A drone shot over the Beach of the Coastal part of Mombasa, Kenya at sunrise

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Holidays in Mombasa

Known for its beaches, rich trading heritage and unique blend of African, Indian and Arabian influences, Mombasa is an alluring and exotic destination. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with family or friends, Kenya's second city is a top choice for a holiday.

In recent years, Mombasa has attracted legions of holidaymakers looking to blend beachside R&R with a Kenyan safari. It’s no surprise really, as the white sands of the city’s coastline are enough of a draw. And when you’ve had your fill of sunshine, taking a dip in the Indian Ocean or heading under water with a scuba diving trip is usually the order of the day.

Beyond the magic of the coast, Mombasa’s rich history, which features a cast of characters from India, Portugal, the Middle East and Britain, will appeal to both history buffs and culture cravers. You can brush up on its storied past at the 16th-century Fort Jesus, which is now home to a museum.

Animal lover? Check out Mombasa’s Nguuni Nature Sanctuary. Among other wildlife, you’ll find giraffes, ostriches and waterbucks. Or, head to Mombasa’s Uhuru Gardens, which has a 3,000-strong colony of fruit bats. Stay around until dusk and you’ll get to see them swoop en masse out from the trees.

Mombasa holidays are also great for shoppers. Have a friendly haggle over cardamom pods in the Spice Market, pick up a colourful kikoi (African sarong) from the bazaars on Biashara Street or treat yourself to some African art or jewellery from the Old Town.

And if you’re a foodie, Mombasa is sure to get your taste buds tingling. Sample an eclectic range of dishes from international classics to local favourites such as fried cassava (mogo) and mahamri coconut and cardamom doughnuts. For night owls, the city’s beach clubs are the perfect way to wrap up the evening and welcome in the morning.

Where to stay in Mombasa

For families

Perhaps the biggest draw to any Mombasa family holiday is its beautiful palm-fringed beaches and temperate blue seas. Nyali Beach, just north of Mombasa city, is a great destination for families who are looking to unwind and soak up the sun by the Indian Ocean. It offers a wealth of family-friendly hotels, catering for all budgets, plus plenty of restaurants and watersports centres.

Shanzu Beach is another popular holiday hotspot for families visiting Mombasa. Many of the beach resorts dotted along the coast offer kids clubs and watersports. Some even have on-site waterparks.

For travellers on a budget

Like much of Africa, Mombasa is a popular destination for travellers on a shoestring budget. While the more upmarket Nyali Beach is renowned for five-star resorts, you can also find several cheap Mombasa hotels and inns close to Mamba Village and dotted along the main Nyali Road.

If you want to be closer to the beach, yet not too far from the city centre, move further towards Mombasa Beach and Haller Park. You'll find some good quality hostels and budget hotels all within a short walking distance of those soft white sands.

For food and drink

Thanks to its mix of influences, the food scene in Mombasa is one of the most eclectic in Kenya. In the Old Town, try one of the Swahili restaurants where you'll find treats such as mshikaki (beef skewers) and viazi karanga with viazi karai (spiced fried potatoes with spiced meat in gravy).

Alternatively, head towards Bamburi Beach, a charming beach enclave that lies north of Mombasa Island and Nyali – it's developing a reputation for excellent seafood restaurants and beach bars.

For nightlife

Mombasa has plenty of great places to drink and dance the night away. After the sun sets, the Mombasa night owls flock to the beach resorts of Bamburi and Nyali, where many of the city's most popular nightclubs are based. These are usually a little more upmarket than the bars and clubs on Mombasa Island – think sunset terraces, international DJs and plush cocktail lounges.

Further north, around Haller Park, you’ll find relaxed beach bars and live music venues catering to the younger audience.

For culture

While Mombasa is renowned for beautiful beach resorts, its cultural heart is on Mombasa Island, a bustling city centre connected to the mainland by a causeway. You'll find many two-, three- and four-star hotels in the centre of the island and around the Old Town.

This quarter is a charming maze of alleyways and narrow streets, largely influenced by Mombasa's trade culture and has many examples of Portuguese, Swahili and Islamic architecture. It's also close to Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress which overlooks the ocean, and the Africa Hotel Museum, which was the very first hotel in Kenya.

When to go to Mombasa

Mombasa’s rainy season is split in two, with the heaviest downpours in April and May (the ‘big’ rainy season), and shorter-lived heavy spells in November and late December (the ‘small’ rainy season). And while Mombasa still has year-round sunshine and balmy temperatures up to 31C, if you’re after a beach break, it pays to choose your holiday dates outside the rainy months.

Late December, January and February tend to be the driest months in Mombasa, with highs of 31C. But with the sunny skies comes flocks of tourists, making this one of the pricier times for a holiday to Mombasa. August, when the Great Wildebeest Migration fills Kenya’s Maasai Mara plains, is also an expensive time to visit.

Temperatures are coolest between May and October, with an average of 24C. Kenya’s coldest month is July – if you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Mombasa without compromising on the weather, this is a good time to go. Whale-watching season also runs from July to September.

What to do in Mombasa

Looking for a city break experience that’s a little different from the norm? Or how about a classic fly and flop holiday? Maybe you’re after an African adventure with an Indian and Arabian twist? Well, a holiday to Mombasa brings you all that and more.

Fort Jesus

Perched on the waterfront overlooking the ocean, the 16th-century Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in 1593 to put a stamp on this tiny corner of Africa. In recent history, the British used the fort as a jail until it became a museum in the sixties.

Roam the fort's crumbling rooms with walls graffitied by Portuguese sailors and pop into the Oman House, which was added to the fort in the 18th century and features an exhibition of Omani jewellery and weaponry.

Spice Market

You'll smell the Spice Market before you’ll see it. Located in the Old Town, the atmospheric marketplace gives visitors a real sense of this vibrant African trading port.

“Smelling is for free” is the market’s motto, and you’ll hear traders shout the phrase as you peruse stalls packed with of cardamom pods, gold turmeric or scented curry powders. Hungry? Sample a hot bhajia (vegetable fritter) with coconut chutney or viazi karanga (spicy fried potatoes) from one of the street food stalls on Langoni Road.

Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple

Another must-see is the Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple on Haile Selassie Road. Also a cultural centre, the temple is a riot of colour and famous for its ornately carved, rainbow coloured doors.

It's a working temple so don't expect guided tours. Still, it's free to enter and very welcoming. Respect the space and the religion, and enjoy spending an hour in the temple's quiet serenity.

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

Set in Mombasa's Nguu Tatu Hills just outside Bamburi, the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary gets you up close to some of Kenya's native wildlife. Less like a safari and more of a thriving reserve, the sanctuary is home to everything from hippos to owls.

In addition to seeing the animals up close, highlights of a trip to the sanctuary include spending time by a campfire and enjoying a sunset picnic under the watchful eye of giraffes.

Nyali Beach

Swaying palm trees, powdery white sands and warm turquoise seas, Nyali Beach is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Mombasa city centre.

One of the city's most popular beach suburbs, Nyali is the closest beach to Mombasa Island. Home to a golf course and numerous beach bars and restaurants, it’s also a popular spot for windsurfing and snorkelling, as well as being a launch point for sailing and dolphin-spotting trips.