Mombasa

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 newly renovated and has increased the frequency of flights in and out of Mombasa from European cities. Kenya Airways 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 open from the morning until 5:20pm. edit
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. edit
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. edit
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! edit

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.

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.

Nyali 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. edit
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 with somewhat of a park feel. Animals include Giraffs, Hippos (2), Monkeys, 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. 800. edit

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.

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. edit

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.

Chinese

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

Seafood

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.

Variety

POA Restaurant & Grill, 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. 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.

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 grill is where a lot of great nights out get started. TEMBO DISCO

Tembo Entertainment Plaza
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 accommodations to choose from when visiting Mombasa.

Budget

Mombasa Backpakers, Mwamba Drive #69 (Behind the Kenol Petrol Station on Mwtapa Rd in Nyali), [4]. Dorms/singles/doubles/camping. The only Backpackers in Kenya with a swimming pool, Chef on site from 7am til 10pm, kitchen facilities (stove and fridge for guests), well stoked Bar with imported and local beers, TV/DVD/cable lounge area, a 2nd DSTV at the bar for sports, the fastest WIFI in town, deals on kite surfing and scuba diving plus free trial pool dives at the backpackers swimming pool, book exchange, we can help you organize safaris, tattoo artist on site. Within walking distance to Beach, Supermarkets, and public transport. The street in front of the gate is a frequent site for strong arm robbery. Always take a tuk tuk after sunset edit

Bechara guest house, Haile Selassie road (Cnr Digo road). In the middle of town, a decent, clean and friendly, if basic, option, within walking distance from the train station. 900 ksh for singles (April 2011). The self contained rooms have fan and tv. 900 ksh. edit

Backpacker's Nirvana, Nyali Beach, Mombasa (down Moyni Drive, few minutes before Nyali Beach, green gate), ☎ 0738130386, [5]. Spacious, clean & chilled out ambiance, designed with only traditional African furnishings, holistic therapies available on site. WII/DVD/Reading lounge,large rooftop ideal for relaxation, yoga, BBQ. Dorm/Private/Camping. Rate includes b/f, free internet. Walking distance to supermarkets, cinema, local market & public transport, and a few mins from the beach/surfers club. They do not accept credit cards except when booking online edit

Mid-range

Villa Annchen [6] 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 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.