In my experience, a well-planned trip can make the difference between a pleasant vacation and a somewhat unpleasant one. It is always advisable to research your destination and what may be required of you before planning your trip to avoid a situation where you are not prepared for certain situations.

Mombasa, Kenya, is a popular destination for many tourists who want to soak up the African sun on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and explore the nature, culture, and history that the city has to offer. Before booking your flights and accommodation in Mombasa, here are a few things to keep in mind:

How to get there

There are regular international flights to Mombasa Moi International Airport, but more options are available for flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, from where you can connect to Mombasa. Mombasa is also easily accessible from Nairobi by bus or train.

Visa requirements for Kenya

First of all, make sure you have a valid passport with a blank page for your travel period for three months from the date of entry. Citizens of certain countries may require a visa to enter Kenya and it is advisable to check with your local Kenyan embassy or consulate to confirm this. Kenya visas are generally available upon arrival at Kenyan international airports for USD25 (make sure you have the exact change) at no cost to children under 16, but it is wise to obtain your visa before you travel.

Vaccines

All travelers to Kenya must visit their personal doctors or health clinics 4-8 weeks prior to departure. Mombasa is a high risk area for malaria and it is important to take a course of malaria tablets. Other necessary vaccinations include those for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid fever, and yellow fever. During your stay in Mombasa, I suggest that you always ask for bottled water to drink instead of tap water, which is questionable at times. There are several medical facilities in Mombasa, including major hospitals such as Aga Khan Hospital in the north and Diani Beach Hospital in the south.

Local currency

The local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan shilling, which is known to fluctuate against the US dollar and visitors to Kenya are advised to check exchange rates regularly. From April 2009 to November 2009, the range has been approximately USD 1: KES74.00 to USD 1: KES80.00. Most banks offer more competitive rates than hotels, but the many exchange offices available in Mombasa will likely offer you the best rates with no commission charge. American Express, Visa, Master Card and other popular cards are widely accepted at ATMs and major establishments in Kenya, but it is important to ask who you pay if they accept such cards in advance.

Weather

Mombasa enjoys a pleasant tropical climate throughout the year with the hottest months between December and April reaching a maximum of 31 ° C and the coldest months between July and August with highs of 27 ° C. The wettest months in Mombasa are between March and May, but the rain usually occurs in short bursts, after which the sun rises and you can continue to enjoy the sun on the beach. The dry season, from July to October, is the best time to visit Mombasa as the temperatures are milder and the air is not as humid.

Local language

Swahili is the official language of Kenya and is spoken by the majority of the people of Mombasa. Although English is also widely spoken, it helps to know a few common words and phrases to use while visiting Mombasa.

Protection and security

Mombasa is not a particularly unsafe city, but you do need to be careful when walking alone and after dark. Pickpockets are not uncommon, so be careful when moving around town and avoid carrying large sums of money or valuables, including expensive jewelry.

Local transportation

The locals of Mombasa use rickshaws (tuk tuks), matatus (minivans), and Boda Boda (bicycles) to get around the city. These are relatively inexpensive means of transportation and can be an experience in themselves, but a ride in a Matatu is not for the faint-hearted. Taxis are also widely available, but it’s best to negotiate the fare before entering one. Car rental is also an option if you want to travel around the region.

Electricity voltage

The electricity voltage in Kenya is 220/240 V. Be sure to check the compatibility of any electrical appliance you may carry with you.

Time difference

Mombasa is in the same time zone as the rest of Kenya. Kenya (Mombasa) time zone is UTC / GMT +3 hours

Using your cell phone in Mombasa

The main cell phone service providers in Kenya are Safaricom, Zain and Orange-Telkom. SIM cards 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 compatible with GSM 900 or tri-band / quad-band, you should be able to use local lines effectively within Kenya at reasonable rates for international and local calls. .