Mombasa — 3-Day Guide | ThreeDayGuides

Mombasa is East Africa's ancient Indian Ocean port — a Swahili city of carved doors, coconut biryani and the Portuguese Fort Jesus UNESCO site, gateway to Diani Beach and Tsavo's red elephants.

Also explore Mombasa for:

📋 General guide ⭐ Highlights

Fort Jesus UNESCO, Old Town Carved Doors & Biashara Spices

Diani Beach Dolphins & Wasini Island Dhow

Tsavo East: Red Elephant Herds & Hippo Pools

📋 General 3-day guide ⭐ Highlights

Book tours, tickets and experiences via GetYourGuide — free cancellation on most activities.

Browse all activities →

Language	Swahili and English; Arabic spoken in Muslim quarters; Swahili most useful for markets
Currency	Kenyan Shilling (KES); USD widely accepted at tourist facilities; ATMs on Digo Road and Moi Avenue
Transport	Tuk-tuks within old town; taxis for Diani/Shimba Hills; ferry to mainland; matatus to north coast; SGR rail from Nairobi 4.5 hrs (fast and comfortable)
Best time	Jan–Mar and Jul–Aug dry season best; long rains Apr–Jun, short rains Oct–Dec; marine park best Nov–Mar; Tsavo elephant herds concentrated Jul–Oct at waterholes
Getting in	Moi International Airport (MBA) with flights from Nairobi and some charters; SGR Standard Gauge Railway from Nairobi 4.5 hrs (highly recommended over road)
Tipping	10% at restaurants; KES 300–500 for safari guides; KES 200 for dhow crew; hotel staff KES 100/day
Safety	Mombasa generally safe; Old Town fine during day; avoid walking alone after dark in unlit lanes; beach: standard precautions against hawkers; Diani very safe
Budget tips	Fort Jesus free on national holidays; Likoni ferry free; local biryani under KES 500; matatus to Diani under KES 100; SGR to Nairobi KES 1000 vs $80 flight