Mombasa, a historic coastal town in Kenya, is known for its beautiful beaches and white-blue colonial architecture. It is the oldest city in Kenya and a great place for a beach vacation, offering a perfect mix of activities. From beach days to history to safaris, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Within this travel guide, you will find all the information you need to visit Mombasa, from the best things to do for solo travelers, what to eat, and more. Without further ado, let's take a look at Mombasa's tourist attractions on the map below:
- Things To Do In Mombasa Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Mombasa?
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7 Best Things to Do in Mombasa
- Stroll Around Mombasa Old Town
- Check Out Mandhry Mosque, the Oldest Mosque In the City
- Learn The History At Fort Jesus
- Take Photos With the Mombasa Tusks
- Stroll Around Haller Park
- Spend A Day By The Beach
- Go On A Game Drive At One of the Largest National Parks in Kenya
- Extra: Visit Diani Beach South Of Mombasa
- More Kenya Activities
- What To Eat And Drink in Mombasa?
- Kenya Travel Video
- When To Visit Mombasa?
- How To Get To Mombasa?
- How To Get Around Mombasa?
- How Many Days To Spend in Mombasa?
- How Much Money Do I Need For Mombasa?
- Is It Safe in Mombasa?
- What to Pack for Mombasa?
- Further Reading for Kenya
Things To Do In Mombasa Itinerary Map
7 Best Things to Do in Mombasa
1. Stroll Around Mombasa Old Town
Mombasa has a long ancient history dating all the way back to 900 AD, making it the oldest city in the country. Due to its coastal location in the Indian Ocean, the city has been influenced by many external forces, which have culminated in its unique identity.
And there is no better place to see this drastic transformation than at Mombasa Old Town, where you will be able to stroll around the crisscrossing ancient streets full of old stunning yellow buildings that used to house the incredibly mixed population of Mombasa.
As you walk through the streets of Mombasa Old Town, you will see an Arab influence in the carvings of many of the old wooden doors still used today.
- Tulia House Backpackers (Budget)
- Bahari Beach Hotel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Severin Sea Lodge (High-End)
- 3-Day Amboseli -Tsavo East -Mombasa Midrange Safari ($640 pp USD)
- 3-Day Safari from Mombasa Tsavo East, Saltlick Lodge ($946 to $990 pp USD)
- 3-Day Amboseli and Tsavo East National Park Safari ($822 pp USD)
You will also be able to witness many British and Portuguese influences on features of colonial architecture throughout the Old Town. It's like walking back in time.
Mombasa Old Town is not very big, and you should be able to cover the whole area in a few hours while spending time visiting some of the attractions in the area. You can also go on a walking tour if you want to avoid getting harassed by corrupt police.
Where to Stay in Mombasa?
2. Check Out Mandhry Mosque, the Oldest Mosque In the City
Mandhry Mosque is one of the Mombasa attractions you should definitely not miss. It is the oldest mosque in the city and a great example of Swahili architecture. It combines the beautiful Arabic style with rounded African geometric patterns, as seen on its minaret.
It is one of the most iconic structures in Mombasa Old Town and shows that Swahili architecture was an indigenous product of Africa, not a product of outside influence, as many people believe.
Unfortunately, the mosque is not open to visitors, but you can admire its beauty from the outside as you explore the streets of Mombasa Old Town.
3. Learn The History At Fort Jesus
After spending a few hours exploring the beautiful streets of Mombasa Old Town, it's time to learn more about the rich history of Mombasa at the Fort Jesus Museum.
Fort Jesus is an old Portuguese coastal fortress turned museum, where you can learn more about the history of Mombasa and see some of the Kenyan archaeological finds in person.
The fort itself is already a pretty stunning tourist attraction on its own, but you will be able to appreciate Mombasa even more if you go inside to explore all the rooms and exhibitions that will delight the history buff inside you.
There are rooms dedicated to telling the interesting stories of Omani influences along the eastern coast of Africa, as well as how they were able to take control of the city from colonial powers like the Portuguese.
Similar to Zanzibar, the city has switched hands many times from the Portuguese to Omani to British, and eventually became independent before joining up with Kenya.
I found East African history to be extremely eye-opening, as you won't find much information about it outside of East Africa. I never knew how influential Oman was to this part of the world until now.
Fort Jesus opens from 8 AM to 10 PM every day, and the entrance fees to the museum are 1,200 KES for non-residents, 400 KES for East African residents, and 200 KES for locals.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
4. Take Photos With the Mombasa Tusks
One of the most popular landmarks tourists like to take photos of is the Mombasa Tusks monument, a giant aluminum monument in the shape of tusks built over a street in Mombasa to commemorate a visit by Princess Margaret, one of the daughters of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom.
And since it isn't too far from Mombasa Old Town, you can walk to Mombasa Tusks in about 15 minutes. So be sure to drop by there and take a few photos of yourself and the tusks to commemorate your visit to Mombasa.
5. Stroll Around Haller Park
If you are looking to escape the bustling city of Mombasa and would like to spend some time with nature and be around animals Kenya is known for, Haller Park is a great place to visit.
Haller Park used to be a quarry wasteland, but it was transformed into a recreational park for us to explore and a sanctuary for animals such as hippos. The park holds a variety of animals, including elands, oryx, hippos, giraffes, tortoises, and more.
The park is pretty big, and you can spend an hour or two just walking around, following the guided directional signs. Alternatively, you can also get a guide to take you through the park. It is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday. The entrance fee is 800 KES per person. I highly recommend visiting the park during feeding time at 3 PM every day.
6. Spend A Day By The Beach
Now, if you are tired of exploring Mombasa and its historical sights, do not worry. There are many beaches where you can relax for a few days in Mombasa. One of the most popular beaches in Mombasa is Nyali Beach.
Nyali Beach is a long strip of white sand beach in Mombasa that offers many opportunities to swim in the ocean and sunbathe on its spacious beach.
Unfortunately, it's not as quiet as it used to be, and you might be annoyed by the number of beach boys who will try to sell you stuff. If you are looking for a quieter beach and you do not mind traveling an hour and staying overnight somewhere else, I highly recommend you go to Diani Beach instead.
If you do not have the time to visit farther away beaches, Nyali Beach is good enough. Just make sure not to have too high of an expectation and ignore the beach boys.
7. Go On A Game Drive At One of the Largest National Parks in Kenya
As an optional day, you can also go on a full-fledged safari trip from Mombasa to one of the largest national parks in the country, Tsavo East National Park, located almost 300 km north of Mombasa.
You are going to need to go on an organized tour to visit Tsavo East National Park, and it will take you an entire day. There are actually 2 sections of the national park: east and west, but most tours from Mombasa will visit only Tsavo East. If you wish to see both, you are going to have to go on a multi-day trip, which should cover both in 3 days.
At Tsavo East National Park, if you are lucky, you can see some of the big cats, such as lions, cheetahs, and even leopards. You will also see many elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, and more.
If you have never done a safari trip before and want to make the best out of your visit to Mombasa, I highly recommend spending a day at Tsavo East National Park. A day trip to Tsavo East National Park can cost 200 USD and 500+ USD. There are plenty more tours you can choose from, so be sure to check them out here:
8. Extra: Visit Diani Beach South Of Mombasa
Technically, Diani Beach is not in Mombasa, but it's not too far either. And if you are disappointed by the beaches in Mombasa, Diani Beach offers a much more remote, less crowded, and more relaxing beach experience that you can go for.
Diani Beach is only 1 hour from Mombasa, and you can easily reach there by Uber/Bolts for around 2,000 KES. If you have a few extra days in Mombasa, I highly recommend spending a few days at a beachfront resort in Mombasa.
If you are trying to find good accommodation in Diani Beach, I highly recommend finding a beachfront resort where you will have direct access to the beach anytime. For budget travelers, I stayed at Bahari Dhow Villas and I really enjoyed my time there. The place is located right at the beach; they have spacious rooms and a great restaurant with many seafood dishes to choose from.
What To Eat And Drink in Mombasa?
1. Have Lunch at Jahazi Coffee House
If you are looking for a nice restaurant for lunch in the old town area, Jahazi Coffee House is a great place to drop by and have some Indian-influenced local dishes like chicken biryani, as well as other Swahili food, coffee, and plenty of snacks.
The restaurant is located in the middle of the old town area, in a beautiful colonial-style building, with white-blue decors as well as a relaxed vibe that Mombasa is well-known for.
The food and snacks are affordable, and you can sit on a comfy seating area on a carpeted floor like the locals do or eat at a proper table. The restaurant opens from 10 AM to 6 PM every day except Sunday.
2. Try Delicious Food and Coffee At Java House
Now, if you are looking for a nice cafe and a place to have some delicious food, both Western and local, one of my favorite places is Java House. Java House is a local franchise of coffee shops that has evolved into a Western-style dining restaurant and has spread throughout East Africa.
Java House is known for its local coffee blend as well as its western-style quality food, decor, and atmosphere that rival those of Starbucks in the west. They have all kinds of menus you can choose from. They even serve Rolex, a derivative term for rolled eggs, a local dish I highly recommend you try.
You can find Java House at Nyali Centre Shopping Mall. The restaurant opens from 7 AM - 10 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 10 PM on weekends. The food and coffee are on the pricey side, but you are definitely getting what you paid for here.
When To Visit Mombasa?
Mombasa can be visited year-round, but in order to avoid the price hike and crowds during peak season, the best time to visit Mombasa is between June and August when there's the least rainfall, cooler temperatures, and it is not too crowded.
It is also a great period to do a game drive on a safari if you are planning to visit places like Tsavo National Park when you are in Mombasa, so I highly recommend you align your trip to the suggested period to maximize the activities you can enjoy in Mombasa.
How To Get To Mombasa?
Nairobi is considered to be one of the travel hubs of East Africa, with most flights flying in and out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and that is where our journey begins.
From the US, there is one direct flight from JFK to Nairobi via Kenya Airways. You can also choose indirect flights offered by many airlines such as Delta, British Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines from major cities in the US like New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, etc. Therefore, you should have no trouble reaching your destination.
From Europe, you can fly directly from places like London, Amsterdam, and Paris with direct flights offered by British Airways, KLM, and Air France, respectively.
From Asia, Turkish, Qatar, and Emirates Airlines have excellent coverage over the continent with routes from many hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta that will take you to Nairobi via transit in Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul. The journey should take about 30 hours, including transit time.
To find a cheap flight to Kenya, I would recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to search for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and choose the best one.
Getting From Nairobi to Mombasa
By Trains: To get from Nairobi to Mombasa, you can take the express train from Nairobi Railway Station that costs around 1000 KES (10 USD) and takes about 5 hours. The train runs twice a day at 3 PM and 10 PM every day, and you can book it from the train official website.
By Plane: From Nairobi, you can also fly directly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Mombasa Airport via Kenya Airlines, which should cost around 6,870 KES (62 USD) and take about 1 hour.
How To Get Around Mombasa?
By Tuk Tuk: The cheapest way to get around Mombasa is by flagging down one of the many Indian-style tuk-tuks, which are a common mode of transportation in places along the east coast of Africa. They often roam the streets at all hours, being cheap, fast, and easy to find. Just make sure you agree upon the price before getting on.
By Bolt/Uber: Another great way to get around Mombasa is by using taxi-hailing apps like Bolt (Android|iPhone), a cheaper alternative to Uber with a discounted price on the first 5 rides you take, or Uber (Android|iPhone). They are a cheap and convenient way to travel between further places like Mombasa Old Town and Nyali Beach.
How Many Days To Spend in Mombasa?
Depending on how many days you want to spend on the beach, you can spend 1 to 3 days in Mombasa. Below is an example Mombasa itinerary.
Day 1: Explore the Old Town Area, visiting Fort Jesus, Mombasa Tusks, etc.
Day 2: Spend the morning at Haller Park and the rest of the day at the beach.
Day 3 (optional): Go on a safari trip around Tsavo National Park.
How Much Money Do I Need For Mombasa?
From the rough 2-3 day itinerary above, we can calculate how much you will be spending in Mombasa as follows:
Accommodation: For 4 nights, you can expect to pay around 32 USD (3,651.20 KES) for accommodation.
Food: Food costs about 1,100 KES per meal on average in Kenya, so you can expect to pay around 9,900 KES per person.
Transportation: For transportation, you will be paying 1,100 KES for the Nairobi-Mombasa train and around 1,000 KES for general Uber rides, totaling the amount of 2,100 KES for transportation.
Activities: For activities, you will be paying an entrance fee to Fort Jesus (1,200 KES), and that is it. If you want to spend a day in Tsavo East National Park, expect to pay an extra 200 USD.
Total Budget for 2 - 3 days in Mombasa: 16,851.2 KES (147.69 USD) + 200 USD (optional) for a trip to Tsavo East National Park
Is It Safe in Mombasa?
Mombasa is generally an okay place for tourists, but certain aspects of the country can be pretty troublesome for travelers.
Traveling in Mombasa with a tour group is completely safe, but I can't say the same for traveling independently. The locals are nice and friendly, especially outside big cities, BUT the corrupt police are a big issue here.
Traveling independently in Mombasa or anywhere else in Kenya, for that matter, requires extreme precautions to avoid getting into "trouble" with the police. One rule of thumb is not to take a photo of anything, ANYTHING, outside of tourist attractions.
I got arrested by the police for taking photos of a "government building", a police station several blocks away and not visible in my photos. They asked me to pay 70 USD as a bribe!
All I did was take a photo of a colonial building in Mombasa! Police in Kenya will arrest you for anything to get bribes. A friend of mine got arrested for taking off her mask to drink in public, and they asked her to pay 50 USD.
In Kenya, the corrupt police are the true thieves, and they can rob you in broad daylight, around many people, with no repercussions. This really makes traveling in Kenya independently extremely difficult. Just try not to do anything "touristy" in public and avoid attracting the attention of these policemen. All should be fine.
If you want to completely avoid dealing with these corrupted policemen, you might find it better to go around with an organized tour where a local will help you navigate the city trouble-free. There are many tours you can join in Mombasa, so be sure to check that out.
What to Pack for Mombasa?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Mombasa, Kenya:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Mombasa, Kenya in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Kenya
I have plenty of articles to help you further with your trip planning for Kenya. Here is a selection of articles you might find useful:
- Planning to visit Kenya for the first time? Here are the 10 best things to do in Kenya.
- Looking for a complete itinerary for backpacking in Kenya? Check out: 7 Days - 2 Weeks Backpacking Kenya Itinerary.
- Diani is one of the best beaches you can visit in Kenya. Here is a complete guide on how to get to Diani Beach.
- You never thought that it would happen to you until it did. Here is my story on how I got robbed in Kenya in broad daylight... by the police.
- To see all articles about Kenya, visit our Kenya Travel Guide page.
- Want to travel the entire East Africa? Check out all of our East Africa Travel Guides.
- Looking for more travel guides for Africa? You can find more on my Africa Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.