Travel to Mombasa

Travel to Mombasa

Situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean in southeastern Kenya, Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya and it functions as the country's hub of coastal tourism. Its historic roots are ancient, with little known about the region's beginnings. Today, the Old Town still remembers much of the city's history, while the resorts beaches coupled with the important port and harbour, bring in much of the city's revenue.

Transportation to Mombasa

Moi International Airport (MBA) is the city's gateway and the second-most important airport in Kenya, located six miles northwest of the city centre. This is a growing and increasingly modern facility, built during WWII, which now sees an annual throughput of one million passengers.

Most passengers inbound to Kenya will be routed first through Nairobi. A reliable rail line connects Mombasa to Nairobi with multiple departures daily and a total travel time of 13 hours. Regular bus services go between the two cities as well, run by Kenya Bus Services. Taxis can be hailed all over the city, and fares are not fixed, so it's best to negotiate before you board.

The A109 highway runs northwest to Nairobi, and the A14 runs north and south along the coast. Visitors are warned against driving by themselves in the more remote areas of Kenya, as parts are nearly lawless and road conditions are, in places, less than satisfactory. All the same, it is entirely possible to drive from Mombasa all the way to Nairobi; drivers are required to hold an international driving permit.

What to see

Much of the city's allure is centred on the resort and beach life. The near north coast has some of the best and most reputable hotels, located right on the beach, only a few steps from the water. The city's historical side is on display in the Old Town, where visitors will find plenty of old architecture in need of renovation. There is even a Hindu temple in the city, where informative tours are lead by temple gurus.

Fort Jesus is by far one of the biggest historical attractions. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it sits on the coast in the Old City. In its time, the fort was used to facilitate the slave trade, with multiple holding cells inside. Today, it has been converted into a museum that is open to public tours and it is by far the most visited tourist attraction in Mombasa.

Daytrips

Visitors with access to a vehicle may wish to venture out of the city to explore the surrounding countryside. In particular, the Gedi Ruins are located near the town of Malindi and once served as home to a powerful sultan. They constitute some of the oldest surviving ruins in the area, dating back to the 15th century.

Another outlying attraction is the Crocodile Farm located in Mamba Village, in Nyali. This facility offers a comprehensive, informative tour that combines video and live interaction to inform visitors about its primary subject.

Activities and leisure

Water sports are a popular way to pass the time, as is simply lying on the beach and enjoying the consistently warm climate. Walking along the narrow, winding streets in the Old City is a good way to soak up the culture and history of Mombasa.

Local cuisine can be purchased here from the many street vendors and market stalls, and freshly caught seafood is an important element in much of the local food. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and discos. Many of the nicer hotels have their own dance clubs, the best of which are located on the nearby north coast.

Safety issues

The city of Mombasa has taken great measures to assure the safety of visitors, with police patrols on foot and by vehicle in every part of the city. All the same, there have been instances of violent crime, though not usually directed at tourists.

Pickpockets can be a nuisance in crowded areas, and it pays to take extra measures to secure your belongings. These risks, along with the routine risks posed by water sports and sunbathing, we strongly recommend that you take out a travel insurance policy to guard against all forms of loss, and to give you added peace of mind while you're away from home.