Kenya’s second city, Mombasa, offers much more than transit to the white sands of Diani Beach or Tiwi Beach. East Africa’s most important port, its long trading history mingles African, Arabian, and South Asian cultures, a heritage reflected in architecture and street food. Things to do in Mombasa run the gamut from exploring the Fort Jesus UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spice market to boat trips, scuba diving, and beach days—Nyali Beach offers white sands within the city limits.
Mombasa’s beaches are best enjoyed during the city’s two dry seasons, January through March and July through October: January through March is perfect for diving, with excellent visibility in March. The city gets busy during the January peak season, but 24-hour party people will thrill to the New Year period, which sees fireworks, beach parties, and full-scale festivals in the city and along the coast.
Mombasa’s lurid matatu minivans make for colorful pictures, but with no centralized route map, they’re not of much use to travelers. Like anywhere in Kenya, self-driving can be risky and intimidating, particularly after dark. Most travelers get around with professional drivers by chartering a car and driver, hailing tuk-tuks or taxis, or using rideshare services: Uber, Bolt, and Kenya’s homegrown Little app are most helpful.
Mombasa was once a vital staging post on the spice route that linked India and Africa, and it still boasts excellent Indian food. Shehnai Restaurant has been serving up North Indian feasts in the heart of the city for around four decades now and offers Mughal dishes, tandoori favorites, plus a range of vegetarian options that’s rare in meat-obsessed Kenya. There’s no alcohol.
