Skip to content 
Kenya coast destination
Mombasa
Kenya’s oldest city, where Swahili, Arab and Portuguese history meet white beaches and the Indian Ocean. Plan Mombasa tours with a local Kenyan team.
Location
Mombasa County, Kenya
City
Kenya’s second largest
Ideal stay
2 to 4 nights
Best time
December to March
Famous for
Fort Jesus and Old Town
A city shaped by the Indian Ocean
Mombasa sits on an island on Kenya’s coast, linked to the mainland by bridges, a causeway and the Likoni ferry. For centuries it was one of the busiest ports on the East African coast, trading with Arabia, India and Persia, and that history still shows in its mosques, carved doors and spice-scented streets.
The narrow lanes of Mombasa Old Town lead down to Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Across the city, the famous tusks on Moi Avenue mark the heart of town, while the beaches of Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu stretch along the north coast with resorts, coral reefs and the Mombasa Marine National Park.
Mombasa is also the gateway to the rest of the coast. Diani lies just to the south, Kilifi and Watamu to the north, and Tsavo East is only a few hours inland for a safari from Mombasa.
Why visit Mombasa
Six reasons to spend a few days in Kenya’s great coastal city.
Fort Jesus
Explore the 16th-century Portuguese fort and its museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Swahili Old Town
Wander lanes of carved doors, balconies, mosques and small spice shops.
North Coast beaches
Relax on Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu, with resorts and calm lagoons.
Dhow dinner cruises
Sail the harbour at sunset with a seafood dinner aboard a traditional dhow.
Coastal food
Taste biryani, mahamri, grilled fish and street snacks in the markets.
Easy safaris
Tsavo East and Shimba Hills are close enough for a day or overnight safari.
When to visit Mombasa
Mombasa is warm and humid all year. The dry seasons are best for beaches, sightseeing and safaris.
December to March
Hot dry season
Sunny days and calm seas, perfect for the beach. The busiest time of year.
- Peak season rates
July to October
Cool dry season
Lower humidity and pleasant weather for exploring the Old Town on foot.
- Mid season rates
April to June
Long rains
Heavy showers and quieter hotels, with the best deals of the year.
- Lowest rates of the year
November
Short rains
Short showers between sunny spells before the holiday rush.
- Good value rates
Mombasa highlights
From centuries-old forts to coral reefs, these are the places most visitors to Mombasa enjoy.
- History
Fort Jesus
A Portuguese fort completed in 1596, with thick coral walls, cannons and a small museum.
- Mombasa Island
- Allow 1 to 2 hours
- Culture
Old Town
Narrow streets of Swahili houses, mosques and markets, best explored with a local guide.
- Mombasa Island
- Allow half a day
- Beach
Nyali Beach
A wide sandy beach on the north coast, lined with resorts and beach restaurants.
- North Coast
- Best December to March
- Evening
Dhow dinner cruise
Sail around the island at sunset with music and a seafood dinner on board.
- Tudor Creek
- Evenings
- Marine life
Mombasa Marine Park
Snorkel the coral gardens off the north coast and look out for dolphins and turtles.
- Nyali and Bamburi
- Best at low tide
Things to do in Mombasa
Mix culture, food and the ocean in one of the most interesting cities in East Africa.
Sunset dhow cruise
Board a lantern-lit dhow for dinner on the water as the lights of the old harbour come on.
North Coast beaches
Spend lazy days on the beaches of Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu.
Mombasa city tour
See the tusks, the markets, Hindu temples and mosques on a guided half day tour.
Harbour and creeks
Watch ships and dhows come and go from the waterfront around Mombasa Island.
Spice market visit
Follow the scent of cardamom and cloves through the colourful markets near the Old Town.
Planning your Mombasa trip
Practical details to help you get to Mombasa and make the most of your stay.
Getting to Mombasa
- By air: daily flights from Nairobi land at Moi International Airport in about an hour.
- By train: the Madaraka Express links Nairobi and Mombasa in around 5 to 6 hours.
- By road: the drive from Nairobi takes 8 hours or more, often broken with a Tsavo safari.
Where to stay
- North Coast: beach resorts in Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu.
- Mombasa Island: hotels close to the Old Town and Fort Jesus.
- South Coast: stay in Diani for a quieter beach and day trips into the city.
Good to know
- Dress code: cover shoulders and knees when visiting the Old Town and mosques.
- Traffic: allow extra time for the Likoni ferry and city traffic.
- Health: the coast is a malaria area, so use repellent and speak to your doctor about prevention.
Mombasa safaris and tours
Safaris that start or finish on the coast, including Tsavo East, Tsavo West and beach holidays.
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
Mombasa travel questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Still unsure? Send us your question and our team will reply.
What is Mombasa known for?
Mombasa is known for Fort Jesus, the Swahili Old Town, its long history as a trading port and the beaches of the North Coast.
How many days do you need in Mombasa?
Two to four days lets you see Fort Jesus and the Old Town, take a dhow cruise and spend time on the beach.
How do I get from Nairobi to Mombasa?
Fly to Moi International Airport in about an hour, or take the Madaraka Express train, which takes around 5 to 6 hours.
Can I go on safari from Mombasa?
Yes. Tsavo East is a few hours from Mombasa for a day or overnight safari, and Shimba Hills is closer still.
Is Mombasa good for a beach holiday?
Yes. The North Coast beaches of Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu have resorts and coral reefs, and Diani is just south of the city.
When is the best time to visit Mombasa?
December to March and July to October are the driest months, with sunny weather for the beach and sightseeing.
Start planning your Mombasa trip
Tell us your dates and interests, and our team will plan a Mombasa city, beach and safari trip that fits.
