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Kenya coast destination

Mombasa

Coral-stone alleys, a 16th-century fort and white beaches just north of the old harbour.

Mombasa holidays
Plan your trip

Location

Mombasa County, Kenya

Best time

December to March

Ideal stay

Two to three nights

Famous for

Fort Jesus and Old Town

Location

Mombasa County, Kenya

Best time

December to March

Ideal stay

Two to three nights

Famous for

Fort Jesus and Old Town

A scenic aerial view of lush trees and coastal homes along the Kenyan shoreline.

Best time to explore

Early morning, before the heat, when the Old Town lanes are quiet.

Where history meets the Indian Ocean

Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest city and its busiest port, built on an island linked to the mainland by bridges and the Likoni ferry.

Portuguese, Omani and British rule have all left their mark. Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guards the old harbour, while the narrow lanes of the Old Town are lined with carved doors, mosques and spice shops. North of the island, Nyali and Bamburi have long stretches of white sand.

Places to explore

  • Fort Jesus
  • Old Town
  • Mama Ngina Waterfront
  • Nyali Beach
  • Bamburi Beach
  • Haller Park

Life on the reef

Mombasa Marine National Park protects coral gardens just off the northern beaches.

Sea turtle

Green and hawksbill turtles feed over the reef and seagrass beds.

Reef fish

Shoals of colourful fish swirl around the coral heads.

Starfish

Look for starfish and sea urchins in the rock pools at low tide.

Dolphin

Dolphins are often seen on boat trips along the coast.

Humpback whale

From July to October, humpbacks pass offshore on their yearly migration.

Kingfishers

The mangrove creeks around the island are rich in kingfishers and waders.

More than a city break

Hover or tap a card to see how each experience fits into your days in Mombasa.

Fort Jesus

Four centuries of history.

Fort Jesus

Walk the ramparts and museum of the fort the Portuguese built in the 1590s to guard the old harbour.
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Old Town walk

Carved doors and coral lanes.

Old Town walk

A local guide leads you past Swahili houses, old mosques and the bustling Old Port.
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Spice market visit

Colour, scent and noise.

Spice market visit

Browse Marikiti market for spices, tropical fruit and kikoys, then stop for a fresh juice.
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Beach time

Nyali and Bamburi sands.

Beach time

Spend lazy days on the white beaches north of the island, with the reef just offshore.
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Swahili cuisine

Flavours of the coast.

Swahili cuisine

Try biryani, pilau and coconut fish curry, plus street food such as mahamri and grilled cassava.
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Sunset dhow cruise

The harbour from the water.

Sunset dhow cruise

Sail past Fort Jesus and the Old Town aboard a traditional dhow as the sun goes down.
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When to visit Mombasa

Mombasa is warm all year. The season you pick shapes the weather, the sea and the crowds.

Best time

December to March

Hot, dry season

Sunny days, calm seas and the warmest water of the year. Book early for the holidays.

April to June

Long rains

Heavy showers and high humidity, but quiet beaches and lower rates.

July to October

Cool, dry season

Breezy, pleasant days, with humpback whales passing offshore.

November

Short rains

Short tropical showers between long sunny spells.

Planning your trip

The practical details, so you can decide how to travel and where to stay.

Getting there

Air, rail or road.

  • By air: about an hour from Nairobi to Moi International Airport.
  • By rail: the Madaraka Express runs between Nairobi and Mombasa in around five to six hours.
  • Combined routes: Tsavo East and Tsavo West are a short drive inland for a safari and beach trip.

Where to stay

Beach resorts and city hotels.

  • North coast: beach resorts along Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu.
  • In the city: hotels close to the Old Town and Fort Jesus.
  • Any budget: we match hotels to your style, from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts.

Fort Jesus and the marine park charge separate entry fees per person. Ask us for the current rates when you request your quote.

Safari and beach holidays

Ready-made trips that pair Mombasa with a safari in Tsavo or Amboseli, or a few days on the south coast.

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Mombasa FAQs

Can’t see your question here? Our Nairobi team is available 24/7.

Talk to Serval Tours and Travel

Yes. It combines Swahili history, Fort Jesus and lively markets with good beaches just north of the city, so it works well on its own or after a safari.

Two to three days is enough to see Fort Jesus and the Old Town and enjoy the beaches. Add more nights for a longer beach stay.

December to March is hot and dry, and July to October is cooler and dry. April to June brings the heaviest rain.

Fly in about an hour, take the Madaraka Express train in around five to six hours, or drive in about eight to ten hours.

Yes. Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu on the north coast have long sandy beaches and resorts, with the marine park just offshore.

Yes. Tsavo East is two to three hours away by road, and Tsavo West and Amboseli are easy to add on a longer trip.

Light clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful, especially near mosques.

Yes, though the tide changes a lot. At low tide the water over the reef can be very shallow, so plan swims around high tide.

Start planning your Mombasa getaway

Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We’ll come back with a Mombasa plan built around the season and the experiences you want most.

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