| In my experience, a well planned trip can make the | | | | Master Card and other well-known cards are widely |
| difference between an enjoyable vacation versus a | | | | accepted at ATMs and major establishments |
| somewhat unpleasant one. It is always advisable to | | | | throughout Kenya but it is important to ask who you |
| research your destination and what may be required | | | | are paying if they take such cards in advance. |
| of you before you plan your trip so as to avoid a | | | | Weather |
| situation where you are unprepared for certain | | | | Mombasa enjoys a pleasant tropical climate |
| situations. | | | | throughout the year with the hottest months |
| Mombasa, Kenya is a popular destination for many | | | | between December to April hitting a maximum of |
| tourists wanting to soak up some African sun on | | | | 31C and the cooler months between July and August |
| some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and | | | | with highs of 27C. The wettest months in Mombasa |
| explore the nature, culture and history that the town | | | | are between March and May but the rain usually |
| has to offer. Before you book your flights and | | | | occurs in short bursts after which the sun comes out |
| accommodation in Mombasa, here are some things | | | | and you can continue to enjoy basking on the beach. |
| you may want to take into consideration: | | | | The dry season, from July to October, is the best |
| How to get there | | | | time to visit Mombasa as the temperatures are |
| There are regular international flights into Mombasa's | | | | milder and the air is not so humid. |
| Moi International Airport but more options are | | | | Local language |
| available for flights into Jomo Kenyatta International | | | | Swahili is the official language of Kenya and is spoken |
| Airport in Nairobi, from where you can connect to | | | | by the majority of the inhabitants of Mombasa. |
| Mombasa. Mombasa can also easily be reached from | | | | Although English is also widely spoken, it is useful to |
| Nairobi by bus or train. | | | | know some common words and phrases to use |
| Visa requirements for Kenya | | | | whilst visiting Mombasa. |
| First off, ensure that you have a valid passport with | | | | Security and Safety |
| one blank page for your travel period for three | | | | Mombasa is not a particularly unsafe town but you |
| months from entry date. Nationals of certain | | | | should be careful when walking alone and after dark. |
| countries may require a visa to enter Kenya and it is | | | | Pick pocketing is not uncommon so be cautious when |
| advisable to check with your local Kenyan embassy | | | | moving around the town and avoid carrying large |
| or consulate to confirm this. Kenyan visas are | | | | sums of money or valuables including expensive |
| generally available upon arrival at the international | | | | jewellery. |
| airports in Kenya for USD25 (make sure you have | | | | Local transport |
| exact change) with no cost for children under 16, but | | | | Mombasa locals use rickshaws (tuk tuks), matatus |
| it is prudent to obtain your visa prior to travel. | | | | (minivans) and boda boda (bicycles) to get around |
| Immunizations | | | | the town. These are relatively inexpensive means of |
| All travellers to Kenya should visit their personal | | | | transport and can be an experience in itself but a ride |
| physicians or health clinics 4-8 weeks before | | | | in a Matatu isn't for the faint hearted. Taxis are also |
| departure. Mombasa is a high-risk area for Malaria and | | | | widely available but it is best to negotiate the rate |
| it is important to take a course of anti-malarial | | | | before entering one. Car rentals are also an option if |
| tablets. Other vaccinations required include those for | | | | you wish to travel around the region. |
| Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. | | | | Electricity Voltage |
| During your stay in Mombasa, I suggest always | | | | The electricity voltage in Kenya is 220/240v. Make |
| requesting for bottled water to drink as opposed to | | | | sure to check any electrical appliance that you may |
| the tap water which is sometimes questionable. | | | | be bringing along with you for compatibility. |
| There are a number of medical facilities in Mombasa, | | | | Time Difference |
| including major hospitals such as the Aga Khan | | | | Mombasa is on the same time zone as the rest of |
| Hospital in the North and Diani Beach Hospital in the | | | | Kenya. Kenya's (Mombasa) time zone is UTC/GMT |
| South. | | | | +3 hours |
| Local Currency | | | | Using your cell phone in Mombasa |
| The local currency in Kenya is the Kenya Shilling which | | | | The main cell phone service providers in Kenya are |
| has been known to fluctuate against the US dollar | | | | Safaricom, Zain, and Orange-Telkom. SIMs for these |
| and visitors to Kenya are advised to check currency | | | | providers can be purchased for as little as Kshs. 100 |
| exchange rates regularly. From April 2009 to | | | | and are widely available from many vendors. As long |
| November 2009, the range has been approximately | | | | as your cell phone is not locked into another service |
| 1USD: KES74.00 to 1USD: KES80.00. Most banks offer | | | | provider's contract and is GSM 900 compatible or |
| more competitive rates than hotels but the | | | | tri-band / quad-band, you should be able to use the |
| numerous foreign exchange bureaus available in | | | | local lines effectively within Kenya at reasonable rates |
| Mombasa will probably offer you the best rates | | | | for international as well as local calls. |
| without a commission charge. American Express, Visa, | | | | |