Your guide to Mombasa
Mombasa highlights
Go on a safari
See African wildlife like crocodiles and hippos up close in Haller Park in the Bamburi District. Or get your safari game on at Shimba Hills National Reserve, where you'll spot rare sable antelope and wild elephants. On a trip to Sudi Island, kayak through the mangrove forests to view birds and marine life.
Walk through history
You can't escape history on a trip to Mombasa. Wander the grounds and marvel at the amazingly well-preserved Fort Jesus, a 16th-century fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to Jumba la Mtwana to see the 700-year-old ruins of a coastal settlement. View unique Swahili and Islamic-inspired architecture at the ACK Mombasa Memorial Cathedral.
Explore the ocean
For water sports, visit the beachside districts of Nyali and Diani. Snorkel or scuba dive at Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, or see fish on a glass-bottom boat tour. For more excitement, rent a jet ski or try parasailing on Diani Beach.
Mombasa: Know before you go
| Language | Swahili, English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Kenyan shilling (KSh) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
| High season | July - October and January - February |
| Low season | April - June |
Find the best time to go to Mombasa
Weather in Mombasa
January – February: The ‘hot-dry’ season is, as you’d imagine, hot and dry. Temperatures can hit 32°C, and stepping into the water at Shelly Beach can feel like taking a warm bath.
March – May: The ‘long rains’ season begins in late March and peaks in April and May. Expect heavy showers in short bursts, mostly during the late afternoon or evening. A good time to explore the city’s Hindu temples.
June – September: Take advantage of the sunny days and cool nights. Beach days, water sports and wildlife viewing are all at their best.
October – December: Monsoon winds arrive in November, bringing hot, dry air from the Persian Gulf. Snorkelling is best in October and November, when the sea is at its clearest.
Events in Mombasa
Mombasa International Marathon (September): Running is a cherished sport in Kenya. This race is one of the most scenic on the calendar thanks to sweeping ocean views. See some of the world’s greatest athletes take to the streets, or lace up your trainers and join them.
East African Ocean Festival (October): Dragon boats, water stunts, kayak racing and a sailing regatta — this water sports event at Fort Jesus has it all. There are even beach football and volleyball contests if you want to keep your feet dry.
Mombasa Carnival (November): The traditions of Mombasa’s coastal communities come together in this gloriously colourful event. Experience chakacha music, Giriama dances, Afrobeat performances and more in the vibrant street parades at Kenya’s biggest carnival.
The best neighbourhoods in Mombasa
Nyali
Nyali is the best neighbourhood to stay in Mombasa for beach access. The water here is calm and the beach is long and uncrowded. Rent a chair on Nyali's white sand and grab a cocktail at a beachside bar. In the evening, have a meal at one of the restaurants along Links Road or return to your all-inclusive resort right on the water.
Good for: Beaches, dining, resorts
Bamburi
Bamburi is where to stay in Mombasa for ocean activities. Book a snorkelling trip to Mombasa Marine National Park or go sailing, jet skiing or surfing. You can usually organise activities through your hotel. At dusk, reserve a spot on a sunset dinner cruise or grab a bite at one of the restaurants along Malindi Road.
Good for: Surfing, diving, restaurants
Mtwapa
Located 15 minutes north of Mombasa, the town of Mtwapa is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve. Book a diving or snorkelling trip to explore the reserve. Back in town, organise a sunset cruise or fishing trip on Mtwapa Creek.
Good for: Fishing, sunset cruises, marine park
Things to do in Mombasa
Family-friendly things to do
Some of the most popular things to do with family in Mombasa focus on water activities. Bring the children to Wild Waters Kenya for slides and a large kids' pool. Take a boat tour to spot dolphins in the wild and snorkel above coral reefs. Up for some fun competition? Drive the track or play paintball at Mombasa Go-Kart Adventure Park.
Shopping
Start your shopping in Mombasa at Kongowea or Marikiti markets. Browse the stalls for textiles, spices, handmade crafts and the chance to chat with locals. You’ll find clothes galore, including tailor-made traditional African dress, on Biashara Street. Stop for breaks to try Kenyan coffee or tea while checking out the shops in Old Town, where bargaining is expected.
Take in the culture
Dive into Kenya's art scene at the galleries and museums in Mombasa. See the works of local artists at Africa Nomads Art Space. View fine art from Africa and Europe at the Mombasa Art Gallery. For contemporary artwork from Kenya, go to the Diani Beach Art Gallery, a short distance from the popular beach.
Nightlife
Spend the evening in beach bars overlooking the Indian Ocean, or head into the city to experience the nightlife in Mombasa. Party alongside locals and watch a game at sports bars. Enjoy live music and cocktails at clubs and lounges along Malindi Road between Nyali Beach and Bamburi Beach. It’s easy to use taxis and tuk-tuks to get between venues.
Beaches
The beaches in Mombasa are one of the top reasons for visiting this Kenyan city. Head to white-sand Diani to see why it ranks among Africa's best beaches. Find activities like camel rides and snorkelling at Bamburi Beach (a favourite picnic spot), or make your way down the coast to Tiwi Beach for a more secluded experience.
Places to eat
Order budget-friendly favourites like 'samaki wa kupaka' (grilled fish in coconut sauce) and 'mitai' (Kenyan doughnuts) at Mama Ngina Drive's bustling stalls. For an upscale restaurant in Mombasa, reserve a table at Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant. Other dining choices include authentic Swahili dishes like biryani and pilau and South Asian curries.
Get ready for Mombasa
Budget
Kenya’s coastal city is a great value destination. And you can still eat and drink well in Mombasa on a budget. Enjoy a meal of home-cooked Swahili biryani for around 300 Kenyan shillings (Sh). Or splurge on a seafood platter for not much more. Expect to pay around Sh250 for a beer and Sh500 for a short taxi ride.
Day trips from Mombasa
Get up early for the 3.5-hour drive to Tsavo West National Park to see lions, elephants, rhinos and more. Sail on a traditional dhow from the peaceful ocean resort of Kilifi, two hours north. Or go snorkelling, swimming and dolphin-watching in the waters of Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, 120 kilometres south.
Getting around Mombasa
Mombasa does not have a public transport network. Hail a taxi or use rideshare apps like Uber to get around the city quickly. Motorcycle taxis and three-wheeled tuk-tuks are available for shorter trips. Privately operated ‘matatus’ (small buses) are a budget-friendly option. But be sure to confirm the route before boarding.
