Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest city and the heart of the Swahili coast. Centuries of trade between Africa, Arabia, Persia, India and Europe have shaped its architecture, food and culture, while nearby beaches offer warm Indian Ocean waters and white sand.
Fort Jesus and Old Town
Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese at the end of the 16th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Portuguese military architecture in Africa. Next to it, Mombasa Old Town’s narrow streets, carved wooden doors, mosques and spice shops reflect the city’s long Swahili heritage.
Swahili cuisine and culture
Mombasa is a great place to taste Swahili cooking, from biryani and pilau to fresh seafood, coconut curries and street snacks such as mahamri and viazi karai. The city’s markets and cultural sites give a real sense of coastal life.
Beaches near Mombasa
North of the island, Nyali and Bamburi beaches offer resorts and water sports, while Diani Beach lies to the south. Mombasa is also the gateway to Tsavo, making safari and beach holidays easy to combine.
Things to do in Mombasa
- Mombasa city tour
- Fort Jesus and Old Town
- Beach experiences on the north and south coast
- Swahili cuisine and culture
- Marine excursions and water sports
Best time to visit
The coast is warm all year. The driest months are generally from December to March and from July to October.
Plan your Mombasa trip
Our four to five-day Mombasa & Coast Experience combines history, culture and beach time, and can be added to a Tsavo or Maasai Mara safari.
