Budget Travel Ideas in Mombasa

Mombasa is a great place to explore diverse cultures and a storied history as well as enjoy the natural beauty of this coastal town known for its luxurious white sand beaches. For travelers on a budget, Mombasa has much to offer in the form of budget accommodations, food, shopping and attractions.

Getting to and around Mombasa

Though most visitors arrive via intercontinental flights, an easy and inexpensive way to get to Mombasa is via train from Nairobi. This overnight train offers first class accommodations with 2-person sleeping compartments for just over $40 and while second class tickets with 6-person sleeping compartments are just $30. If you want to stretch your dollar even further, there are also daily buses between the 2 cities that range from $8 to $14.

To get around town, there are taxis and matatus available. Taxis will run anywhere from $4 to $15 per trip, while the shared ride minibuses, matatus, will cost just under $.50 per trip.

Accommodations in Mombasa

There are hotels of all prices available for accommodations in Mombasa. Hotels located in the city are the best choice for budget travelers. Though these hotels will in most cases be very simple and not equipped with the amenities of the numerous beach resorts on the coast, you will find them to be a good value and clean. A good choice for budget travelers is the Royal Court Hotel near Old Town.

Sights in Mombasa

One of the biggest draws of Mombasa is its beaches. Looking everything like a tropical paradise should, exploring the various beaches in the area is a great budget activity. Many have food stalls nearby, making eating while exploring cheap and delicious.

Much of the city’s history can be learned by strolling through its Old Town that has a strong mix of European, African and Arab architecture. If you are interested in learning more, here guides can be hired for a nominal fee.

Fort Jesus is another popular stop in Mombasa and rather inexpensive to visit. Costing about $10, this Portuguese-built fort is a great place to learn more of the history of the city and spend an afternoon. Guides are also available here for a more in-depth look into the fort, and are also available for a nominal fee. If you are a history buff, hiring a guide is highly recommended.

With inexpensive accommodations, food and entertainment, sticking to your budget while traveling can be easy in Mombasa.