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Guide to Mombasa, Kenya
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Mombasa
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MombasaMombasa (Mombasa) is a coastal city of culture, heritage, and a laid-back atmosphere. It is located in semi-seclusion, surrounded by the lush, green Kenyan land, and is worlds apart from the countrys capital in terms of the peoples way of life. While people here still host wonderful events and create an attractive setting for visitors, Mombasa revolves much more on the roots and tradition of the people than on entertainment and commercial prosperity. The natives of the city are content with their simplicity of life, and where high-rises would be, beautiful mosques and white homes stand. Walking through the thin web of streets brings a sense of peace and tranquility that youll be hard-pressed to find in any other Kenyan city.
When to go:
Mombasa is warmest from November to April, and though it can get toasty, youll be pleased at how little rainfall and humidity exist in the peak period during this time. Spring and winter bring quite a bit of rain, and since the temperatures fluctuate little throughout the year, youre going to be hit with a fair amount of humidity, intensified more so because of the citys coastal location. We suggest booking a flight for autumn, when you get the best of both worlds: little rain, and warm but not too hot temperatures. Events are wonderful but few, and most occur during the peak seasons, so if you stick to periods with the best climatic conditions, youre bound to experience something wonderful during your stay.
Getting there and around:
Moi International Airport, near Mombasa, services many domestic flights, and while a few European city-airports offer non-stop, direct flights to the city, most international flights arrive at Kenyas capital before making their way to Mombasa. Luckily, flights between the two cities last less than an hour, and at arrival, youll be pleased to know that the airport is just 12km (7mi) from the city; a short ride/drive.
Despite Mombasas decreased size from its big brother, its speedy and efficient public transit system rivals Nairobis, along with a number of other Kenyan cities. Most locals and foreigners take buses or taxis if theyre not walking, but if you choose to be a pedestrian try to stay on or near the main roads. Mombasas streets are fairly safe, but it is an African city; take precaution.
Attractions:
A portion of Mombasa, known as the Old Town, is a stunning collection of buildings routed by thin roads, where, even though it is entirely possible, it is fun to get lost. The majority of the architecture found here, while not monstrous, is fascinating, and if youre an aficionado if this sort of thing, youll get hooked on the Swahili attractions in Old Town. An aspect sure to please your cultural intrigue and savory senses is the great outdoor barbeque that occurs each night here. Throughout the streets, where restaurants and eateries exist, vendors set up cookware outside to grill masterpieces amid the elements. Some of the food is so good, you may just forgo your trips to restaurant in the evenings.
While culture is one of the biggest draws for Old Town, Mombasa, a structure known as Fort Jesus is /the/ biggest attraction. Fort Jesus started as a Portuguese fort built in 1593, and since then has changed its name and now houses an enthralling museum. The museum is not large, and does not house the most extraordinary collection of artifacts in the world, but there is a reason why it is the most visited site in Mombasa. Its displays of African art and the historical correlations of religion and societal advancement in the region are unparalleled. Add to that the historic structure in which the museum is housed, and you have a something to keep you entranced for quite some time.
If youre in the mood for a trip to the beach, there are three to the south of the city: Shelly Beach is accessible via a short walk, Tiwi Beach is a quiet and relatively undisturbed location, and Diani Beach is where more beachniks go than any other sandy stretch in the country.
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