The main cell phone service providers in Kenya are Safaricom, Zain, and Orange-Telkom.

SIMs for these providers can be purchased for as little as Kshs. 100 and are widely available from many vendors. As long as your cell phone is not locked into another service provider’s contract and is GSM 900 compatible or tri-band / quad-band, you should be able to use the local lines effectively within Kenya at reasonable rates for international as well as local calls.

Swahili is the official language of Kenya and is spoken by the majority of the inhabitants of Mombasa.  Although English is also widely spoken, it is useful to know some common words and phrases to use whilst visiting Mombasa.

There’s little chance that you’d want to leave the sandy Mombasa beaches to go shopping, but should you need to, there are plenty of options available:

Nakumatt Nyali: This hypermarket has everything under one roof, from fresh produce to furniture, and is conveniently located within walking distance from Nyali Beach Hotel and Voyager Beach Resort.The centre that houses it also contains a bookstore, pharmacy, internet café, ATM machines, butchery, restaurants, a Kenya Airways booking office and a Safaricom (local cell-phone service provider) retail shop, amongst other shops.

Nakumatt Cinemax: This well-stocked supermarket is also located in Nyali and is Mombasa’s only 24-hour supermarket. Also available within the shopping complex is a movie theatre, casino, bowling alley, bar, coffee shop, internet café, bank, clothing store and a couple of restaurants.

Nakumatt Likoni: Located in close proximity to the Likoni Ferry, this superstore is particularly busy all through the day. The building contains a goldsmith, ATM machines, bookstore and access to phone services (both local and international) at reasonable rates amongst other services.

Nawal Centre in the Mwembe Tayari area and Lulu Centre situated approximately 2km from the town centre, both offer a variety of merchandise, from foodstuffs to clothes.

If you don’t want the hassle of driving, and you want a cheaper option than flying, the train is your best bet to get from Nairobi to Mombasa.

Kenya Railways operates a train service that leaves from both Nairobi and Mombasa every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

A first class return ticket (recommended) with two beds per compartment costs Kshs. 6,750 (less than USD 100) and includes bedding, dinner and breakfast.

If there are more of you, you can opt for a second class cabin with 4 beds for Kshs. 4,980 (approximately USD 68)

Although tickets may be purchased at the railway station on the day of travel, it is advisable to book a few days in advance especially during the holiday season.

Contact Kenya Railways on +254 20 221 211 or if dialing within Kenya, 020-221 211.

The above prices were valid at the time of writing this post.

AirKenya Express has started flying daily Monday – Sunday from Nairobi to Mombasa via Diani, on the South Coast.

This now gives travellers direct access to the South Coast and avoids delays if taking the traditional route from Moi International Airport to the South Coast via the Likoni Ferry service.

Current airfares posted on AirKenya’s website for a one trip ranges between US$100 to US$125 (as at August 4th)

For current information and bookings visit AirKenya’s website.

Commanding a lovely view of Mombasa’s Old Town, the elegant and luxurious full service apartments in the Tamarind Mombasa Village are a good alternative to beach resorts. Built into coral ramparts, guests fall in love with its beautiful African coastal architecture with its soft archways, classical turrets, white walls, private, gorgeous gardens and impeccable hospitality.

A collection of 45 apartments offering one, two or three bedrooms, it is a choice location for the business visitor, those wanting proximity to Mombasa or the traveler looking for a long term stay.

Decorated with authentic Swahili furnishings, each of the spacious apartments in the Tamarind Mombasa Village comes with ensuite bathrooms, generous living areas, air-conditioning, a modern and fully equipped kitchen and well-stocked mini bar, satellite TV, DVD player  and a spacious balcony from which to enjoy panoramic views of the Old Town and wonderful ocean sunsets. Towels are changed daily.

The business visitor gets easy access to a conference room, secretarial services and a business center with fax, email and telephone services. The traveler on holiday enjoys private five star accommodation, two swimming pools surrounded by well manicured green lawns, a jacuzzi, fitness center, spa and a squash court,

Other activities such as scuba diving, wind surfing, golf, hiking trips along the Bamburi Nature Trail are arranged on request. Mombasa’s Old Town is conveniently only ten minutes away.

Guests can avail themselves of room service, dine at the Harbor Restaurant by the pool or enjoy freshest seafood.at the nearby highly-rated Tamarind Mombasa Restaurant. Its French Asian and African cuisines have won rave reviews from such publications as the London Times, Herald Tribune and Gourmet magazine. Opt for terrace dining under starlight and make room for its Prawns Piri Piri and Chili Crab and Lobster.

Guests of the Tamarind Mombasa Village get preferred seating and a 15% discount at the Tamarind Mombasa Restaurant and on the Tamarind Dhow.