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Where to stay in Mombasa
Mombasa is Kenya's second city and main port, on an island on the Indian Ocean coast. The historic Old Town and Fort Jesus are on the island, while most beach hotels are on the mainland coast to the north at Nyali and Bamburi, and south at Diani Beach, about an hour away.
Nyali and Bamburi (north coast)
Nyali and Bamburi have beach resorts, malls and restaurants a short drive across the Nyali Bridge from Mombasa island. Haller Park, a reclaimed quarry turned into a nature park, is nearby. Beaches are pleasant, though the tide goes far out.
Diani Beach (south coast)
Diani, about 30 kilometres south of the city, has a long white-sand beach backed by palm trees, with resorts, kitesurfing and colobus monkeys in the coastal forest. The Likoni ferry or the bypass road connects it with Mombasa, and it has its own airstrip.
Old Town
A few small hotels and guesthouses in and near the Old Town let you explore Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the narrow streets of Swahili houses with carved doors, and the old harbour on foot. It has character, but fewer comforts and no beach.
One thing to think about
Traffic crossing to and from the island can be slow, and the Likoni ferry to the south coast can have long queues. Choose your base by where you will spend most of your time rather than trying to see everything from one place.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Mombasa are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
Is Diani Beach better than the Mombasa beaches?
Diani is generally considered one of Kenya's best beaches, with long white sand and a more relaxed setting. Nyali and Bamburi are closer to the city and Old Town and have good resorts, but are more urban. Many visitors stay in Diani and visit Mombasa for a day.
What should I see in Mombasa's Old Town?
Visit Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 1590s, then walk through the Old Town's lanes with carved wooden doors, mosques and spice shops. The old port, the Mombasa Tusks on Moi Avenue and the market are nearby. A local guide helps explain its history.
How do I get from Mombasa to Nairobi?
The Madaraka Express train links Mombasa and Nairobi in about five to six hours, sometimes passing wildlife in Tsavo. There are also frequent flights of about an hour, and long-distance buses. The train is comfortable and good value; book in advance.
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