From traveller-now

Mombasa is Kenya's second largest city and a sea port.

Understand

Mombasa is Kenya's main tourist destination. It is located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean; which has made it a popular destination for its beaches. Mombasa offers a diverse marine life, world-class hotels and friendly atmosphere. There is tropical climate all year and is a great destination filled with activities for all ages.

Mombasa was ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and British and originated back in the 16th century. Mombasa's culture today still exhibits that of its pasts. Historical Ruins like Fort Jesus and the Old Town are attractions that display the history in Mombasa.

Get in

By plane

The airport in Mombasa has been newley renovated and has increased the frequency of flights in and out of Mombasa from European cities. Kenya Airways [1] offers the most option for traveling to/from Mombasa.

By train

Trains services are mainly provided between Nairobi and Mombasa. The advantages of traveling by railway is the ability to see wildlife up close. The train ride from Nairobi to Mombasa is estimated at 13 hours. There are meal accomodations and options of purchasing first or second class seats.

By bus

Buses, while not a major mode of transportation within the city, are mostly used for traveling outside the city. The major player in transportation in Mombasa is Matatu, which are mostly fourteen-seater minibuses, and are quite popular amongst the residents.

Get around

By taxi from center: to south beaches ; ca 30-35 dollar. To airport:10-12 dollar Matatu (minibus) in city Ksh 50 (0,65)

Travel by the local bus-taxis (Matatus) if you've got the guts for it -they're mini-buses that they shove full of people (literally). They're cheap (ask someone at the hotel what the going rate is) don't let them scam you. They are all over and in huge numbers, and they're licensed (stickers on the windshields). Taxis don't have taxi-signs on the roof, but license papers stuck to the windshields.

See

• Fort Jesus. Fort Jesus is the most popular destination in Mombasa. Fort Jesus holds artifacts from when Mombasa was a transit port for the slave trade. There are torture rooms, cells, and many other displays from the 16th century. The attraction is from the morning until dusk.  
• Bombolulu Workshops. Bombolulu Workshops was founded in 1969 and is a Project of the Association for the Physically Disables in Kenya (APDK). This center is a popular attraction for tourist and has 150 disabled employees who create jewelry, textiles, wood and leather crafts. This Centre is the largest rehabilitation center in Kenya.  
• Hindu Temples. Attributes to Mombasa cultural diversity. Tourist/visitors are able to go inside the Temple accompanied by a guide from the Temple. Inside you will be able to see artifacts, idols and cultural pictures/paintings.  
• Mombasa Tusks. The tusks were built in 1952 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's visit to Mombasa town. They are located at the entrance to the city, they are not made of Ivory as is sometimes thought, but in steel. An interesting thing to note is that the tusks also immulate a M for Mombasa!  

Do

• Old town. Very nice atmosphere

• Diani Beach is the place to head to. A fantastic long white beach with loads of watersports and primates to see. A night at '40 thieves' beach bar is a great place to hang out with a few tuskers (beers). If you want to see one of the six primates species in South Coast Kenya visit the colobus trust for an informative walk to spot one of the many wild primates.

• Colobus Trust nature walks and conservation volunteering.

• Tiwi Beach is a place to visit on Mombasas south coast. Quiet beach not spoiled by mass tourism.

Take the Likona ferry to the south by taxi (ca $ 50,00) from Mombaca city center.

• Mtwapa Creek is a place to visit on Mombasas north coast. An Indian Ocean inlet with some small marinas and beautifull tropical vegetation. Very famous for bird watching, mountain bike tours around the creek and starting point for deep sea fishing trips.

• Njali Theatre featuring hollywood and bollywood new releases (500 KSH), with bowling alley, casino, and Italian Restaurant. Have some bhel puri while you're there. Taxi from centre 800 KSH, Tuk Tuk- 300 KSH.

• Kinazini Funzi Dhow Safaris, (1 hr south of Mombasa off main Tanzania Rd, bus transport from all beach hotels included), ☎ +254.734.603.250, [2]. Every day. Visit unspoilt Funzi Island via Dhow (traditional Arab sailing ship), explore Ramisi River Mangroves by canoe for crocs and lots of bird life up close, bathe on a magical sandbank in the Indian Ocean, feast on a lobster and seafood BBQ on a Robinson Cruesoe island. $105.  

Buy

Kenya Shillings is the form of currency. However Euros and USDs are accepted. $25 USD = 20 Euros = 2000 Shillings. Credit Card and Debit Card uses are ok, however it is highly suggested to alert your bank that you will be traveling and using your card. This will avoid them from thinking that your card has been stolen and fraudulent charges are being made.

Eat

Mombasa is known for their diverse cuisines from Swahili, Indian, Chinese, Korean, and Italian cultures. They offer an abundance of resturants and eateries to choose from including establishments with freshly caught seafood.

Some Restuarants to visit during your stay include:

POA Restaurant & Grill at Tembo Entertainment Plaza on the North Coast, near the Nakumatt Nyali Shopping Centre. Large menu ranging from Snacks, Burgers to Specialties from Germany, Italy, India, China, Thailand, as well as Seafood. Very reasonable and affordable prices. Open Throughout the night, from 6pm to 6am.

Blue Room - which offers a self-serve cuisine ranging from Indian bites to other items like burgers and pizza.

Chinese Galaxy - is the most visited Chinese cuisine attraction. They offer a wide range of selections at this fine dinning including house specials.

Tamarind - is the most popular amongst tourist on the island. It over looks Old Harbour and offers freshly caught seafood, exotic menues and nightlife entertainment.

Drink

There are quite a number of good bars, pubs and Entertainment Spots in Mombasa Town and the North Coast. Night Life is very vibrant in Mombasa.

One of the largest and most popular ones is the renown Tembo Entertainment Plaza [3] which is situated on Mombasa's North Coast near the Nakumatt Nyali Shopping Centre. It comprises of 6 different Outlets/Attractions, incl. a huge Open Air Disco, an Exclusive Disco Lounge Bar, a fully air-conditioned GoGo Bar, an A La Carte Restaurant, a Pizzeria and a 24hrs Beer Garden.

Tembo Disco at the Tembo Entertainment Plaza is one of the largest Discos in East Africa and can fit up to 3000 people. Situated in an old quarry with lots of the original tropical environment left in tact, giving it an enchanting tropical ambience.

The exclusive Comfy Lounge at the Tembo Entertainment Plaza is laid out in a posh and stylish upmarket design with comfortable sofa sets, tables, stools and a large bar counter. Its open daily from 6pm to 6am, with good background music until 11pm, thereafter the latest dance music until wee hours. Revellers can shake a leg on the medium sized dance floor.

An Insider Tip is the Lollipop Go-Go Bar at the Tembo Entertainment Plaza. Open daily from 9pm until 5am with attractive Table Dancers performing exotic Non-Stop Table Dance Shows. There is a large collection of Cocktails and International Beverages on the bar card.

Bavaria Beer Garden at the Tembo Entertainment Plaza is the ideal around the clock meeting place. Bavaria never closes. Its laid out in a Bavarian Oktoberfest Style and also has a Giant 3x3m TV Screen showing Live Sports Events.

Sleep

There are many accomodations to choose from when visiting Mombasa. A few that could highlight your experience are

Budget

• Mombasa Backpackers [[4]], +254 (o) 726862461. Behind Nakumatt Nyali shopping center (the one on the road on the way to mtwapa) off of Mahesh Doshi Rd. turn right on Third Av. house #69 with Black gates with white walls and yellow diamonds, will be on your right hand side after about 400 meters from the corner. This brand new hostel/ backpackers, which is owned and managed by backpackers, has self-contained dorms, singles, and doubles, with fans and mosquito nets. It also has a camping area, kitchen facilities, bar, many chill-out areas, book exchange, and satellite TV. A great location if you're moving by public transportation. Cheap & Cold beer 24/7.

Mid-range

Villa Annchen: Situated direct at Mtwapa Creek, on Mombasa north coast. Very private atmosphere and huge natural stone pool. 4 guest room with king size beds and en suite bathrooms. Rates from 40 $ low season - 80 $ high season per person/night. Tel: +254 (0) 710906126 Villa Annchen

Hotel Sapphire - At $20 per person you can stay at this hotel which offers 110 fully accomodating rooms and suites, catering providing food from various traditions and cultures, health club and gym and is completely furnished.

Sun N Sand Beach Club - All inclusive resort providing accomodations for 298 guest rooms, Health Club, Pool, nightlife, and various activities. This resort is also children friendly.

Royal Reserve Safari and Beach Club - Offers accomodations for all tourist including RCI timeshare members. The resort is located right off the cost with enjoyable nightlife, multiple restaurant selection with diverse cuisines, gym, pools, and friendly staff.

Stay safe

Several countries have issued warnings that the city centre is not safe during the night, that car-jacking is widespread and that robberies after sunset at the beaches can occur. Use common sense and a healthy dose of scepticism for your surroundings.

Stay healthy

Mombasa has 3 major good equipped private Hospitals with high standards. The Aga Khan Hospital, the Pandhia Memorial Hospital and the Mombasa Hospital. Many smaller hospitals, clinics are spread out all over Mombasa and the North Coast.

Get out