Fly to Mombasa, Kenya

• Time zone: UTC / GMT +3
• Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KSh, often written as =/)
• Driving: left-hand side of the road.
• Power supply is 220V-240V 50Hz. Plug types are ‘Type D & G (British)’
• Closest Airport:  Moi International Airport (MBA).

Kenya lies on the equator and Mombasa’s climate is tropical and humid. As the rest of Kenya, it has two rainy seasons. The short rains in November and December and the long rains in March, April and May. The southern hemisphere winter means June, July and August are the coolest months, with temperatures averaging 27°C / 80°F.

Mombasa is a bustling port city with plenty of character and places to explore. Located on the coast it is fortunate to have a marine park right on its doorstep where water sports and sunbathing are popular options. Fort Jesus is a good place to enhance your understanding of its varied background, before wandering around the Old Town to indulge in Mombasa’s amazing architecture, variety of excellent and exotic food options, and huge range of shopping options from high-end to the cheap and cheerful local markets. Don’t forget to swing past its famous fish market and take a selfie at the Mombasa tusks.

Make sure to check out the local fabrics like kangas and kitenge or the beautiful 100% cotton kikoy, which make excellent souvenirs and presents for loved ones at home.

As a sea-side town, Mombasa is perfectly located to indulge in some fun in and around the water. Humpback whales migrate through the area from the end of June to December and anybody who enjoys fishing can try their luck with excellent deep-sea fishing right off the Mombasa coast. A trip between August and October gives you the chance to catch yellowfin tuna, or try your luck with a marlin between December and March.

For a dose of nature in town, check out Haller Park and go for a walk, jog or ride on its lovely trails or visit the reptile park or the butterfly sanctuary when you are there. A little further out is Nguuni Nature Sanctuary where you can sip on a cold drink, watching a typical African sunset whilst enjoying a bbq with giraffes, ostriches and some other antelopes around you. There is also a crocodile farm in Mombasa called Mamba Village where you can take a tour and watch them get fed.

And last, but not least Mombasa is an excellent starting point for a trip to the white sandy beaches to the north and south of town, all excellent places to relax and enjoy the best of Kenya’s coast, and the national parks and other wildlife reserves like Shimba Hills or even Tsavo NP.

Like all cultural melting pots, Mombasa has a lot to offer when it comes to picking your next meal, and all budgets are catered for. Don’t forget to sample some of Kenya’s own dishes amongst all the other exotic flavours. Try Ugali (maize and water, it looks like mashed potatoes), Sukuma Wiki (kale) or Githeri (corn and beans). Make sure to try Nyama Choma (grilled meat) at one of the authentic nyama choma places around town.

The majority of people in Mombasa are Muslims although it is a melting pot of all cultures and religions as would be expected from a seaside city.

Although not extreme, there are certain things you should do and don’t do when in Mombasa. Shoes should always be removed when entering a home and place of worship. Dress modestly in public and refrain from public displays of affection.

When photographing people, always ask permission first and agree on payment if required.

Mombasa has facilities for all budgets. This is true for accommodation, transport, food and excursions.

This is what you can expect to pay in Mombasa for:

• Domestic beer (0.5-litre bottle) in a supermarket – 160KSh
• Imported beer in a supermarket (0.33-litre bottle) – 225KSh
• Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) – 200Ksh
• A bottle of coca cola / pepsi (0.33-litre bottle) – 69KSh
• A small bottle of water (0.33-litre bottle) – 54KSh