Discover Mombasa

Built by the Portuguese in 1593 at the harbor entrance, the fort ranks among the best-preserved examples of European military architecture in East Africa and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a museum documenting the turbulent history between the Portuguese, Omanis and British.

The winding alleys of the Old Town are shaped by Arab, Indian and Swahili architecture with elaborately carved wooden doors, spice shops and small mosques, conveying a vivid impression of the coastal city's centuries-old trading history.

The marine national park off Nyali and Bamburi protects a colorful coral reef with vibrant fish schools and is even accessible on foot across the tidal pools at low tide, while glass-bottom boats and snorkeling excursions offer easy access to the underwater world.

The wide, white sand beach north of the Old Town ranks among Mombasa's most popular coastal stretches and is lined with numerous hotels and palm trees, with calm water protected by an offshore coral reef, ideal for bathing and swimming.

Moi International Airport lies about 9 kilometers west of the center and is served directly by several European charter airlines. From the airport, the hotel zones along the north coast can be reached by taxi in about 30 to 45 minutes.

Built by the Portuguese in 1593 at the harbor entrance, the fort ranks among the best-preserved examples of European military architecture in East Africa and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a museum documenting the turbulent history between the Portuguese, Omanis and British.

The winding alleys of the Old Town are shaped by Arab, Indian and Swahili architecture with elaborately carved wooden doors, spice shops and small mosques, conveying a vivid impression of the coastal city's centuries-old trading history.

The marine national park off Nyali and Bamburi protects a colorful coral reef with vibrant fish schools and is even accessible on foot across the tidal pools at low tide, while glass-bottom boats and snorkeling excursions offer easy access to the underwater world.