Things To Do
in Mombasa
Nestled along the southeastern coastline of Kenya, this vibrant city serves as a gateway to the Indian Ocean, boasting stunning beaches and a rich tapestry of cultures. Mombasa is renowned for its historical significance, including the iconic Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encapsulates the city's diverse past.
Its bustling port and blend of African, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences make it a unique melting pot of traditions, cuisines, and languages.
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Karibu" - Welcome
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Sawa" - Okay
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $25 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Nyali Beach to soak up the sun. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the Indian Ocean.
Explore the Old Town and visit the historic Fort Jesus for a glimpse into Mombasa's rich history. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving Swahili cuisine.
Stroll along the Mombasa waterfront and enjoy the vibrant sunset. Dine at one of the sea-view restaurants for fresh seafood.
Visit the local markets to experience the hustle and bustle of city life. Sample fresh fruits and local snacks.
Take a guided tour of the Haller Park to see diverse wildlife including giraffes and hippos. Relax and enjoy the lush surroundings.
Head to a traditional music and dance performance in the town. Savor a delicious dinner featuring local dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and coastline, ideal for tourism and relaxation.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with diverse communities and traditions.
- Vibrant local cuisine with a variety of flavors and influences.
- Access to marine activities such as snorkeling, diving, and sailing.
- Warm tropical climate suitable for year-round outdoor activities.
- Traffic congestion can be a problem, especially during peak hours.
- Concerns about safety and crime in certain areas.
- Infrastructural challenges, including inconsistent public services.
- Periodic flooding and impact from climate change affecting coastal areas.
- Limited job opportunities in various sectors leading to economic challenges for some residents.
Best Activities in Mombasa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a thrilling wildlife safari in one of the largest national parks in Kenya, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Relax and soak up the sun on the beautiful white sand beaches, or take part in water sports such as snorkeling, diving, and kite-surfing.
Explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life through activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and explore the historical fortress, which offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and showcases the region's rich history.
Embark on an educational tour of this conservation project and witness the stunning butterfly species in a natural and vibrant environment.
Tours
Uncover the best of Mombasa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Mombasa
Visit one of these nice places.
Historical fort providing great views of Mombasa Old Town and the Indian Ocean.
Beautiful beach with clear waters and stunning sunsets perfect for photo opportunities.
Iconic landmark providing a unique photo opportunity, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Nature park with opportunities to photograph a variety of wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Food in Mombasa
Mombasa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat (often chicken or goat), and served with rich sauces. Must-try at Nawab Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A popular breakfast of sweet deep-fried dough (mahamri) served with spicy potato cakes (viazi karai). Try at local street vendors in Old Town.
A tangy and spicy soup made with potatoes, lentils, and crispy bhajias. Best enjoyed at the famous Urojo joints in the city center.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Mombasa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling open-air market offering a wide array of local street food delicacies such as grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and sugarcane juice.
This vibrant market is a paradise for food enthusiasts, with stalls selling fresh produce, spices, and local snacks like cassava crisps and spicy bhajias.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Mombasa, it is important to greet people with respect, using phrases such as 'Jambo' (hello) or 'Habari yako' (how are you).
It is important to be aware of and respect local customs and religious practices, such as dressing modestly when visiting mosques and being mindful of prayer times.
When dining with locals, it is customary to wash your hands before and after the meal, and to accept and eat food with the right hand as the left hand is considered unclean.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Mombasa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Mombasa
Ensure a smooth experience
In Mombasa, tipping is generally not expected but appreciated. It is common to leave a small tip of 10-15% for exceptional service at restaurants and for hotel staff.
In Mombasa, cash is the primary form of payment, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. However, larger hotels, restaurants, and stores may accept credit cards. It's advisable to carry some cash for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Mombasa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is a great time to visit Mombasa. The weather is hot and dry with plenty of sunshine, making it perfect for beach activities and water sports.
During these months, Mombasa experiences a long rainy season with heavy downpours. It's best to avoid visiting during this time as the weather can be quite wet and humid.
This period marks the short dry season in Mombasa. The weather is pleasantly warm and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
These months bring another short rainy season to Mombasa, but it's usually less intense compared to the long rainy season. The weather is warm and humid, and it's a good time for budget travelers to visit as prices are lower.
Mombasa at Night
Hiking in Mombasa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A nature reserve located about 33 km from Mombasa, offering scenic hiking trails through lush forests and diverse wildlife.
A popular hiking location near Mombasa, providing panoramic views of the surrounding areas and a chance to explore local flora and fauna.
Situated a short drive from Mombasa, Tezo Forest offers hiking trails surrounded by vibrant wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
An historical site that also offers hiking opportunities along the coast, with a chance to explore ancient structures and enjoy the ocean views.
Located north of Mombasa, this forest reserve features hiking paths through one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa, rich in biodiversity.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Mombasa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Mombasa by plane.
The main airport serving Mombasa, Kenya, and offers international and domestic flights.
Located in Nairobi, approximately 480 kilometers from Mombasa, it's the busiest airport in East Africa.
Located in Kisumu, approximately 970 kilometers from Mombasa, it connects to various domestic and regional destinations.
Located in Malindi, about 120 kilometers north of Mombasa, serving local and some international flights.
Located in Ukunda, near Diani Beach, around 30 kilometers south of Mombasa, primarily serving domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Swahili people are the dominant ethnic group in Mombasa, known for their unique culture and language, which blends Bantu and Arabic influences.
The Luo community in Mombasa is one of the larger ethnic minorities, primarily known for their fishing and agricultural practices.
The Kikuyu are one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya, and their presence in Mombasa is significant, particularly in trade and commerce.
The Coastal Arabs, descendants of traders, have a historical presence in Mombasa, contributing to the region's cultural and economic landscape.
The Somali community in Mombasa mainly engages in trade and has a significant cultural impact in the region.
The Indian community has a long-standing presence in Mombasa, significantly involved in business and commerce throughout the city.
Mombasa is also home to various small ethnic groups, contributing to its cultural diversity.
The Soul of Mombasa
Discover the essence of Mombasa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Mombasa, with numerous local clubs and a strong following among fans.
Rugby has a significant presence in Mombasa, with several teams competing in regional and national leagues.
Cricket enjoys popularity in Mombasa, with many local leagues and community teams participating in the sport.
Athletics is widely practiced in Mombasa, with many young athletes training for track and field events.
Given Mombasa's coastal location, swimming is a common sport, with many local swimming clubs and competitions.
Volleyball is also popular in Mombasa, especially beach volleyball, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mombasa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Kenyan cuisine often includes meat, many restaurants in Mombasa offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, especially those influenced by Indian and Swahili cuisines.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find options such as fresh seafood, rice-based dishes, and fruit at various eateries and markets in Mombasa, although dedicated gluten-free restaurants are limited.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Mombasa with these cultural adventures.
