Traveling to Mombasa Kenya? know before you go
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 world’s most beautiful beaches and explore the nature, culture and history that the city has to offer. Before you book your flights and accommodation in Mombasa, here are a few things you may want 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 can also be easily reached 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. Kenyan visas are generally available on arrival at Kenyan international airports for USD 25 (make sure you have exact change) free of charge for children under 16, but it’s wise to obtain your visa before you travel.
vaccines
All travelers to Kenya must visit their personal physicians 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 antimalarial pills. Other required immunizations include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. During your stay in Mombasa I suggest you always ask for bottled water to drink instead of tap water which is sometimes questionable. There are a number of 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 currency exchange rates regularly. From April 2009 to November 2009, the range has been approximately USD 1: KES 74.00 to USD 1: KES 80.00. Most banks offer more competitive rates than hotels, but the many currency exchange offices available in Mombasa will probably give you the best rates without commission charges. American Express, Visa, Master Card and other well-known 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.
Time
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 maximum temperatures of 27°C. The wettest months in Mombasa are between March and May, but the rain usually comes in short bursts, after which the sun comes out and you can continue enjoying the sun on the beach. The dry season, from July to October, is the best time to visit Mombasa as 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 Mombasa’s inhabitants. Although English is also widely spoken, it is helpful to know some common words and phrases to use while visiting Mombasa.
Protection and security
Mombasa is not a particularly unsafe city, but you should be careful when walking alone and after dark. Pickpockets are not uncommon, so be careful when moving around the city and avoid carrying large sums of money or valuables, including expensive jewelry.
local transportation
Locals in Mombasa use rickshaws (tuk tuks), matatus (minivans), and boda boda (bicycles) to get around the city. These are relatively inexpensive means of transport and can be an experience in themselves, but a ride in a Matatu is not for the faint of heart. Taxis are also widely available, but it’s best to negotiate the fare before getting into one. Car rental is also an option if you want to travel around the region.
electricity voltage
The electricity voltage in Kenya is 220/240v. Be sure to check the compatibility of any electrical devices you carry with you.
time difference
Mombasa is in the same time zone as the rest of Kenya. The time zone of Kenya (Mombasa) 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. 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 to another service provider’s contract and supports GSM 900 or tri-/quad-band, you should be able to use local lines effectively within Kenya at reasonable rates for international and local calls. .