Mombasa
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At a glance
- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Mombasa County
- Population
- 1.2 million
- Best time to go
- December to March, July to October
- Main airport
- Mombasa Moi International (MBA)
- Coordinates
- 4.04°S, 39.67°E
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Overview
Mombasa is Kenya's oldest city and its chief port, built on a coral island with a long history of Swahili, Arab, Portuguese and British influence. The Old Town's carved doors, balconies and mosques sit beside the huge Portuguese fort.
The beaches lie north and south of the island, and many visitors head straight to them. Give the city at least a day, for the food, the history and the sea breeze.
Things to see
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Photo: Maingi030, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fort Jesus
A 16th-century Portuguese fortress guarding the old harbour, now a UNESCO site with a museum inside.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: FredD, CC BY-SA 3.0 Old Town
Narrow lanes of Swahili houses with ornate doors and balconies, best explored with a local guide.
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Photo: Ruzam Namor, CC BY-SA 4.0 Haller Park
A former cement quarry turned into a nature park with giraffes, tortoises and hippos.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mombasa Tusks
Arching aluminium tusks over Moi Avenue, built for a royal visit in 1952 and now the city's emblem.
Things to do
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Photo: Lebu Ayiga, CC BY 4.0 Diani Beach
A long stretch of white sand south of the city, with snorkelling, kitesurfing and colobus monkeys in the forest.
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Photo: Luigi Guarino from Bonn, Germany, CC BY 2.0 Snorkel at Kisite-Mpunguti
Boat trips from Shimoni visit a marine park with coral and dolphins, often with lunch on Wasini Island.
Find tours -
Photo: Abubakarsule533, CC BY-SA 4.0 Swahili street food
Try mahamri, cassava crisps with chilli and biryani in the Old Town's cafés.
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Photo: AdamPG, CC BY-SA 3.0 Shimba Hills
A small reserve of forest and grassland in the hills behind the coast, home to rare sable antelope.
Find tours
Where to stay
Nyali
Beach hotels and restaurants just north of the island, close to the city.
Hotels in NyaliDiani
The best beaches and resorts, about an hour or more south including the ferry.
Hotels in DianiOld Town
A few characterful guesthouses for those who want history on the doorstep.
Hotels in Old Town
Getting around
Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing taxis are the easiest way around. The Likoni ferry links the island with the south coast and can be slow at busy times.
Moi airport is around 30 minutes from the centre by taxi. The Madaraka Express train from Nairobi takes about five to six hours.
When to go
The driest months are December to March and July to October. The long rains fall from April to June, and the coast is hot and humid all year.
Plan your trip to Mombasa
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.