Mombasa
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Tips
10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
16th-century Portuguese fort, UNESCO site.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Hire a guide
- Museum inside
📷 Photos
- 2
Narrow lanes with Swahili and Arab architecture.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Walk with a local guide
- Carved doors are highlights
📷 Photos
- 3
Wildlife park on a rehabilitated quarry.
3 tips
- Feed giraffes
- Allow two hours
- Bring mosquito repellent
📷 Photos
- 4
Seaside promenade with snacks and views.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Best at sunset
- Try street snacks
- Busy on weekends
📷 Photos
- 5
Giant ceremonial elephant tusks on Moi Avenue.
3 tips
- Quick photo stop
- Busy traffic
- Near the centre
📷 Photos
- 6
Popular public beach north of the island.
3 tips
- Watch the tides
- Hire a sunbed
- Try fresh coconut
📷 Photos
- 7
Long white sand beach with resorts.
3 tips
- Calm lagoon swimming
- Beach vendors can be pushy
- Good for families
📷 Photos
- 8
Crocodile farm and entertainment park.
3 tips
- Feeding shows
- Allow two hours
- Good for families
📷 Photos
- 9
Forest reserve known for sable antelope.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bring binoculars
- Pay entry fee on arrival
📷 Photos
- 10
Famous white sand beach south of Mombasa.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Take the Likoni ferry
- Good snorkelling
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Mombasa tips
Transportation
- Use tuk-tuks and boda-bodas carefully: Agree prices first and insist on helmets for motorbikes.
- Take the SGR train: The Madaraka Express connects Mombasa with Nairobi.
- Use the Likoni ferry: The ferry connects the island with the south coast.
Security
- Avoid walking alone at night: Use taxis after dark.
- Beware of beach boys: Touts may pressure you to buy tours; politely decline.
- Keep valuables secure: Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Saving
- Eat street food: Try mahamri, cassava chips and grilled corn.
- Use local buses: Matatus are cheap for getting around.
- Bargain in markets: Haggling is expected in souvenir markets.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect hot humid weather: Pack light clothing and sunscreen.
- Plan for rains: April to June brings long rains, and shorter rains come later in the year.
- Dress modestly in Old Town: Cover shoulders and knees out of respect.
Cultural
- Explore Fort Jesus: The Portuguese-built fort is a UNESCO site.
- Learn Swahili greetings: Jambo or Habari are friendly greetings.
- Try Swahili cuisine: Sample biryani, pilau and coconut-based curries.
Local Hacks
- Wander Old Town in the morning: It is cooler and quieter.
- Visit Haller Park: The park offers wildlife viewing near the coast.
- Go to Diani Beach: The south coast beach is one of Kenya's best.
1-day itineraries in Mombasa
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.