Kenya coast destination
Mombasa
Fort Jesus, the Old Town and warm Indian Ocean beaches. Discover Kenya’s historic second city and gateway to the coast.
Location
Mombasa County, Kenya
Size
About 230 sq km
Ideal stay
2 to 3 days
Best time
Jun to Oct, Jan to Feb
Famous for
Fort Jesus and the Old Town
Where history meets the coast
Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest and second-largest city, an island port shaped by centuries of Swahili, Arab, Portuguese and British influence. Its Old Town, with narrow lanes, carved wooden doors and busy markets, still carries the layered history of a trading port that has welcomed ships for more than a thousand years.
Beyond Fort Jesus and the Old Town, Mombasa is the natural gateway to Kenya’s finest beaches. Nyali and Bamburi lie just north of the city, Diani is a short drive south, and the Tsavo parks are close enough for a safari from the coast.
Why Mombasa deserves more than a stopover
Six reasons to spend time in the city before you head for the beach.
Fort Jesus
A 16th-century Portuguese fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site above the harbour.
Mombasa Old Town
Narrow lanes, carved Swahili doors and centuries of layered history.
Swahili cuisine
Coastal flavours shaped by generations of Indian Ocean trade.
Gateway to Kenya's beaches
Nyali, Bamburi and Diani are all within easy reach of the city.
Lively markets
Spices, fabrics and local crafts fill the markets of the Old Town.
Safari from the coast
Tsavo East and Tsavo West are close enough for a short safari.
When to visit Mombasa
Mombasa is warm all year. Choose the season that suits your plans.
June to October
Cooler and dry
Pleasant temperatures for walking the Old Town and exploring the coast.
January to February
Hot and dry
Sunny beach weather and calm seas just outside the city.
March to May
Long rains
The quietest time of year, with heavier showers and the lowest rates.
November to December
Short rains
Occasional afternoon showers and a lively festive season.
Marine life you can see near Mombasa
The reefs and waters off the Mombasa coast are protected by marine parks and full of life.
Sea turtle
Green and hawksbill turtles feed on the reefs and seagrass beds.
Reef fish
Colourful fish shoal around the coral gardens of the marine park.
Starfish
Found in the shallow pools at low tide.
Colobus monkey
Found in the coastal forests along the south coast.
Humpback whale
Migrating whales pass along the coast from about July to October.
Things to do in Mombasa
History, food and the beach, all within a short drive of each other.
Fort Jesus tour
Explore the UNESCO-listed fortress and its views over the old harbour.
Old Town walk
Wander lanes lined with carved doors and Swahili balconies.
Spice market visit
Smell and taste the spices that shaped the coast.
Nyali Beach day
Relax on the closest beach to the city.
Swahili cooking
Learn the dishes and techniques of the Kenyan coast.
Planning your trip to Mombasa
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Mombasa
- By air: Moi International Airport has regular flights from Nairobi, about an hour in the air.
- By train: the Madaraka Express railway links Nairobi and Mombasa in around five to six hours.
- Combined routes: easy to pair with a Tsavo safari or a stay in Diani or Watamu.
Where to stay
- North coast: beach hotels in Nyali and Bamburi, close to the city.
- In the Old Town: small boutique stays in historic Swahili buildings.
- Every budget: we match hotels to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Safari and beach holidays
Itineraries that combine a Kenyan safari with time on the coast around Mombasa.
- Amboseli, Tsavo West, Tsavo East
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- 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
Mombasa FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about visiting Mombasa.
Where is Mombasa?
Mombasa is on Kenya’s south coast on the Indian Ocean. The city centre sits on an island linked to the mainland by bridges, a causeway and the Likoni ferry.
How many days do you need in Mombasa?
Two to three days is enough to see Fort Jesus and the Old Town and enjoy a beach day. Many travellers then continue to Diani or Watamu.
What is the best time to visit Mombasa?
June to October is cooler and dry, while January to February is hot and sunny. The long rains from March to May are the quietest time.
How do you get from Nairobi to Mombasa?
By a short flight, by the Madaraka Express train, or by road along the Nairobi to Mombasa highway.
Can you go on safari from Mombasa?
Yes. Tsavo East and Tsavo West are close enough for a one to three day safari from the coast.
Is Fort Jesus worth visiting?
Yes. Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a museum and some of the best views over the old harbour.
Start planning your Mombasa getaway
Tell us your travel dates and we will plan your time on the coast, with or without a safari.