Mombasa is THE Definition of a Tropical Paradise

Mombasa, Kenya is a must-see! Why? Because the city is the gateway to the Kenyan coast which is home to beautiful coral reefs and gorgeous beaches. But this tropical seventh heaven isn't just for ocean sport enthusiasts. It is steeped in history epitomised by Fort Jesus and the Old Town and is also rich in wildlife particularly monkeys, reptiles, insects and even birds.

This page covers the following aspects of the city: tourist attractions, divers' haven, south coast hotels, north coast hotels, cottages, apartments, restaurants, nightlife, markets, flights, getting around, banks, foreign exchange, weather, packing list and safety tips.

Tourist Attractions

1. Beaches. Sunbathe, build castles or simply laze on Africa's finest beaches that offer lots of sun, sand and sea. The city's coastline is, for the tourists' convenience, often divided into 2, the north and south. The "South Coast," which is about 45 minutes' drive from the city is more coveted for its quieter, more unspoilt feel and largely consists of Diani Beach while the "North Coast," consisting of the Nyali, Bamburi, Mtwapa and Shanzu beaches, is nearer both the city and airport.

2. Mombasa Marine Park. This is the most visited marine protected area and is teeming with breathtaking coral gardens, crabs, shells, jelly fish and sea urchins, sea cucumbers and sea stars together with sea weeds. It is also perfect for diving.

3. 

   Mombasa "Tusks". You really haven't been to Mombasa until you have walked or driven through the 2 arches of giant "elephant tusks" which signal entrance into the city center where most of the hospitals, banks, shops and markets are located. If you are a conservationist, take heart, these tusks – built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952 – are not made of ivory but steel. This is certainly one of Mombasa's easily recognizable tourist attractions.

4. Mamba Village. East Africa's largest crocodile farm stars... you guessed it... crocodiles... by the thousands although it also features a botanical garden (where carnivorous plants(!) are displayed). The village also offers horse and camel riding though the highlight of each day is an astonishing scene of crocodiles tussling for decomposing meat at mealtime. For those inclined to savor the farm's culinary delights, be sure to order charcoal-grilled crocodile or ostrich or zebra. I understand it will be on your mind (and tongue) long after you've left Mamba Village.

5. Bamburi Nature Trail (Haller Park). Set on a rehabilitated abandoned limestone quarry, the Nature Trail boasts multifarious animal, reptile, fish, bird, insect and plant species. With some luck, you could be allowed to feed a snake – under close supervision, of course! The park has also generously provided for walking and cycling so if these are your pastimes, don't let the Kenya safari interrupt them.

6. 

   Fort Jesus. By far Mombasa's most popular standalone tourist attraction, Fort Jesus is an architectural masterpiece of the sixteenth century when it was built by Portuguese and renovated by the Arabs who routed them. The canons used to ward off enemies, slave prison cells, torture rooms have been preserved intact while a newer building houses a museum which displays various ancient Portuguese, Arab and African artifacts such as ceramics and jewelry.

   Fort Jesus offers an especially satisfying experience for those who want to go back in time and put Mombasa's cosmopolitan culture in perspective. I have found that it is worth hiring a guide to take you around the fort.

7. Located adjacent Fort Jesus, Old Town is a symbol of Mombasa's "melting-pot" status. The ancient buildings there feature ornately carved doors and are a good place to buy antiques and Kenyan souvenirs. Because the streets are quite narrow, it is advisable to explore Old Town on foot.

8. Bombolulu Workshops run by the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK) employs over 250 physically challenged persons who produce quality jewelry, batiks, leather crafts and wood carvings and leather crafts most of which are exported mostly to Europe and the USA. This is good place to pick up some souvenirs at a bargain so don't miss out on this Mombasa tourist attraction

9. Shimba Hills National Park is home to endangered species of cycad and orchids along with several hundred elephants, leopards and profuse birdlife which are lured by the sanctuary's waterhole. The reserve is ideal for animal watching (from the viewing platform), forest walks and picnics (at the scenic Sheldrick Falls)

10. Go mud-bathing at Sleepy Creek, on Chale Island. Wallowing in the volcanic mud – which contains phosphates and sulphur – is apparently good for all skin ailments such as pimples, acne, rheumatism and arthritis. Although the mud has a yucky smell, the exercise is very therapeutic but don't forget to wash off the mud with salty water (which relieves the itching caused by the sulphur) after 20 minutes. Sleepy Creek isn't just a much-sought-after Mombasa tourist attraction, it is highly recommended for those who want to look and feel more attractive.

Divers' Haven

The Mombasa diving experience is worth every penny and effort. Even though Kenya's most spectacular coral reefs are located further north between Watamu and Malindi and off Kiwaiyu Island, Mombasa's reefs and kaleidoscope of marine life are still worth exploring. So grab your diving gear or snorkel and mask, get onto a boat or simply swim out in search of these underwater treasures.

For those looking for a challenging diving experience, try MV Dania – sank in 2002 by Buccaneer Wrecks to create an artificial reef – and The Pinnacle whose depth and strong surrounding water current makes it a top spot for advanced divers visiting Mombasa.

If you want to brush up on your scuba diving, check out any of the PADI centers. On the North Coast, these include Buccaneer Diving at both Voyager and Whitesands Hotels while on the South Coast, be sure to check out Diani Marine Limited.

Because the marine ecosystem is extremely fragile, please remember to dive carefully and resist the temptation to touch the corals or feed any of the sea creatures. When mooring a boat, anchor well away from the coral gardens and swim to the reefs or better still, use a buoyed boat.

South Coast Hotels

Mombasa south coast hotels are renowned for their pristine atmosphere and superior white powder-soft uncrowded beaches (yeah, the possible adjectives are endless!). But the south coast is also much sought-after for its proximity to Jadini Forest – where colobus monkeys, baboons, birds and butterflies run riot - and the wildlife getaway of Shimba Hills National Park. Below are the top Mombasa south coast hotels.

Pinewood Village

It is set amidst coconut palms and dense tropical flora that attracts hordes of colobus monkeys and over 100 bird species from the surrounding forest. Accommodations consist of 36 standard rooms, 2 executive standard rooms, 18 suites and 2 executive suites – each featuring air conditioning, mosquito nets, an en suite bathroom and private balcony or terrace – built in clusters around the gardens.

The executive rooms are located on the seafront with spectacular views. Each suite is allocated a personal chef who prepares mouth-watering culinary delights and you know what? You don't have to be a honeymooner to revel in this pampering.

Facilities include tennis and squash courts, table tennis, pool, a massage parlor and beauty salon. You can also go on jet skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing and dolphin watching safaris. Pundits have dubbed it "by far the best value for money on the Mombasa Coast" so why don't you check it out for yourself?

Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa

Coco Jumbo, their kids' club promises to make your children's Mombasa safari fun and action-packed yet safe. Diani Reef also offers wind and kite surfing, jet skis and sea kayaks. If you have long dreamed of being lulled to sleep by the sound of the incredible Indian Ocean, you will live the life of your dreams:-) at Diani Reef Beach Resort.

Indian Ocean Beach Resort

Facilities include a 200-meter freeform pool and 3 plunge pools, 2 floodlit tennis courts, volleyball, croquet, a jogging trail and its enviable location next to a marine park means the resort is one of the best places to launch your scuba diving safari or test your windsurfing, catamaran, canoing and pedalos skills.

If you want to look and feel much younger after your Kenyan safari – as you certainly will after you see and touch the 600-year old baobab tree on its grounds, or the adjacent 16th century Mosque – make a date with one of this leading hotel on your next Mombasa safari.

Neptune Paradise Village

The Neptune's guest activities include water aerobics, volleyball, archery, beach football and tennis on floodlit courts and entertainment from local artists, musical bands and comedy skits in the evenings. There is also a kiddies club and casino while the Village offers various water sports with windsurfing being FREE to full-board guests.

Papillon

North Coast Hotels

Mombasa North Coast Hotels are popular and located conveniently close to the city center and most tourist attractions and offer an unforgettable Kenya beach safari. Here are the most popular Mombasa Northcoast hotels:

Voyager Beach Resort

Accommodations include 233 spacious well-appointed thatch-roof cabins, 83 of which have stunning sea views while facilities include 3 restaurants, a coffee shop, 3 bars. Voyager also has 3 swimming pools; a beachfront relax adult-only pool and a sports pool where water aerobics sessions are held every morning and a kids' paddling pool (with waterfalls!).

I will let you in on something I discovered when I last stayed at the Voyager; if you book your "cabin" full board, a glass-bottom boat ride to the Marine Park is FREE of charge.

If you are keen on an action-packed beach safari, you can go scuba-diving, big game fishing, wind-surfing and sailing. The icing on the cake for me was the Adventurers' Club which my kids absolutely loved. So, fancy getting on board the extremely seaworthy Voyager?

Nyali Beach Hotel

Although it has been extensively modernized, its reputation for hospitality endures to this day. While the standard rooms are very comfortable, only occupants of the more expensive Palm Wing will be privileged with the priceless sea views.

There are two large swimming pools, a kids' paddling pool and a tennis court and you can go on a marine safari arranged by PADI-affiliated diving school to snorkel, scuba dive, windsurf, fish or simply sail.

Whitesands Beach Resort

Facilities include a gym, kids' playroom and a spa that specializes in ayurvedic and continental massages. It also offers a wide selection of water sports, from jet skiing to deep sea diving professionally organized by the PADI-affiliated Buccaneer Diving School.

Serena Beach Hotel and Spa

What will even be more obvious the minute you step into the Serena reception is its Swahili-themed décor – the shimmering white walls, coral pillars, intricately carved Lamu doors, giant chests and furniture with inlaid brass, Arabian lanterns and winding stairwells.

Accommodations consist of 166 air-conditioned rooms and suites, each with both a shower and bath (the latter a rarity in Mombasa hotels). Facilities include a gym, tennis and squash courts, a barber and hair salon and a swimming pool.

Even though it is the most expensive of Mombasa North Coast hotels, Serena will always be dear to me because that is where my husband and I spent our honeymoon a couple of years ago.

Cottages

Mombasa cottages, especially the large beach cottages located by the virgin white beaches of the south coast, offer substantial savings for groups and a lot more privacy. So, if you prefer not to live in a hotel for these or other reasons, take your pick from the selection below.

Diani Beachalets

Most of the 1-4 bedroomed cottages overlook the Indian Ocean, and all are equipped with a cooker and fridge. And it isn't only the human guests who feel welcomed as the property is frequented by antelopes, bushbabies and colobus monkeys.

In addition to offering value for money, Diani Beachalets has a brilliant white uncrowded beach that is guarded by beautiful coral reefs. This is therefore an excellent place to launch your snorkeling safari.

Kijiji Cottages

Apartments

Mombasa apartments provide a memorable home away from home for those looking for a holiday that is less regimented than that provided by hotels.

Below are Mombasa's top rated apartments.

Tamarind Village

Every apartment is very spacious (with a large sitting or living room, kitchen and balcony), air-conditioned and en suite.

Although you can conveniently dine in the celebrated Tamarind Restaurant next door and the apartments offer stunning views of the Mombasa Creek, it does not have a beach.

Wayside Beach Apartments

Other facilities include a pool, sauna and Jacuzzi which make up somewhat for the fact that the property is not located on the beachfront.

Restaurants

Mombasa restaurants are as countless as the sand grains on the city's beaches but only a handful will leave you TONGUE-TIED - Tamarind, Tamarind Dhow and Yul's.

I was tempted to boldface the entire section but then again that would have left me little room to maneuver when I came to telling you about another Kenyan restaurant that is rated among the world's top 50! Anyhow, suffice it to say that these offer the very best culinary delights in Mombasa and am sure you will find I have NOT oversold them.

Tamarind

The Tamarind is way up there in the Premier League of Kenya's (not just Mombasa's) restaurants. This restaurant – whose menu is a blend of the finest French, Asian and African cuisine – will offer you imaginative bitings (I had roasted coconut and am still speechless). These are guaranteed to whet your appetite, so that you can sufficiently dig into some of the most mouth-watering seafood on earth.

Try their Prawns Piri Piri, Chilli Crab, Lobster Tamarind and Seafood Platter that have earned the restaurant worldwide rave reviews.

A vegetarian menu is also available. You won't only leave gastronomically pleased, the personal service, original presentation and uncanny attention to detail will blow you away.

But it isn't just the food that will endear you to this Mombasa restaurant. Its high arches and al fresco terrace perched on a cliff overlooking the picturesque Old Harbor are bound to create a memorable ambience, one that you will be toasting to long after you have left Kenya:-)

At about Ksh4,000-6,000 a plate, the Tamarind is pricey (but worth every cent or pence or name it...) so deepen all your pockets beforehand. Also remember to go there hungry so that you can do justice to their food. Because the restaurant is pretty busy all year round, bookings are advisable.

Tamarind Dhow

The Tamarind Dhow is Kenya's most expensive and possibly most thrilling dining experience. It is also part of the Tamarind Group that owns the Tamarind Restaurant reviewed above.

Two handcrafted originally ocean-going dhows, "Nawalilkher" and "Babulkher" were completely overhauled and converted into floating restaurants.

The 2-hour lunch cruise sets sail from the Tamarind Restaurant jetty at 1pm while the 4-hour dinner cruise departs at 6.30pm. The latter sails leisurely towards Fort Jesus and then up Tudor creek where it moors. Then the rhythms of an on-board band serenade you as you tuck into your delicious four-course meal. Sounds like music to your ears and food for your soul? Book your Kenya safari right away so that you can check out this top Mombasa restaurant for yourself. Advance booking for this dhow escapade is a MUST.

Yul's

Located right next to the Bamburi Beach Hotel, this seaside restaurant with an understandably odd name (it belongs to Yul:-) offers tasty salads and scrumptious seafood and charcoal-grilled Angus-steaks.

You will gnash at them for getting you hungrier as the aroma from the open kitchen periodically wafts to your table but will forgive them the instance your appealing and yummy food arrives. Their all-natural homemade Italian ice cream – presented in 60 different flavors – is plain sinful and is probably the reason you will be sneaking back there throughout your stay in Mombasa.

Another unrelated attraction of Yul's is its motodrom racecourse. So, if your 5-11 year olds cause tantrums when its time to leave, don't say I didn't warn you.

Nightlife

Mamba International Nightclub

Mamba International Nightclub situated next to the Nyali Golf Club and within the same compound as Mamba Village is so huge, it needs 13 bars to give its patrons a decent chance at quenching their thirst.

Although exciting contests such as DJ "spin-offs" are held every Friday, Saturday nights are by far the most exhilarating at the club.

The club's laser light show, posh sound system and sheer size combine to make it one of a kind. So, fancy dancing the night away in the crocodiles' turf? Yeah, that is Mombasa nightlife for you!

Florida Nightclub

Florida Night Club – where you can dance until dawn – is located on the seashores on Mama Ngina Drive, about 2 km from the city center. It has a 24-hour bar and a terrace which extends to the sea and provides a welcome respite from the sometimes deafening music but if you want the hottest sounds of Europe and Africa to throb in your ears, by all means ignore this:-).

The club's daily highlight is the local and international cabaret show.

Casablanca Club International

Casablanca's music is good and the beer well-chilled, so it attracts a sizable Western crowd. On the ground floor is Casanova Bar and dance lounge which features exotic dances and shows.

Mombasa Markets

Find out more about the Mombasa markets by clicking here.

Mombasa Flights

Many scheduled and chartered flights land at Mombasa from Nairobi and abroad and landing here makes sense if your Kenyan coast is your primary destination. You can find out more about Mombasa flights by clicking here.

Getting Around

Mombasa car rentals are certainly cheaper and more convenient than taxi-hopping and are a must if you plan to extensively explore the world outside your hotel or beach cottage (how else will you quickly get to and from Fort Jesus, Bamburi Nature Trail and Mamba Village?), eat out (at the Tamarind, Tamarind Dhow or Yul's perhaps?) or have nights on the town!

Daily car hire charges range from Ksh 3500 to 5000 (including insurance and waivers) for a minimum of a week but if you are an astute bargainer, you could bring the fee down a little bit.

The multinational Avis, Budget and Hertz all have a presence in Mombasa and you can arrange to take possession of your rented car upon arrival at the airport although you may still be required to go to the car hire firm's town office to pay the deposit and sign the contract.

Once you get behind the steering wheel, remember to stick to the left side of the road, not to talk on the mobile phone (you will be booked and fined on the spot), to steer well clear of matatus for your own safety and to lock your car when you leave it. And as with everywhere else in the world, never EVER be tempted to leave any valuables in the car – not even for a minute. And of course, don't forget to pack your driving license and carry it with you while drivng!

Banks

If you need to withdraw money from your debit or credit card you can, for a fee, do so from any of the 24-hour ATMs of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Barclays and Standard Chartered. These machines accept Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus cards but before you travel, make sure your card has been enabled for overseas use. The maximum amount you can withdraw from an ATM is usually Ksh 40,000 but may be less depending on the daily limits agreed with your card issuer.

Most of the branches of Barclays and Standard Chartered also give cash advances of up to Ksh 50,000 against Visa and MasterCard. Banks usually open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm and all or some Saturdays 9am to 11am.

Should you run out of money while on safari, your family and friends can quickly wire you some money via Western Union – which you can receive at PostBank and KCB branches and many forex bureaus. Alternatively, they could send the money using MoneyGram and you can pick this up at Cooperative Bank branches and many forex bureaus. Even though having money wired from abroad is not cheap, it is certainly easy and instantaneous.

Foreign Exchange

You can exchange major currencies such as US$, GBP and Yen for Kenya shillings at banks and forex bureaus dotted allover Mombasa. You will find indicative exchange rates for the Kenyan shilling against the major currencies, such as the US$, GBP and Yen here.

Mombasa forex bureaus consistently offer better rates than hotels and banks as the latter always charge FAT commissions on all transactions. In a sense therefore, forex bureaus are the lifeblood of the Mombasa foreign exchange market.

Weather

Mombasa's beautiful tropical beaches, palm groves and unique tourist attractions can be enjoyed all year round. However, if you want to make the most of your safari, it is advisable to avoid both wet seasons.

Planning to visit Mombasa during the rainy season does have its advantages though; the vegetation is remarkably lush and, because this is not the tourism peak season, the cost of accommodation and other items is appreciably down, the hotels are less crowded and the hotel staff are less harried and therefore more friendly.

Below is the Mombasa weather forecast for the next few days:

Forecast | Maps | Radar

Packing List

• Passport

• Money and credit and debit cards
• Toiletries. When you are surreally gazing over the magnificent Indian Ocean the morning after your arrival, it isn't very pleasant to suddenly be jolted into reality because you forgot your toothbrush, or your toothpaste or deodorant
• A sunscreen lotion

• A digital camera (preferably with a zoom such as the bestselling Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP or Canon PowerShot SD770IS 10MP) to enable you to immortalize your Mombasa safari.

  If your camera charger voltage isn't 240v or doesn't have the 3 square pin English plug, please remember to carry a converter such as the All in 1 Universal Travel Power Adapter which has served me well

• Lots of memory cards for your digital camera as these are rare and pricey here. You can check out the SanDisk 4 GB Extreme III Card which has a huge memory and is ideal for your Kenya trip
• A pair of binoculars such as the very portable Bushnell Powerview Compact Binocular

• Plenty of summer clothes – shorts, short-sleeved and sleeveless cotton tops, t-shirts and dresses

• Formal wear if you plan on dining out
• A light jacket
• A swimsuit. Even though you can get one at the swim shop opposite the Nakumatt supermarket in Nyali, it will be quite costly
• Sunglasses
• Jeans!
• A Straw hat or cap to keep the sun at bay
• A rucksack for your day trips
• Sandals
• Flip flops

It is advisable to use soft suitcases rather than the hard ones as the former are better able to withstand the rather rough handling at the airport.

If you will be staying in cheaper accommodation such as bandas, ask your host what other items (such as towel or bed sheets) you will need to carry.

Safety Tips

• Don't be ostentatious. It is better not to travel here with your expensive jewelry, watch and phone so cross it off your packing list
• Leave your passport, card and excess money in your room safe. Most of the hotels at the coast charge a nominal fee for use of the safe but it is certainly worth it
• As much as possible, don't walk around with handbags or rucksacks but if you must, remember to carry your money separately. I always carry a little money in my front jean pockets but make sure these are deep enough. If you have a discreet money belt, this is even better. Some men carry their money in their socks but don't remove and put it back in the full view of everyone
• Avoid deserted areas and unlit streets and alleys especially at night and take a taxi if you want to get out of the hotel grounds. If you must use public transport, use buses rather than matatus wherever possible as the latter are notorious for recklessness. If matatus are the only form of public transport plying your route, don't be embarrassed to ask the driver to slow down if he's driving recklessly
• Steer clear of "beach boys" who hover around the beaches. Even though they may attempt to lure you with rosy offers of cheaper safaris and boat rides, opt to deal with the diving centers at many of the beach hotels. And, when in doubt, seek the advice of the reception staff at your hotel
• As the tap water in Mombasa is of variable quality, it is always safer to drink bottled mineral water. In addition, be wary of food prepared by unlicensed roadside vendors because it could be contaminated
• Don't dress skimpily and even though this is a relative term, when out of the hotel grounds, dress modestly so that you don't offend the cultural sensibilities of the local residents most of whom are Muslim. Also remember that public nudity is a no-no in Kenya
• It is safest to carry out all your foreign exchange transactions in a forex bureau or bank. Don't be baited by the higher rates street vendors offer you as the risk of ending up with less or fake money is very real.

Related Pages

Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Return from Mombasa to Home page