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Kenya coast destination
Mombasa, where history meets the Indian Ocean
A historic port city of forts, spice markets and warm turquoise water.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Mombasa County, Kenya
Getting there
Train or a short flight
Ideal stay
2 to 3 nights
Best time
June to March
City overview
Kenya’s oldest gateway to the sea
Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city and has been a trading port for centuries, linking Africa with Arabia, Persia and India. That history lives on in the narrow streets of the Old Town, its carved wooden doors and the imposing walls of Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 1590s and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond the island, sandy beaches stretch north to Nyali and Bamburi and south towards Diani, making Mombasa an easy base for culture, food and time by the ocean, or a relaxing end to a safari.
- Train or short flight from Nairobi
- Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Beaches just north and south of the city
Why go
Six reasons to visit Mombasa
A lively coastal city with a story on every corner.
Fort Jesus
A sixteenth-century Portuguese fort with a museum full of coastal history.
The Old Town
Swahili architecture, carved doors and busy streets to explore on foot.
Swahili food
Biryani, pilau, grilled seafood and street snacks full of spice.
Nearby beaches
Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu offer sand and sea close to the city.
Dhow cruises
Sail around the harbour at sunset on a traditional wooden dhow.
Safari and beach
Tsavo is close enough to pair a short safari with your coast stay.
Marine life
What you will find in the ocean
The reefs and waters around Mombasa are full of colourful life.
Dolphins
Often seen on boat trips along the coast and in the marine parks.
Sea turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles feed on the reefs and seagrass beds.
Reef fish
Shoals of colourful fish in the Mombasa Marine National Park.
Starfish and shells
Discovered in rock pools and on the sand at low tide.
Humpback whales
Passing the coast on their migration, usually between July and October.
Colobus monkeys
Found in the coastal forests along the shore.
When to visit
Mombasa through the year
The coast is warm all year. Choose the season that suits your plans.
Peak season
December to March
Hot and dry
Calm seas, clear water and long sunny days. Ideal for beaches, snorkelling and diving.
Great time
July to October
Cool and dry
Pleasant temperatures and the season when humpback whales pass along the coast.
Quiet season
April to June
Long rains
Heavy showers, lush scenery and quieter beaches, with some hotels offering lower rates.
Good value
November
Short rains
Brief afternoon showers between sunny spells, before the festive season.
Things to do
More than the beach
History, food and the ocean, all within easy reach.
Fort Jesus
Explore the ramparts, cannons and museum of this historic fort.
Old Town walk
Wander narrow lanes, markets and mosques with a local guide.
Sunset dhow cruise
Sail past the fort and harbour as the sun goes down.
Swahili food tour
Taste the flavours of the coast, from street snacks to seafood feasts.
Snorkelling
Explore the coral gardens of the Mombasa Marine National Park.
Beach time
Relax on the palm-fringed beaches north of the city.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the coast.
By road or rail
The Madaraka Express train from Nairobi takes around five to six hours, or travel by road with a safari in Tsavo on the way.
By air
Daily flights from Nairobi reach Moi International Airport in about an hour.
Where to stay
Beach resorts on the north coast, or boutique hotels close to the Old Town.
Coast trips
Trips that include the Kenyan coast
Safari and beach holidays that finish by the Indian Ocean. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Amboseli, Diani, Mombasa
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Good to know
Mombasa questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Take the Madaraka Express train, fly in about an hour, or drive with a stop in Tsavo along the way.
Two or three nights is enough for Fort Jesus, the Old Town and some time on the beach.
Yes. Tsavo East and Tsavo West are close by, making a safari and beach trip easy to plan.
Light, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful when exploring the town.
December to March brings the calmest seas and the most sunshine.
Yes. Beaches, dhow trips and marine parks make it a great family destination.
Ready for the Kenyan coast?
Tell us your dates and whether you would like a safari too, and we will plan your Mombasa stay around you.
