Mombasa

What's so special about Mombasa?

  • Proximity to fabulous sandy beaches, fringed with tall palm trees and lapped by the sparkling azure waters of the Indian Ocean. The North Coast beaches are accessible by road, via a bridge, while the more remote South Coast beaches are reached by means of a passenger ferry across the Likoni Channel.  During the high season, two airlines operate direct daily flights from Nairobi to Diani airstrip on the South Coast.
  • Rich cultural heritage as the city was ruled by the Arabs in ancient times. This can be seen in the Old Town, where the streets are too narrow to accommodate large vehicles, and where the inhabitants are mainly of Arab origin - whose forefathers walked the same streets. The air is heavy with the scent of spices and buibui clad women can be seen, as well the men in kikois.  Fort Jesus, built in the 16th Century by the Portuguese to defend the town, and later, was used to hold slaves in captivity still stands strong today and is a major tourist attraction.
  • Home to Haller Park, the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa. Follow the walking trail to see the large variety of animals, reptiles and insects, as well as beautiful gardens.
  • Rich marine life in the waters around the island, making it a premier choice for scuba diving and snorkeling. It has been rated one of the best dive centres in the world.
  • There is a natural coral reef fringing the shoreline, running between 0.5 to 2 km offshore ensuring safe swimming and watersports activities in the waters within the reef.
  • Almost guaranteed sightings of whale sharks on the outer reef, between February to March.
  • Warm, balmy weather all year round, with fresh sea breezes during June - August, and roughly 8 hours of daylight all year round.
  • World class beach hotels, located right on the beach and some of them with excellent spa facilities.
  • Environmentally friendly projects, such as the rearing of endangered forest butterflies, and the conservation of sea turtles by protecting their nesting and feeding sites.
  • Superb seafood cuisine with a Swahili flavour, served by a variety of restaurants, some of them offering romantic dhow cruises for dinner and some located by the sea.
  • Close proximity to Shimba Hills National Reserve and Arabuko Sokoke National Park, for a full day excursion to see wildlife.
  • Proximity to Tsavo National Park for overnight trips to see game.
  • Mombasa has daily flights to some of the major parks and reserves, making it convenient for visitors to the coast, to combine the beach holiday with a safari.
  • A pulsating night life with large clubs, many beach bars and local bars.
  • A major port of entry for luxurious cruise liners
  • Mombasa and the surrounding areas have been featured prominently in the Halo franchise of video games, especially Halo 2 which is set in 2552.

 

FAST FACTS

Altitude

50 m above sea level

Area

295 sq km

Location

South East Coastline of Kenya, Coast Province

Climate

Warm, tropical climate with the winter months of June, July & August slightly warmer than summer. Rainfall is heaviest in April & May while January to February, the rainfall is minimal.

Accessibility

Mombasa has an international airport where charter & schedule flights arrive from all over the world. There are currently 4 airlines operating daily schedule flights from Nairobi. During the high season, charter companies from Europe operate direct flights to Mombasa. There is an airstrip on the South Coast and during the high season this will be served by 2 daily flights from Nairobi, operated by 2 airlines.  

 

What can I do there?

  • Swim in balmy & safe waters of the Indian Ocean
  • Engage in water sporting activities such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, deep sea fishing, parasailing, beach parachuting and kite surfing.
  • Hire a sea kayak and explore the remote coves and sheltered bays along the coastline.
  • Scuba dive in the waters of the Kisite Marine Park and Mpunguti National Reserve, where spectacular coral and plunging drop offs are home to aquatic life such as snappers, baraccuda, rare zebra sharks and massive Napoleon wrasse. Scuba divers at Kisite Point often encounter hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins, while the Reserve is home to large Manta Rays. This can be combined as a full day excursion, with a visit to Wasini Island where a delicious seafood lunch is served.
  • Big game fishing in Shimoni where some of the prizes include Sailfish, Trigger fish, Butterfly fish, Puffer fish, Marlin, Kingfish, Wahoo, Horse Mackerel, groupers and Emperors  - a tag and release programme ensures eco-friendly fishing.
  • Wreck dive on the MV Unfuguo which has become a massive haven for sea life since it split open some years ago.
  • Visit the ruins of Gedi, a 15th century town that was inexplicably abandoned.
  • Take a romantic dinner dhow cruise and dance under the stars, to the resident band on board.
  • Visit Mombasa's famous ocean-side restaurants, and enjoy a fabulous seafood meal
  • Dance the night away in clubs pulsating with rhythm or at laid back beach bars

 

Where can I stay?

  • 3, 4 and 5-star beach hotel and small boutique beach hotels
  • Luxury self-catering cottages

 

Best time to visit

December to March and August to October