of Mombasa. Kenya is endowed with rich historical sites that are now top tourist destinations. 

Public Transport System

By Airways-Kenya Airways [8] offers the most as far as options for traveling to/from Mombasa.By trainThe city is also accessible by train from Nairobi, with two departures daily in each direction. The new connection is much faster (about 6h), but the railway station in Mombasa is still about 15 km outside MombasaBy Bus:-Buses in Mombasa, though not a major mode of transportation within the city yet,, are mostly used for traveling outside the city. The major provider of transportation in Mombasa is Matatu - mostly of fourteen-seater minibuses. Matatu is quite popular with the residents. Generally, people prefer to travel by the local bus-taxis (Matatus) but they are mini-buses that are usually full of people to maximum capacity and not so comfortable.By Rickshaw:Traveling using auto rickshaw's are three-wheeled private taxis can also be a good option. They cost about the same as Matatus. Another option from moving from one part to the city to another quickly is with 'Bodo' bikes". Ideally, use them for distances below 20km as they can be noisy. On the plus side, they are quite airy and allow you to take in the scenery as you go by.

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness : Moderate. Efficiency: Low

Mode & Cost of Transports

  Train:-

First class costs about 3.000 KSH, second class 700 KSH, which is cheaper than the buses. You should book as early as possible (up to 14 days in advance). 

BUS:-

The Hakuna Mutatu bus operates on the Kenya Coast. A ride to Mombasa From Diani or Kilifi costs roughly KSH 1000 and takes 1hr 30mins.

Matatus (Minibus) charge KSH 30 to KSH 50 for short trips. The three seaters tuk-tuks charge between KSH 50 to KSH 200 depending on the distance. 

By taxi:-

Taxis don't have taxi signs on the roof, but license papers stuck to the windshields. The ride is, in general, paid beforehand after some negotiation. You can expect the driver to stop at a service station to fill up just the necessary amount to get you to your destination. A ride from the airport to central Mombasa will cost you approximately Ksh 1000-3000.  A much cheaper alternative to regular taxis are Uber, Taxify, Little, Mondo Ride, and Mara Moja, to name a few. You can get fares online to prevent getting overcharged, as many taxi drivers like to do to tourists.

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle KES 50.00
Cup of Coffee KES 250.00
Milk Carton Pack KES 94.00
Rice/Kg KES 130.00
White Bread KES 50.00
Eggs (12) KES 159.00
Combo Meal KES 725.00
Fine Dining KES 1700.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi KES 40.00
Domestic Beer KES 200.00
Imported Beer KES 250.00
Bottle of Wine KES 400.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) KES 200.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) KES 100.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). KES 50.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) KES 18500.00

Do:

  • Be careful with the quality of food, especially at low-cost eateries. One needs to be extra careful while consuming meat.
  • Days are mostly sunny, it is advised to carry sunscreen hats and glares.
  • While on a safari from Mombasa, be sure to follow the instructions of your guide  to avoid becoming food for animals. 
  • Be sure to carry a mosquito repellent as Kenya has a high risk of malaria.
  • Try a local tribal dance, it will be a unique experience.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather.

Don’t:

  • Kenyan cities do not have a good reputation when it comes to crime. Avoid going to poor settlements especially at the outer of the city. Never walk alone at night. It is advisable to visit popular areas. 
  • Be careful not to display valuables such as expensive cameras to reduce the risk of theft.
  • Feeding wild animals is a strict ’no’, and can be done only with permission of the authority.  
  • In view of frequent car-jacking and robberies after sunset mostly at the beaches, keep yourself alert of your surroundings.
  • If you want to go out at night in pubs or restaurants always take a taxi, not on foot or motorbike taxi or tuk-tuk.
  •  in Africa, it’s badly regarded — if not outright prohibited — to take photos or film airports, banks, military areas, police stations, troops or police officers without authorization. In general, you should ask people if you may take photos of them
  • Since Mombasa police have a negative reputation, the visitors are advised to seek out their help only if it is a serious matter, for instance, it may be better just to let the money go than to report the police else you may end up much harassed.
  • Take note that often the Somali pirates use Mombasa as a base to launch their attacks in the Indian Ocean. Tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary wandering around the ports posing questions about Somali activity, as this may attract their attention.

 

Night Life

Nightclubs are the life of the night life experience. Visitors flock to Mombasa year-round due to its beautiful location and climate. The night life of any city reflects and reveals the culture & nature of the people. A large mix of establishments for family, friends or solo speakers about the vibrant night life and unlimited spirit of the people there, Mombasa has a place for everyone. While lovely beach hotels are lined up mostly at Mombasa North coast, discos, casinos, clubs, and bars are parked at the outlying areas of the city. Night life in Mombasa is about the bars and pubs located around the beaches. Many clubs have got excellent open-air bars and sitting areas. Amicable people from all around, stress busting drinks, and dancing like there's no tomorrow is the epitome of African night life. Moonshine Beach bar is the place to be in for unparalleled live band performances & outstanding music. Explore the dazzling 'z' lounge for a great open-air bar and lovely rooftop to catch the stunning glimpse of the coastal sunset in Mombasa. Head to the pirates beach bar: the most sought after spot for those seeking out wild Kenyan parties consisting of discotheque, restaurants, and bars.Dance to American and African tunes played by the local DJs to make new memories with Kenyan night life. Mombasa’s night life is like no other, and one always has the option to make the most of the night.

Must See

  • Walk through the narrow winding streets of the old town of Mombasa..
  • Enjoy a barbeque dinner watching giraffes and ostriches at the Nguni Nature Sanctuary Adventure.
  • Visit Diani beach for white sands and water sports.
  • Visit Mombasa marine park and reserves to watch dolphins and the diverse marine life of the Indian ocean. 
  • Visit the Fort Jesus Museum, located along the coastline in the old town. It has artifacts from the slave trade era.
  • The compelling Mtwapa Creek is a place to visit on Mombasa's north coast. It's an amazing Indian Ocean inlet possessing exquisite small marinas and beautiful tropical vegetation which is popular for activities like bird watching, mountain bike tours around the creek and starting point for deep sea fishing trips.
  • The amazing Avicenna Island is the place to look out for various outdoor activities, such as kayaking through submerged mangrove forests, and sunbathing/swimming the Funzi Sandbar.
  • .Mombasa City is a great shopping destination unique items. Explore the most popular Nyali City mall or the Nakumatt Likoni complex to grab anything you want..
  • Visit the Ngomongo village situated in Shanzu, North of Mombasa Island. It's a great place to learn about the African way of living. Here, you will find numerous homes representing the different ethnic tribes of Kenya. This is a chance to experience the rural African way of living.

Experiences

  • Try snorkeling, sailing, or sky diving at Diani beach.
  • Get a feel of African wildlife at Haller Park.
  • Enjoy African nightlife at one of the Mombasa Casinoes.
  • Feed the crocodiles at the Mamba Village, East Africa's largest crocodile park.
  • Take full day boat safari to swim with the fishes 
  • Visit water amusement parks. On hot days, this is a good place to cool yourself. 
  • The Mombasa Marine National Park and Marine Reserve is a must-see. Including reef crest habitats of the Bamburi-Nyali fringing reef and a part of the lagoon, this is Kenya's most popular marine park.
  • Join the thrilling place the Mombasa Go-Kart, which is super popular with speedsters and kids of all ages. Zoom around the smooth concrete track in go-karts, bounce around on the off-road buggies or learn to dig in a Bobcat excavator. 
  • Experience deep sea fishing and Walter Brun-Mtwapa fishing.

Activities

Shopping

Nyali Centre
Shopping Malls
Links Road, Nyali Centre, Mombasa, Kenya
Distance From City Center
8.3km
Kongowea Market
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Junction, Links Rd, Mombasa, Kenya
Distance From City Center
2.1 Km
Akamba Handicraft Cooperative Society Limited
Handicrafts and Souviners
Akamba Handicraft Cooperative Society Limited, Off Port-Reitz Road, Changamwe. P.O Box 85315 - 80100 Mombasa, Kenya
Distance From City Center
7.4km
Old Town Mombasa
Antique Markets
Old Town Mombasa
Distance From City Center
2.2Km
Biashara Street
Handicrafts and Souviners
Biashara Street Mombasa
Distance From City Center
1.9 kms
Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre Gift Shop
Handicrafts and Souviners
Mombasa 80100, Kenya
Distance From City Center
1.4 kms
Marikiti Market
Handicrafts and Souviners
Mombasa, Kenya
Distance From City Center
2 km
Meat Market
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Nehru Road,Mombasa,Kenya
Distance From City Center
10.6 Kms
Prates Beach Shopping
Handicrafts and Souviners
Pirates Beach,Mombasa, Kenya
Distance From City Center
2.9 Kms
  • Kiondo is a handmade handbag made of sisal. They are water resistant and can be used for multiple purposes.
  • Kikory and Masai shukas is a rectangular piece of cotton cloth, made locally and available throughout Mombasa. 
  • African jewelry made of seeds, bones, shells and elephant hair. Many shops in the Mombasa old town have these African accessories at great prices. . You can find them in local Kenyan markets. 
  • Tsavorite gemstones were discovered near the Tsavo National Park near Mombasa. They can be found in a number of shops along Moi Avenue in Mombasa. 
  • Kenyan sculptures made of ebony wood by the tribals of Kamba. They are made into a number of abstract shapes and are great for home decor. 
  • Crafted masks made of different types of wood. These are made as face shapes and expressions to depict African people and their culture. These can be bought from shops in the old town of Mombasa, Biashara street and Moi Avenue. 
  • Kangas(also known as lesos) are traditional Swahili garments which are used as scarves and come with printed Swahili sayings or proverbs. The vendor can translate these sayings and you can whatever suits you. 
  • Akala footwear made out of recycled tyres with small nails and a piece of cloth, You can find them in many shops in Mombasa market. 
  • Bombolulu Workshops and cultural center located in Mombasa, employing men and women artisans with differential abilities. They produce and sell items of gems, jewelry, leather, etc. 

Official Language

Kiswahili, English

Other Language

Kikuyu, Luhya

Spoken Language

Mainly Swahili and English are... Read more

Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Population

1.3 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Light Rain 34.22°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

12:27 PM (GMT +03:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

999

 

Police Icon

Police

999

 

Electric socket

Type G
Type G ( 230 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Moi International Airport - MBA

Airport Name / IATA Code

--- - ---

Best time to visit

January, February, July, August, September, October are the most pleasant months to visit. The water temperature is quite comfortable during these months. One can enjoy many outdoor activities in sunny weather during this time.

Moderate time to visit

November, December, and March are hot months and one can obtain better offers on transportation and hotels compared to the peak tourist season.

Worst time to visit

April, May, and June are months of heavy rainfall that could ruin tourist plans and hence are worst the months to visit.

Taxi

Start Tariff: KES 500.00

1 Km. Tariff: KES 100.00

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: KES 100.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Mombasa (Contact directly)

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