Mombasa Holidays
With an incredible palm-fringed coastline that stretches as far as the eye can see, studded with pristine beaches, clear waters and a wealth of marine life, Mombasa holidays offer the perfect place for a relaxing break or a romantic getaway.
Mombasa is a melting pot of cultures with its winding cobblestone streets, lined with stunning architecture influenced by the city’s Portuguese and Arab settlers. Leave the heat of the city for the shore, and you'll discover the stunning East African coastline. Mama Ngina Drive is a popular spot for relaxing wander along the seafront and offers fantastic views out to the ocean. Take your time soaking up the stunning natural beauty that surrounds this location, whilst sampling local food such as Mombassa’s favourite, cassava crisps with chilli and lime.
Beach-based paradise
Sail the beautiful waters off the coast of Mombasa and you can go in search of dolphins, humpback whales, turtles and more. East Africa boasts the second longest barrier reef in the world, stretching from the coast of Somalia along Kenya to southern Tanzania. Explore Africa’s underwater world with a diving and snorkelling expedition out to Mombasa Marine Park. Wildlife lovers may also enjoy a visit to the unspoiled shores of Watamu, a popular nesting place for the local population of sea turtles..
The trade winds of the Indian Ocean brings forth the beauty that empowers the South-Eastern part of Kenya, bringing the beautiful stellar beaches of this region to life, with serene waters and plenty of heartwarming sunshine. Idyllic coastal Mombasa provides a relaxing contrast to the thrills of a busy safari, call and speak to one of our Destination Specialists today and we'll help you put together the perfect Mombasa holiday itinerary.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Here's a selection of popular itineraries to give you some ideas – almost anything is possible so call us now and we'll create an amazing holiday just for you.
Kenya Safari and Beach Multi Centre Holiday
Guide Price £2,799 pp
Discover the best this country of contrasts has to offer with our exciting multi-centre holiday in Kenya. Spanning ten days, you’ll first explore some of Kenya’s world famous national parks, including the Masai Mara reserve. There you’ll observe a huge...
Wildlife holidays
Our favourite hotels
From luxury all-inclusive resorts to quaint boutique getaways, the Kenya Coast has it all. We know everyone is different, so if you can’t see something you like, we'd be more than happy to help you find what you’re looking for.
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Mombasa
The coast of Mombasa is quite hot and dry during the summer period between October to April. The best time for a Mombasa holiday is between January to April, although the coast of Mombasa can be enjoyed all year round. Whale watching season is between July and September.
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Natalie
Destination Specialist
“Whilst staying on the coast, take the time to explore Mombasa, one of the oldest ports in Africa, it’s history goes beyond the arrival of the Portuguese explorers, back to when Arab dhows used to dock in the Port to trade spices. Close by you’ll find Fort Jesus, an intriguing example of Mombasa’s Renaissance military architecture.”
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George
Destination Specialist
“The best decision I made during my trip was to visit Mombasa town – take a stroll down the streets of the Old Town, rich in history and filled with a mixture of Arabic, Portuguese, British and Asian culture. If you are visiting Mombasa city, take a locally guided trip. Women may feel more comfortable if dressed conservatively.”
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Nick
Senior Destination Manager
“If you’re a foodie, plan a visit to The Moorings in Mtwapa. It's a fabulous floating restaurant that serves great seafood.”
Local cuisine
Kenya cuisine takes on its own unique personality through the use of native spices and local ingredients. Many traditional dishes such as curries and stews, are colourful and packed full of flavour, sure to excite even the most cultured palate. Mombasa’s coastline brings an abundance of fresh fish to the region and thanks to the inland tropical plantations, delicious flavoursome fresh fruit is readily available.
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Ugali
Ugali is a staple starch cornmeal made with maize flour, usually served as a white stiff porridge, good for dipping in stews or making into a makeshift spoon when you eat with your hands.
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Nyama Choma
Nyama Choma, Swahili for ‘roast meat’, is usually beef, goat or occasionally chicken cooked on a flavoursome Swahili barbeque. Enjoy with a beer, and slowly dig in, piece by piece.
Types of Mombasa holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
The main beaches in Mombasa are Nyali Beach, Mombasa Beach and Bamburi Beach - these are some of the most popular. Most beaches here are occupied by hotels, with watersports and diving facilities and swimming is usually possible outside of the monsoon season.
You can take an internal 50-minute flight from Mombasa to Nairobi and then either take the 4–5-hour drive to the Masai Mara or fly via safari plane into an airstrip within the reserve. You can also fly from Ukunda Airport near Diani to the Masai Mara, via Nairobi.
