There are three main methods of traveling around Mombasa – Tuk-Tuk, public transport, or taxis. Tuk-Tuk is the most popular form of short travel within Mombasa. Over the last few years Tuk-Tuk has soared in numbers and can literally take you anywhere you wish. Simply flag one down and you’re on your way. It is best to negotiate a rate before you board to ensure you know the cost before arriving. They are cheap and effective for short trips.

For longer ventures or a vehicle more secure than a Tuk-Tuk, you have the option of using Mombasa’s public transportation system. The city has a more extensive public transport system than any other city in Kenya. The city has a large system of buses and other forms of public transport, including mini vans and rickshaws (a two-wheeled cart pulled by a person or bicycle), referred to locally as Matatu. Mombasa’s buses and other forms of public mass transport are generally cheap and reliable, though many complain that they can be slow. The city’s public transportation system does not have a central governing body or a website; visitors can get information about schedules and fares from their hotels or guides.

If you are taking Matatu you usually buy your tickets from the operator before departing. People are also expected to wait until they are full, as operators do not like to leave without a full vehicle. People wanting rides can also often flag down Matatu on the side of the road; buses pick up only at designated stops.

It will cost you more but when in Mombasa you can also take the local taxis. Do not expect an up-to-date car, the taxis here are reliable but not necessarily top of the line. Haggle with the driver over the price and you can get good deals. You can get further discounts if you stick with the same driver throughout the duration of your trip. They are willing to drop off and pick up if you plan your schedule with them.

Hiring a car is not recommended. The roads can be treacherous when you’re not used to navigating them. If you must have your own car, it is advisable to hire a driver. Your driver will be there when you need them; just be sure the company your hire your car from allows them to be driven everywhere you need to go. Also be aware that these companies do not typically allow their cars to go on safari.

Either hire a car specifically for your safari or make sure you advise the rental company of your plans. They should give you authority, in writing, if you are allowed to take the car on safari.

This hotel, located on Aberdare National Park, Shimba Hills National Reserve, is near Pink Sands Beach, Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Tarpum Bay, and Rock Sound.

The lodge is actually situated in Kenya’s conserved remaining habitat of the Rare Sable Antelope, Shimba National Reserve, is the Shimba Hills Lodge overlooking a waterhole. The Lodge is set 45 minutes from the Indian Ocean and about 50 km from Mombasa in the heart of an ancient tropical rain forest inside the Reserve.

The lodge stays refreshingly cool in its forest setting despite being only 45 minutes drive from the hot, humid coastal city of Mombasa (and 30 minutes from the South coast resorts of Diani).

The lodge overlooks a waterhole and is bird lovers’ paradise. Dramatic black and white Colobus Monkeys, herds of Elephant and graceful Giraffes are often seen at Shimba. For the very fortunate, the Leopard will make a rare appearance. A wooden walkway extending into the forest leads nature lovers to great unobtrusive birdlife viewings. Other adventures await you like a visit to Sheldrick Falls, or an evening game drive followed by a walk through the forest that could end up with drinks and snacks in a glade. All rooms have balconies overlooking the waterhole. The lodge also boasts a restaurant under a veranda. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and sunrises at the lodge’s sundowner site.

Accommodations:

Shimba hills lodge has 67 rooms which comfortable and uniquely furnished, some with the gnarled trunk of a tree providing a natural centerpiece, and others overlook the waterhole.

Suites have their own bathrooms while Single, double and triple rooms have access to toilet and shower facilities.

The open fronted dining room allows unrestricted game and bird viewing at all times, and an elevated walkway extending well into the forest gives peace seeking visitors a few rare moments alone with nature.

Major Attractions:
– Sable Antelope
– Elephant habitat
– Sheldrick Falls
– Various view points
– Mwaluganje Forest

Wildlife:

Include Endangered Sable Antelope, Elephants, Giraffes, Leopard, Genet, Civet cat, Hyenas, Waterbuck, Bush pig, Buffalo, African Bush Baby, Bushbuck, Coastal Black and white Colobus, Blue Duiker, Bush Duiker, Red Duiker, Greater Galago,Black-faced Vervet Monkey, Sykes Monkey, Serval cat, Black and Red Shrew, and Knob-bristled Suni Shrew.

Birds:

111 bird species have been recorded, of which 22 are coastal endemic among them are: Ostrich Eagle, African Hawk; Falcon, Cuckoo; Guinea-fowl, Kenya Crested; Honey guide, Greater; Hornbill, Crowned; Quail, Blue; Sunbird, Uluguru

Reptiles:

Python, Cobra, Lizard, and Gecko.

Insects:

Butterflies, mosquito, beetles

Traveling can be stressful even if you’re staying close to home. If this is your first time traveling abroad or you just need a refresher, here are some tips to help make your trip as fun and stress-free as possible.

Don’t just carry your passport, make copies of it and carry them as well. If your passport gets stolen or lost you want to be sure that you can still get back into the country, or be able to prove your citizenship. Also leave a copy at home with someone you trust, this will give you extra backup. You can also make a digital copy to store on your computer.

No matter where you’re traveling, you can never be sure what might happen while you’re there. That is why it’s a good idea to register with your embassy. If there’s a problem in the country, this will make it easier for your government to contact you and get you to safety. Registering can usually be done online.

Certain destinations may require vaccinations that you don’t already have. Check with your doctor about any possible vaccinations that you may be required to obtain prior to your trip and be sure to fill prescriptions that you’ll need. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if your medical policy applies overseas for emergencies. If it doesn’t, and you want to add extra coverage, consider supplemental travel insurance.

Unless someone is paying your way, you’re going to need money while you’re on your trip. Look up conversion rates before you head out so you can budget properly. Also, call your bank and credit card companies and let them know you will be traveling. If you use these cards for a purchase in a new country it will send up flags and the fraud department might temporarily shut your cards off. You can get them back but if you’re in a situation where you need money immediately, this could cause problems. Always have local cash. Not every place takes credit cards, especially important places like trains or buses.

Plan ahead for any activities you know you don’t want to miss. By purchasing in advance you’ll be able to skip more lines and find more bargains. Download any apps you want before you travel. You could be subject to extra fees by your service provider for downloading out of area.

Different countries have different size electrical outlet plugs and voltage so buy adapters for any chargers or power cords you need to have plugged in. Also check the voltage of your electronics. If you have something like a blow dryer you want to bring, first make sure the voltage is optimal for the country you’re visiting otherwise you won’t be able to use it and it will simply take up space in your luggage.

2,000 years of culture imbue Mombasa with an aesthetic matched by no other place on Earth. It is a crossroads combining beautiful palm-fringed beaches with an ancient city shaped by the various influences of Portuguese, Arabic, British, African and Indian cultures. As an important and historic port city, Mombasa has received visitors for thousands of years and continues to welcome tourists today. There are few familiar chain hotels in Mombasa, but for a truly unforgettable experience take a look at these three high-end hotels.

Severin Sea Lodge

Located at Bamburi Beach, Severin Sea Lodge is mere steps from the Indian Ocean with a breathtaking white sand beach view. You can choose from any of the 200 guest rooms or stay in the more secluded beach bungalows. Guest rooms feature either Arabian-style furnishings or traditional carved furniture reminiscent of Lamu Island. Air conditioning and wireless Internet access are standard, and guest rooms in the main building all have a private balcony or terrace. Upgrade to a superior room to enjoy an LCD-screen television and a complimentary fruit basket in your room.

If you need a premium amount of space, ask about the Admiral Suite. The ocean view from the suite is incredible and it also offers a large living room, a kitchenette, dressing room, and bar. All guests enjoy access to two swimming pools, a satellite television room, an Internet café, and a mini-supermarket. The onsite IMANI Dhow restaurant is a notable attraction of the hotel. It is a restaurant converted from an old sailing boat that specializes in seafood.

The Serena Beach Hotel

Modeled after a 13th Century Swahili town the Serena Beach Hotel is a wonderful place to stay. No detail was overlooked in the design – it is complete with artistically carved balconies overlooking traditional-style courts and squares. The hotel overlooks Mombasa National Marine Park and a white sand beach. There is a swimming pool and a swim-up bar with a thatched roof, perfect for unwinding after a day on the beach or exploring the city.

All the guest rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, and complimentary bottles of water. You can also request a mosquito net if necessary. There are 164 rooms total in the hotel. Choose from “village” or “garden” rooms, family rooms and suites, some of which offer ocean views. Take a leisurely walk through the Butterfly Garden on the hotel grounds; indulge yourself with a spa treatment; or enjoy complimentary water sports including scuba diving, snorkeling, catamaran and glass bottom boat tours. A free guest shuttle to Mombasa town is also provided.

Travellers Beach Hotel

Another hotel located on Bamburi Beach, the Travellers Beach Hotel is a popular North Coast accommodation for those looking for somewhere special to stay. You have the choice of standard, superior, or suite in terms of rooms. The superior rooms have an additional living room and four-poster bed. There are also suites that include a furnished dining area, spacious living room and a Jacuzzi bathtub. Suite guests enjoy views of the ocean from a private balcony. Standard in-room amenities include satellite televisions, bottled water, tea- and coffee-making facilities and air conditioning.

The on-site dining at Travellers is spectacular as with many high-end hotels. To make your stay that much more enjoyable, top chefs run these places and offer culinary creations you won’t find anywhere else. You can choose from traditional Indian or Italian with Sher-E-Punjab and La-Pergola. Shibe Restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet; and Suli Suli Grill offers poolside food and drinks. Room service is also available 24 hours a day. The hotel also features a gymnasium, massage parlor, swimming pools and a spa.

Wouldn’t a beautiful African vacation be perfect this fall? Book your tickets and hotel online and save big. Mombasa is a perfect African city with all the colors and culture of you can imagine. Mombasa is ideal for family holidays and honeymoons, and it specifically qualifies to be your holiday destination if you want to holiday in an exotic but well traveled location. The city of Mombasa is not very urbanized thus keeping the true natural topography and climate alive. At the same time it is not very rural which means it offers you great restaurants, wonderful shopping, and exciting nightlife.

The beaches of Mombasa are amazing, white and gold sand, paradises. Two of the best (there are many) and most popular are Nyali and Bamburi Beach. Nyali Beach is an ideal golden sand beach where you can sun bathe. The waters are shallow near the beach so you can swim in the peaceful sea. The sun set at the beach is divine spreading gorgeous shades of orange and yellow across the water.

If you want a more private beach experience, Bamburi is where you want to head. It is more suited for couples that want to spend quality time relaxing together. You can also sun bathe and swim here. You will find bars nearby which offer delicious drinks. You can go for a peaceful stroll by the sandy beach with your drinks in hands and enjoy the perfect African sunset.

When you’re done with the beach but still want outdoor activities you have plenty of options. For wildlife enthusiasts Haller Park is amazing to visit. Haller Park is a vast facility with awe-inspiring grasslands and vegetation. There are pathways inside the park where you can walk and jog. You can also see wild life and animals that live in the park and move around freely. Tourists from around the globe love Bird Watching in Haller Park.

If you’re crazy sport type activities check out Mombasa Marine National Park. It is water sports heaven. You can try boating, diving, swimming along with snorkeling at this place. Snorkeling is one of the most loved activities of this national park, and you can try snorkeling at Mombasa Marine National Park even if you are a beginner.

If you’re more interested in architecture and ancient culture, the Gede Ruins is the place for you. It is one of the most historic sites around Mombasa. It is the ruins of a 12th century Swahili Town. You can see how the architecture and way of life have developed over the centuries by walking through this ancient town.

There is much more to do and see in Mombasa, these are just a few highlights. Call to book your hotel today and talk to an agent about attractions and sample trip itineraries. Everything at Mombasa is brilliant, you will not be bored for a second on your exciting holiday.

The beaches and resorts of Mombasa are fast becoming a top international tourist destination. Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and one of the most beautiful locations in all of Africa. It is home to brilliant white sand beaches and rich cultural history. Travel here has become popular all over the world and the influx of tourists means more flights.

The city of Mombasa overflows with culture and fun, which is one of the reasons thousands of people, visit each year. It is the perfect place to unwind on any of the incredible beaches and indulge in activities like water sports and fishing. There are many excellent beach activities for individuals, couples and families that will keep you occupied throughout your stay. The safe and guided boat tours will take you out to the reef where you can watch the sharks swim at the lower depths. There are countless things offered by Mombasa to invigorate your senses to the core.

The city is also home to many amazing cultural experiences. There are small boutique shops selling local art, jewelry, clothes, and other keepsakes. Mombasa is very dependent on the income generated by selling African art. Here you will find that the tourists are keen on buying the local handcrafted items, ornately carved furniture, souvenirs etc. You should not miss visiting the Old Town where numerous markets and expensive boutiques are located. You can bargain a lot and buy the items at reasonable prices. Lastly, the city offers you a comprehensive shopping experience.

Travel to Mombasa is easiest if you fly. You will find several flights to Mombasa each day and if you book online you’ll find that prices are quite low. The city also has many domestic flights, linking the city to the other main cities of Africa. To experience all this book your flight to Mombasa and call us with any questions or to book through us.