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 diverse marine life, world-class hotels and a friendly atmosphere. Here is The City Guide to Mombasa.
UNDERSTANDING MOMBASA
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 past.
Mombasa with a population of over 1 million, is the second-largest city in Kenya. It is particularly known for its warm and sunny climate, white beaches and coral reef diving.
Mombasa is Kenya's main tourist destination. It is 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 a tropical climate all year and it is a great destination filled with activities for all ages.
Mombasa was founded in the 16th century and has been ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and British. The city'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.
The central part of the city, Mvita, is an island in a river delta, accessed by bridges and from the south by ferries operating around the clock. It is a very cosmopolitan city, and you can see a group of Muslims wearing niqab (here known as "bui bui") and Giryama people wearing almost nothing at the same time and place.
Together with Nairobi, it is the only place in the country that has a status as both city and county.
The city of Mombasa is divided into four administrative divisions. These are clearly geographically defined and are therefore useful for orientation.
As in many other metropolises, it is difficult to distinguish the newer areas from the original city (Mvita). As of 2009, 90% of the urban area was built up. And as in all major Sub-Saharan African cities, there are several shantytowns in the suburbs. The largest is Kisauni-Kongowea in Kisauni, and others include Chaani-Magongo and Miritini in Changamwe as well as Mtongwe in Likoni.
Most hotels and activities are concentrated on the island of Mvita and along the northern coast in the Kisauni division.
Mvita
The island where the original city was founded. The old town is calmer than the rest of Mvita and ranges from the old port to Fort Jesus which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. South of the fort there are administrative quarters and three of the city's four hospitals. To the west there is the port area. Central Mvita, including part of the Haile Selassie road is a permanent market with colorful shops, stalls, street food and public places.
Changamwe
The gateway to the city if you're coming from Nairobi. Here are the international airport, part of the port and oil and chemical industry plants. Changamwe is connected to Mvita by Makupa Bridge.
Kisauni
Kisauni is often called the "north coast". This is where the largest slums of Mombasa are located, but also the sand beaches of Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu, all bordered by luxury hotels and vacation houses. It is connected to Mombasa Island by Nyali Bridge and to the neighboring village of Mtwapa by Mtwapa Bridge.
Likoni
Often called the "south coast". Like Kisauni it has a large sand beach, Shelly Beach, but the accommodation here is mostly made up of apartments. It is connected to Mvita by ferry.
Tourist information
Tourist Office, Bima Tower, Digo Rd, e-mail: tourism@mombasa.go.ke
GETTING IN
By plane
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| Moi International Airport |
Moreover, there are direct flights from European destinations such as
Bologna , Frankfurt, London, Milan , Rome, there are also flights from Addis Ababa, Zanzibar, Dubai, Kigali, Istanbul, Moroni, Dar es Salaam.
Airlines that fly to Mombasa are:
- Kenya airways.
- Jombo Jet
- Fly540
- Ethiopian airlines.
- RwandAir.
- Tukish airlines.
- Fly-Sax.
- Meridiana airlines.
- Mombasa Air Safari.
- ZanAir.
Moi International Airport , Road C110, Barack Obama Rd, ☎ +254 716 694306 . Moi Airport is the second most important airport in Kenya, after Jomo Kenyatta in Nairobi. It is located in Changamwe, 6km from Mombasa Island to which is linked by the roads 110 (Barack Obama Road) and 109. Taxi or shared taxi ("matutu") is the most common way to get to the island from the airport, as of 2014 the fares for a taxi ride is between KES1000-1600, while a matutu ride will cost KES 80-160. Certain hotels offer shuttle services from the airport against a fee. There are also cars to rent.
Bamburi Airport , Off Old Shimo La Tewa Road, Bamburi. The budget carrier Airkenya Express operates charter flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Bamburi Airport.
Kenya Airways offers the most as far as options for traveling to/from Mombasa.
By train
The train ride from Nairobi to Mombasa is estimated at 13 hours. There are meal accommodations and options of purchasing first or second class seats.
By bus
The major provider of transportation in Mombasa is Matatu; the fleet consists mostly of fourteen-seater minibuses. Matatu is quite popular with the residents.
By car
Kenya drives on the left and it will likely take some time to adapt to the local traffic culture. Drive in daytime only and keep the car doors locked, especially in urban areas.
In Kenya foreign drivers must have an
international drivers licence . These can be obtained through automobile clubs, travel agencies, or from the Road Transport Office located in the Income Tax House in Nairobi.
By Boat
There are three ways to get to Mombasa by boat: by private boat, cruise ship or ferry.
By private boat.
On Mombasa Island there are two sailing clubs open to non-members and two hotels with marinas open to non-guests.
- Mombasa Yacht Club , Kilindini Harbour (starboard after Cap Likoni ), ☎ +254 733 923429, +254 733 610754 .
- Tudor Water Sport , Tudor Creek (the marina of Tudor Water Sport Hotel, port side after Cape Saadi ), ☎ +254 717 556691 , e-mail: marinecrafts@africaonline.co.ke .
- English Point Marina , Tudor Creek (the marina of Hotel English Point, starboard after Mckenzie Point ), ☎ +254 786 456777.
By cruise ship.
Certain companies offer cruises that call at Mombasa:
- Oceania Cruises , ☎ +44 845 5051920.
Cruises on board MS Nautica.
- Silversea Cruises , ☎ +377 97702424 (Monaco), +49 69 920399340 (Frankfurt).
Regent Seven Seas Cruises , ☎ +44 238 0682140, e-mail: information@rssc.com .
By ferry.
If you are arriving overland from south, you need to cross the river by the Likoni Ferry.
- Likoni Ferry , Likoni-Ukunda Rd, ☎ +254 20 2118344, +254 723 664000, fax: +254 20 2118346. Schedules . The ferry is free for pedestrians.
GETTING AROUND
There are no traffic lights in Mombasa and the traffic will likely appear chaotic to a westerner. Traffic laws are not respected, even when police are present.
By minibus
There is no regular public transportation network in the city. The closest equivalent are the aforementioned matatus (minivans) of which there are about 3500 (licensed ones have stickers on the windshields) in the city.
They're cheap — ask someone at the hotel what the going rate is and don't let them scam you. Don't expect to be comfortable; as the drivers want to take as many passengers as possible, you will often be crammed in like a sardine.Certain lines connect Mombasa and Malandi, the ride taking about two hours at a price of KES120.
By motorcycle and bike
For the more adventurous there are tuk-tuks (motorized trikes with a cabin for the passengers), pikipikis (motorcycle taxis), and boda-bodas (bicycle taxis). The latter two are rather dangerous and scary modes of getting around. The price for a tuk-tuk ride is around KES70-100, pikipiki around KES50 and boda-boda around KES20.
By taxi
Normal taxis, both official and unofficial, are also available. Taxis don't have taxi signs on the roof, but license papers stuck to the windshields. The ride is in general paid beforehand after some negotiation and you can expect the driver to stop at a service station to fill up just the necessary amount to get you to your destination. As of 2014, a ride from the airport to central Mombasa costs around KES1000-1600.
By car
It is also possible to rent a car with or without a driver. If you need to get around a lot but are scared of driving, you can usually negotiate fares for longer periods (e.g. one day) with taxi drivers. Do this only after a "test ride", as taxi drivers are not always knowledgeable of the city.
Kenya Red Cross , ☎ +254 41 2224161,
+254 725 292000 , fax: +254 41 2313236. The local Red Cross office tweets real time information about accidents, demonstrations and other things that may interrupt traffic.
THINGS TO SEE
Bombolulu Workshops.
Bombolulu Workshops was founded in 1969 and is a project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK). This center is a popular attraction for tourists and has 150 disabled employees who create jewelry, textiles, wood and leather crafts. It 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. Its just a-must-vist.
Mombasa Tusks.
On Moi Avenue. The tusks were built in 1956 to celebrate Princess Margaret'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 of aluminum. An interesting thing to note is that the tusks form dual archways over each side of the road creating the shape in entirety of an 'M' for Mombasa or Margaret!
THINGS TO DO
Old Town.
Located around Ft. Jesus, this historic district has mostly been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants. A nice place to explore on a Sunday when much of the city is closed down.
Colobus Trust nature walks and conservation volunteering at Diani Beach.
Mtwapa Creek
This is a place to visit on Mombasa's North Coast. An Indian Ocean inlet with some small marinas and beautiful tropical vegetation. Very famous for bird watching, mountain bike tours around the creek, and starting point for deep sea fishing trips. Mtwapa is also famous in Mombasa for its clubs and active nightlife. To get here from the city center, take a matatu from Digo road.
Nyali Theatre
The Theatre features Hollywood and Bollywood new releases (500 KSH), with bowling alley, casino, and Italian Restaurant. Have some Indian bhelpuri, a type of chaat (hot puffed rice, vegetables and tangy tamarind sauce) while you're there. Taxi from centre - 800 KSH, Tuk Tuk- 300 KSH. Matatus plying the Mkomani or Nyali routes - 30 ksh (Ask to alight at "Cinemax").
Kinazini Funzi Dhow Safaris, (1 hr south of Mombasa off main Tanzania Rd, bus transport from all beach hotels included), ☎ +254.734.603.250. 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 Robinson Crusoe Island. $105.
Haller Park (Bamburi Nature Trail), East Side of Links Road just North of Nyali (North on Links Road to Nyali. Look for entrance on left or ask a local). 8:30 - 5:30. Small zoo that feels like a park. Animals include giraffes, hippos (2), monkeys, and a reptile house. Guides speak English, Spanish, French and other languages. Watch out for the monkeys. They are numerous and appear friendly but do occasionally bite. 1400.
Shimba Hills National Park: the approximately 30km south of Mombasa situated National Park is mountainous with lush tropical vegetation. This makes it particularly attractive as most other well-known national parks of Kenya have steppe-like vegetation. The main attractions include the elephant habitat, the stocks of antelopes, the waterfall, the Mwaluganje forest and the many vantage points of the fabulous landscape.
Enjoy the famous night life of Mombasa. The night life and entertainment in Mombasa is broad and offers something for every taste. Many bars, pubs and nightclubs in many price ranges offer something for every taste and budget. From local bars to exclusive lounge bar, everything is available. In the city center there are numerous coffee shops, small pubs and bars as well as some small to medium sized clubs. Nightlife "special kind" is mainly found in the village Mtwapa, north of Mombasa. Its called "the village that never sleeps".
BEACHES
Beaches of the North Coast
English point: Tiny sandy beach at Mkomani with view over the old town. Its a nice place to go but less for swimming than to enjoy the view.
Nyali Beaches: nice sandy beaches but due to the close distance to the town the water quality is poor and polluted. Its nice to walk along the shore when when you get tired of the hotel pools.
Bamburi Beach: Very nice beach with white sand and palm trees. Water quality is much better than at Nyali beach. Restaurants along the beach invite to sit under palm trees drinking a cold beer while watching people pass by. Due to the closeness to the town the beach is overcrowded on weekends or holidays.
Shanzu Beach: Very nice beach with white sand and palm trees. Less crowded than Bamburi beach.
Beaches of the South Coast
Tiwi Beach
Tiwi Beach is a place to visit on Mombasa's South Coast. Quiet beach not spoiled by mass tourism. At low tide, you can swim in a tidal pool where tropical fish are trapped until the next tide comes in. Be careful to avoid the many sea urchins. Though there are relatively few people, there is a small cafe serving food and drinks. To get to Tiwi from Mombasa, take the Likona ferry to the south by taxi (ca $ 50,00) from Mombasa city center. Alternatively, take public transportation from the city center by catching a matatu on Digo Road across from the post office. The matatu route is aptly named "Ferry" and the matatu touts will be happy to point out the correct vehicle. The matatu drops passengers just outside the ferry, which is free for pedestrians. Take a another matatu going to Diani, but alight early at "Tiwi Spot". Hire one of the many motorbikes plying the main road to carry you the relatively short distance to the beach, since muggings have previously occurred on this stretch of road.
Diani Beach
Diana beach is the place to go. 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 primate species in South Coast Kenya visit the Colobus Trust, dedicated to primate rescue, research and conservation, for an informative walk and you may spot one of the many wild primates.
BUYING THINGS
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.
Mombasa Sandals, (Located in most souvenir shops and from street merchants). Hand made sandals made from leather and old tires (for the soles), these stylish shoes are a great souvenir from Mombasa. Local craftsman use colorful beads and pieces of leather to create a vast variety of shapes and decorations. No two pairs are alike. 500 ksh.
African Fabrics, (Available in curio shops and markets throughout the city). Mombasa is one of the best place in Kenya to buy lesos (khangas) and kikois. Lesos are colorful printed fabrics that come in pairs and are traditionally worn by Swahili women. Kikois are typically striped or plaid and are typically worn as shawls. Lesos are sold at around 350 ksh, while Kikois are around 500 ksh. Prices vary with quality and may be higher in areas with lots of foot traffic from tourists (notably in Mombasa Old Town outside Fort Jesus).
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.
- Mikaye Restaurant - Fort Jesus, Sir Mbarak Hinawy Road (Opposite Fort Jesus), ☎ 0719331880, 6:30 am - 7pm. Mikaye is an authentic fusion restaurant. Mikaye a honorable woman in dholuo sets the guideline for the restaurant- entailing good food, admirable service, great ambience hence a formidable culinary experience. With a scenic view of Fort Jesus, the decor of the restaurant is modern with strong African influences. . The food is essentially a fusion of African food with touches of international cuisine. Biriani, Pilau , Kuku Kienyeji, Tilapia , Mataha Ksh 500.
Chinese
- Chinese Galaxy - is the most visited Chinese cuisine attraction. They offer fine dining, and a wide range of selections including house specials.
Seafood
- Tamarind - On the island. It is the most popular with tourists. It overlooks Old Harbour and offers freshly caught seafood, exotic menus, nightlife and 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.
- Bob's Bar, Nyali. Lively and popular bar located near Tembo. This bar and grilll is where a lot of great nights out get started.
- Fontanella Beer Garden, (Moi Avenue/Digo road Junction). Relaxed atmosphere right in the middle of the city affordable meals and drinks.
- Club Lambada- Mtwapa, (Mtwapa Town). 24Hrs. Located in the north coast with offering all night disco and cabaret shows food drinks and accomodation.
- Sheba Lounge, (City Mall Nyali). Rooftop Bar Great Music and atmosphere.
- Tulia House and Camp, Off links road, Nyali, Mombasa, ☎ +254711955999. 24h. Based in the heart of the entertainment area of Nyali in Mombasa, Tulia House and Camp offers a range of accommodation to suit every individual and every budget.
- Tulia Backpackers, Mombasa Nyali, ☎ +254711955999 (info@tuliahouse.com), Tulia Backpackers has become the best alternative for Backpackers coming to the Kenyan Coast.
Mid-range
- Lambada Holiday Resort at Mtwapa Creek, on Mombasa's north coast. The resort consists of 60 spacious rooms, entertainment area, restaurant, hair salon, health bar, swimming pool, sports bar and modern conference facilities. Rates from $25 low season-$50 high season per person/night. Tel: +254 (0) 729 351 383, +254 733 777557
- Villa Annchen at Mtwapa Creek, on Mombasa's 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
- Hotel Sapphire - at $20 per person you can stay at this hotel which offers 110 rooms and suites, catering providing food from various traditions and cultures, health club and gym.
- Sun N Sand Beach Club - all inclusive resort providing accommodations for 298 guest rooms, Health Club, Pool, nightlife, and various activities. This resort is also children friendly.
- Royal Reserve Safari and Beach Club - offers accommodations for all, including RCI timeshare members. The resort is right off the coast 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 skepticism regarding your surroundings.
STAY HEALTHY
For precaution don't drink tap water and be carefull with ice cubes. Mombasa has 3 major well equipped private hospitals with high standards: the Aga Khan Hospital, the Pandhia Memorial Hospital and the Mombasa Hospital. Many smaller hospitals and clinics are spread out all over Mombasa and the North Coast.
GETTING OUT
Transport to get out of Mombasa include regional flights and Bus coaches. Apart from Mombasa beaches, other tourist destinations in East Africa are Tanzania Game parks and beach resorts in Mombasa Island. Tanzania game parks are rich in wildlife species and beauty scenery on its wilderness savanna.
This game parks are National parks,game reserves and conservation areas. Some famous National parks are Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, mount Kilimanjaro, Ruaha, Selous game reserve, mikumi and Ngorongoro conservation area.These are among wildlife safari destinations recommended in Africa. Mountain climbing,walking safaris, bird watching and photographic safaris.
Get out of Mombasa is through bus transport and regional flights. Bus from Mombasa to Moshi Tanzania and Arusha are available and organized.
Get out of Mombasa by flight is through Kenya airways,Precision Air and Regional Air. Booking flight tickets is easier and flight tickets are also cheap.
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