Swahili Beach
8.6V. good · 737 Reviews
Diani Beach Road | Mombasa, 80401, KE
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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About Mombasa
Carved doors, spice stalls, and tuk-tuks give Mombasa a distinctly Swahili streetscape on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, where beaches and layered history shape the city.
Fort Jesus and Mombasa Old Town bring together coral-stone architecture, Swahili culture, and coastal history, while Haller Park, marine-park snorkeling, and Diani Beach add wildlife and time by the sea.
December through March and July through August are the favored seasons, with Nyali offering a convenient base near the beach. Arabic, English, and Swahili influence the city’s sounds and flavors, including biryani, mandazi, and grilled mishkaki around the Old Town Spice Market.
Where to stay
Hotels in Mombasa
Book direct on our own Mombasa hotel pages — no booking fee.
PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa Mombasa
8.8V. good · 668 Reviews
Shanzu Mombasa Kenya | Mombasa, 00400, KE
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Hotel Sapphire
8.6V. good · 404 Reviews
Mwembe Tayari Road Hotel Sapphire | Mombasa, 80100, KE
Swimming pool
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Tamarind Village Hotel Apartments
8.6V. good · 170 Reviews
Cement Road Nyali | Mombasa, 80106, KE
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Severin Sea Lodge
8.7V. good · 991 Reviews
Malindi Road Bamburi Beach | Mombasa, 80100, KE
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Evergreen House - 150Metre Walk To City Mall Nyali
9.0Superb · 66 Reviews
3rd Avenue | Mombasa, 80100, KE
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Stay like a local in Mombasa
Places to stay in Mombasa
Popular amenities
Best for
Ranked by verified guest score, then stars. Based on 2,145 of 2,688 hotels with verified data.
Best for families
Family rooms listed · 20 hotels qualify
- Premium Inn Mombasa City8.9/10 · 129 reviews · 3-star
- PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa Mombasa8.8/10 · 668 reviews
- Swahili Beach8.6/10 · 737 reviews · 5-star
- Hotel Sapphire8.6/10 · 404 reviews
- Cocoa Boutique Hotel8.2/10 · 53 reviews · 5-star
Best for drivers
Free parking · 36 hotels qualify
- Jumeirah Palms Resort9.2/10 · 52 reviews · 5-star
- Nyali Emirates Reef Apartment9.1/10 · 55 reviews · 4-star
- Severin Sea Lodge8.7/10 · 991 reviews
- Fenns Cozy Apartment - Nyali8.7/10 · 197 reviews
- ZaNaKri Homes ;A Great Panorama of Indian Ocean8.6/10 · 90 reviews · 4-star
Best for a pool
Swimming pool listed · 41 hotels qualify
- English Point Residence Beach Apartments Mombasa9.0/10 · 124 reviews · 4-star
- Tamarind Village Hotel Apartments8.6/10 · 170 reviews · 5-star
- Penthouse Five - The Beautiful 3Br En-suite Apt8.6/10 · 116 reviews · 4-star
- Mombasa Bamburi Beach Studio B44 - Pool & Beach - Sleeps 28.6/10 · 69 reviews · 4-star
- Luxury 3br Ensuite Apt in Prestigious Nyali8.6/10 · 55 reviews · 4-star
Mombasa at a glance
Check-in / check-out
12:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Free parking
1,752 of 1,785 hotels (98%)
Pool
1,109 of 2,145 hotels
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Swahili, English and Arabic
Local currency
KES
(KES)
Local time
(GMT+3)
Ideal trip length
4–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Nyali
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Expected for good service
History, culture and food in Mombasa
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
80 · Very good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Pili Pili
Biryani
Mandazi
Mishkaki
Hotel facts in Mombasa
Based on 2,145 of 2,688 hotels with verified data.
| Hotels that list | Hotels | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Free parkingof hotels with verified parking | 1,752 of 1,785 | 98% |
| Swimming pool | 1,109 of 2,145 | 52% |
| 24-hour front desk | 254 of 2,145 | 12% |
| Facilities for disabled guests | 118 of 2,145 | 6% |
| Family rooms | 71 of 2,145 | 3% |
| Breakfast availablefree or paid depends on the rate | 40 of 2,145 | 2% |
| Kitchen or kitchenette | 158 of 2,145 | 7% |
| Airport shuttle11 free | 283 of 2,145 | 13% |
Pools and room sizes by star rating
| Stars | Pool | Standard room |
|---|---|---|
| 2-star | 10 of 46 | 20 m²usually 18 m²–30 m² · 5 hotels |
| 3-star | 93 of 191 | 25 m²usually 17 m²–40 m² · 21 hotels |
| 4-star | 158 of 207 | 21 m²usually 15 m²–36 m² · 16 hotels |
When to visit Mombasa
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, February, July, August and September
Busiest: Dec-Mar, Jul-Aug
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Jan54
Beach weather (sea 28°C)
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Feb54
Beach weather (sea 28°C)
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Mar42
Cyclone season (Nov-Apr); impacts uncommon
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Apr10
Often avoided: heavy rain
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May0
Often avoided: heavy rain
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Jun32
Rains subside
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Jul49
Cooler, dry, pleasant
-
Aug49
Cooler, dry, pleasant
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Sep49
Warm, dry, sunny
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Oct35
Warm, dry, sunny
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Nov38
Mombasa Carnival (cyclone season (Nov-Apr); impacts uncommon)
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Dec45
Very busy; book early
Things to do in Mombasa
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
4 places
Explore Fort Jesus
Old Town 2.5 hours
Discover a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich Portuguese history.
Visit Haller Park
Bamburi 2 hours
See giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species in a rehabilitated quarry.
Snorkel at Marine Park
Nyali 4 hours
Discover vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Explore Spice Market
Old Town 1.5 hours
Immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of local spices and produce.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Wander Mombasa Old Town
Old Town 3 hours
Get lost in narrow alleys, historic buildings, and bustling markets.
Tuk-tuk City Tour
Mombasa Island 1.5 hours
Experience the city's pulse with a thrilling ride through local streets.
Any time of day
1 place
Day Trip to Diani Beach
Diani 8 hours
Enjoy pristine white sands and turquoise waters south of Mombasa.
Mombasa itineraries, day by day
First-timer highlights
3 Days in Mombasa — First-Timer Highlights
Discover the ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastlines of Kenya's oldest city.
This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the best of Mombasa. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, encounter unique wildlife, immerse yourself in local markets, and relax on beautiful beaches, all while savoring the city's rich Swahili heritage.
With the family
3 Days in Mombasa — Family with Kids
Discover coastal wonders, wildlife, and rich history on a family adventure.
This 3-day itinerary is crafted for families with children, blending historical exploration with exciting wildlife encounters and relaxing beach time. From ancient forts and bustling markets to marine parks and animal sanctuaries, Mombasa offers a vibrant backdrop for unforgettable family memories.
For couples
2 Days in Mombasa — Romance
Ignite your passion amidst ancient history and sun-kissed shores.
This intimate 2-day itinerary is crafted for couples seeking a blend of cultural immersion, serene beach moments, and enchanting evenings in Mombasa. Discover historic Swahili charm, encounter unique wildlife, and create unforgettable memories together by the Indian Ocean.
Culture and history
3 Days in Mombasa — Culture & History
Uncover the ancient Swahili heritage and vibrant history of Kenya's coastal gem.
This immersive 3-day itinerary delves deep into Mombasa's rich cultural tapestry and historical significance, exploring ancient forts, bustling markets, and traditional Swahili architecture. Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts eager to experience the authentic soul of East Africa's oldest city.
Food and drink
2 Days in Mombasa — Food & Wine
A culinary journey through Mombasa's vibrant flavors and coastal charm.
This itinerary invites foodies and wine enthusiasts to explore the rich Swahili heritage and diverse culinary landscape of Mombasa. From fresh seafood and aromatic spices to unique local beverages, experience the city's gastronomic delights while soaking in its historical ambiance and coastal beauty, perfect for those seeking an immersive cultural and culinary adventure.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Mombasa
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Visit to Fort Jesus and the Old Town of Mombasa
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Half day visit kaya kinondo
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
3 Days safari Tsavo East and Amboseli national park.
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Mombasa City Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Mombasa Full day Safari to Tsavo Park
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Dolphin Watch & Snorkeling at Kisite Marine Park & Wasini Island
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
2 Days Taita Hills Conservancy Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
2 Days Ngutuni Conservancy Safari From Mombasa
Free cancellationFind deals
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Before you go to Mombasa
Our own ratings and notes on eating out, signature experiences, who the city suits and planning ahead.
Near Mombasa
Straight-line distance from the centre of Mombasa.
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Getaways from Mombasa
Places people from Mombasa travel to, from our own travel research.
Frequently asked questions about Mombasa
How many places to stay are there in Mombasa?
There are 2,700+ hotels, apartments and other places to stay in Mombasa. They include 210+ hotels and 2,000+ apartments.
When is the peak season in Mombasa?
The peak season in Mombasa is Dec-Mar, Jul-Aug.
Which area is a good base in Mombasa?
The travel guide suggests staying in Nyali when visiting Mombasa.
Are there tours and activities in Mombasa?
Yes, 170+ tours and activities are listed in Mombasa.
How many hotels in Mombasa have free parking?
1,752 of the 1,785 hotels in Mombasa with verified parking details list free parking (98%). 29 charge for parking.
What is the usual check-in time at hotels in Mombasa?
12:00 PM at 408 of the 1,886 hotels with a verified check-in time. The next most common time is 11:00 AM (370 hotels).
What time is check-out at hotels in Mombasa?
11:00 AM at 955 of 1,985 hotels with a verified check-out time; 10:00 AM at 820.
How many hotels in Mombasa have a pool?
1,109 of 2,145 hotels with verified data list a swimming pool.