Mombasa Cost Guide 2026: Prices for Food, Hotels & Transport
Prices verified March 2026
Key Takeaway
A budget day in Mombasa costs roughly KES 5,000–8,000 (USD 39–62) covering a guesthouse, street food, matatu transport, and one attraction. Mid-range visitors should budget KES 15,000–25,000/day for a beachfront hotel, restaurant meals, and activities. Mombasa offers significantly better value than Diani for the same quality of food, beaches, and experiences.
Daily cost by travel style
Budget
KES 5,000–8,000
per day
Guesthouse in Mombasa town (KES 1,500–3,000). Street food and local restaurants for all meals (KES 800–1,500). Matatu and tuk-tuk transport (KES 200–400). One attraction entry (KES 200–1,200). Self-guided Old Town exploration. Beach is free.
Sample day
Morning: Walk Old Town streets and visit Fort Jesus (KES 550–2,200). Lunch: Forodhani biryani (KES 700). Afternoon: Nyali Beach (free) with madafu from a vendor (KES 100). Dinner: Grilled fish at Kongowea Market (KES 500). Transport: Matatu + tuk-tuk (KES 250).
Mid-range
KES 15,000–25,000
per day
Beachfront hotel in Bamburi or Nyali (KES 8,000–15,000 with breakfast). Lunch at Crave or Yul's (KES 1,500–3,000). One premium activity like snorkeling or jet ski (KES 2,500–5,000). Dinner at a named restaurant (KES 2,000–5,000). Uber/Bolt transport (KES 500–1,000).
Sample day
Morning: Glass-bottom boat snorkeling at Marine Park (KES 5,700 incl. park fee). Lunch: Seafood at Crave City Mall (KES 2,000). Afternoon: Pool time at hotel. Sunset drinks: Moonshine Beach Bar (KES 1,500). Dinner: The Moorings floating restaurant (KES 4,000). Transport: Bolt (KES 600).
Luxury
KES 40,000–80,000
per day
5-star resort like Sarova Whitesands (KES 25,000–45,000). Tamarind Dhow dinner cruise (KES 10,000–15,000). Private boat charter for snorkeling (KES 7,000+). Spa treatments (KES 5,000–15,000). Airport transfers and private transport (KES 3,000–5,000).
Sample day
Morning: Private snorkeling charter with marine biologist guide (KES 12,000). Lunch: Imani Dhow Restaurant at Severin Sea Lodge (KES 5,000). Afternoon: Resort spa treatment (KES 8,000). Evening: Tamarind Dhow sunset dinner cruise with wine pairing (KES 15,000). Transport: Pre-arranged hotel car (KES 3,000).
Mombasa is Kenya's second-largest city and the gateway to the Indian Ocean coast.
More detail
Whether you are arriving by SGR train from Nairobi, exploring the UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus, eating grilled lobster at Tamarind, or catching sunset drinks in Nyali, this guide covers what you will actually pay in 2026. All prices are in Kenyan Shillings (KES) and based on verified menu prices, published tariffs, and on-the-ground research.
Food & Dining
| Item | Price (KES) |
|---|---|
| Street food — grilled maize, bhajia, viazi karaiAvailable at Mama Ngina Drive, Total Nyali, Macdera Street. High-turnover stalls are safest. | KES 50–200 |
| Deep-fried tilapia at Majengo Fish PlaceWhole fried tilapia with ugali and kachumbari. A Mombasa institution. | KES 400–800 |
| Swahili lunch at Forodhani Restaurant (Old Town)Biryani, pilau, samosas, grilled fish. 200m from Fort Jesus. Fresh seafood arrives at 12:30 PM. TripAdvisor 3.8/5. | KES 500–2,000 |
| Mombasa biryani at Crave (City Mall, Nyali)Crave's famous Mombasa Biryani. Also serves Fish Masala Fillet at KES 1,600. TripAdvisor 4.9/5, Travellers' Choice 2025. | KES 850 |
| Indian dinner at Shehnai RestaurantMombasa's premier Indian restaurant since 1984. Mughlai and Tandoori specialties. Over 100 dishes. Located on Mungano Street. | KES 800–2,500 |
| Casual beachfront meal at Yul's Restaurant (Nyali)Italian-seafood fusion with ocean views. Wood-fired pizza, grilled lobster, coconut fish curry. TripAdvisor 4.1/5 (819 reviews). Cocktails KES 600–800. | KES 1,500–4,000 |
| Grilled prawns (per portion, 250–350g)KES 1,500 at casual spots, KES 2,850 at Crave, KES 5,500 at fine-dining restaurants. | KES 1,500–5,500 |
| Seafood platter for two at CraveIncludes lobster, prawns, calamari, fish. Lobster Thermidor alone is KES 4,500. | KES 9,500 |
| Seafood dinner at The Moorings (Mtwapa Creek)Kenya's original floating restaurant since 1994. Grilled lobster, crab, prawns, plus pizza. Creek cruises available. TripAdvisor 4.2/5. | KES 2,000–6,000 |
| Fine dining at Tamarind Mombasa (Nyali)Mombasa's undisputed #1 restaurant. Prawns Piri Piri, Chilli Crab, Lobster Swahili. Seared Tuna Tataki KES 1,400. Seafood Laksa KES 4,700. Panoramic Tudor Creek views. TripAdvisor 4.4/5, Google 4.6/5. Smart casual dress code. Reserve for dinner. | KES 5,000–15,000 |
| Tamarind Dhow dinner cruiseRotating seafood set menu served aboard a traditional dhow on Tudor Creek. Once-in-a-lifetime sunset experience. TripAdvisor 4.7/5. Book in advance. | KES 8,000–15,000 |
| Fresh fish at Kongowea Market (buy + grill)Buy red snapper or tilapia from the fishmonger (KES 200–1,000 by weight), walk to adjacent grill stall (KES 100–300 cooking fee). Served with ugali, kachumbari, or coconut rice. | KES 300–1,300 |
| Coffee or fresh juiceSwahili kahawa at Old Town cafes from KES 150. Fresh tropical juices at Cafesserie or hotel restaurants KES 300–500. | KES 150–500 |
Transport
| Item | Price (KES) |
|---|---|
| SGR train Nairobi–Mombasa (Economy class)5.5-hour journey. Children 3–11 half price, under 3 free. Book at metickets.krc.co.ke. M-Pesa accepted. Departs Nairobi Terminus 8:00 AM and 3:20 PM. | KES 1,500 |
| SGR train Nairobi–Mombasa (First class)Wider seats, more legroom, meal service included. Same journey time as economy. | KES 4,500 |
| Bus Nairobi–Mombasa (Modern Coach, Tahmeed, Easy Coach)7–9 hours depending on traffic. Night buses available. Book via Buupass app or at booking offices. | KES 1,300–2,000 |
| Matatu within MombasaBamburi to Likoni Ferry KES 80. Most urban routes KES 50–80. Cheapest option but can be crowded. | KES 50–100 |
| Tuk-tuk within MombasaShort hops from KES 50–100. Nyali to CBD KES 200–400. Always negotiate before boarding. Above KES 300, Uber/Bolt is often cheaper. | KES 100–400 |
| Uber/Bolt within MombasaBoth apps work in Mombasa. Cash strongly preferred — card payments can cause driver cancellations. Bolt also offers tuk-tuk option. | KES 300–700 |
| Uber/Bolt from Moi International Airport to Nyali20–30 min drive. Airport taxi desk quotes KES 1,500–2,500 — Uber/Bolt is 50–70% cheaper. | KES 500–1,000 |
| Traditional taxi — Airport to NyaliNegotiate before entering. Airport taxis are significantly more expensive than ride-hailing apps. | KES 1,500–2,500 |
| Likoni Ferry (pedestrians)Free for foot passengers. Connects Mombasa Island to South Coast (Diani direction). Runs continuously. Vehicle crossing KES 300 for cars. | Free |
| Private transfer Mombasa to Diani Beach50 km, 1.5–2 hours including Likoni Ferry wait. Pre-book through hotel or operator. | KES 4,000–6,000 |
| Matatu Mombasa to Malindi (express)Express KES 600, shuttle KES 700. Approximately 2-hour journey. | KES 600–700 |
Accommodation
| Item | Price (KES) |
|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse / hostel (Mombasa town)Basic room with fan, shared or en-suite bathroom. Areas: Mombasa CBD, Old Town, Likoni. | KES 1,500–3,500 |
| Mid-range hotel (Bamburi / Shanzu)Travellers Beach Hotel, Bahari Beach Hotel. Pool access, breakfast included at some properties. Bamburi Beach Hotel offers all-inclusive packages. | KES 5,000–12,000 |
| Beachfront resort — Nyali (per night, double room)Reef Hotel (est. 1972, recently renovated), Voyager Beach Resort, Cocoa Luxury Resort (formerly Nyali Beach Hotel). Pool, beach access, multiple restaurants. | KES 10,000–25,000 |
| 5-star resort — Sarova Whitesands (Bamburi)Award-winning luxury beachfront resort. 5 pools, Lido Seafood Grill, spa. Best Luxury Family Beach Resort in Africa 2023. Rates vary significantly by season. | KES 18,000–45,000 |
| Airbnb apartment — NyaliSelf-catering apartments popular for longer stays. 1-bedroom from KES 3,500, 2-bedroom from KES 6,000. Many with pool access. | KES 3,500–10,000 |
| Old Town boutique hotelRestored Swahili-style houses with carved wooden doors and coral walls. Walking distance to Fort Jesus and Old Town attractions. | KES 6,000–15,000 |
Attractions & Activities
| Item | Price (KES) |
|---|---|
| Fort Jesus entry — Non-resident adultUSD 17 for adults from outside Africa (child USD 8). Residents and other Africans USD 9 (child USD 6). Kenyan and EAC citizens KES 550 (child KES 300). UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open daily 8:30 AM–5:30 PM. Allow 1.5–2 hours. | KES 2,193 |
| Fort Jesus entry — Kenyan citizen adultChildren KES 300. Pay via eCitizen NMK portal. | KES 550 |
| Mombasa Marine Park entry — Non-resident adultUSD 25/day. Children USD 15. Kenyan and EAC citizens KES 500. Covers Nyali/Bamburi reef area. Separate from boat hire. | KES 3,225 |
| Glass-bottom boat + snorkeling tripPer person, minimum 8 pax. 2-hour trip via operators like East Coast Water Sports. Marine park fee not included. Bring sunscreen and reef shoes. | KES 2,500 |
| Private boat hire for snorkelingHire a boat privately if fewer than 8 people. Fits small groups. Marine park fee extra. | KES 7,000 |
| Jet ski ride — single seat 10 minAt East Coast Water Sports (Nyali). Double seat 10 min KES 3,300. Single 30 min KES 6,600. | KES 2,800 |
| Camel ride on beachSiyad Camel operates at Nyali Beach. Negotiate on-site. Fun photo opportunity. | KES 500–1,000 |
| Paddleboard rental30 min KES 1,500, 1 hour KES 2,500 at East Coast Water Sports. | KES 1,500–2,500 |
| Old Town guided walking tour3–4 hour tour covering Swahili architecture, spice market, Fort Jesus area. Self-guided is free — the Old Town streets are walkable and safe during daytime. | KES 2,500–5,000 |
| Haller Park (Bamburi Nature Trail)Rehabilitated quarry turned wildlife sanctuary. Giraffes, hippos, crocodiles. Kenyan residents pay less. Open daily 8 AM–5 PM. | KES 800–1,200 |
| Mombasa Go-Kart / entertainmentVarious entertainment centres in Nyali and Bamburi. Prices vary by activity and venue. | KES 500–2,000 |
Shopping & Markets
| Item | Price (KES) |
|---|---|
| Kikoy (beach sarong) at Kongowea MarketStart haggling at half the asking price. Quality and fabric weight vary. Tourist stalls charge KES 800+, market vendors KES 300–500. | KES 300–800 |
| Handmade beadwork (Maasai-style bracelet)Beach vendors quote KES 800–2,000. Fair price is KES 200–500 for a single bracelet. Buying multiples gets better rates. | KES 200–1,000 |
| Spices (500g bag — turmeric, cardamom, cloves)Old Town spice stalls and Kongowea Market. Pre-packaged tourist packs cost more. Buy loose for better value. | KES 200–600 |
| Macadamia nuts (500g)Popular Kenyan souvenir. Cheaper at supermarkets (Naivas, Quickmart) than at tourist shops. | KES 500–1,200 |
| Kangas / Vitenge fabric (per piece)Colourful printed fabric with Swahili proverbs. Marikiti Market and Kongowea have the widest selection. | KES 400–1,500 |
| Supermarket water (1.5L bottle)Naivas, Quickmart, Carrefour (City Mall). Beach vendors and hotels charge KES 150–300. | KES 60–100 |
Nightlife
| Item | Price (KES) |
|---|---|
| Local beer (Tusker, White Cap) at a barKES 250–300 at local bars, KES 400–500 at hotel bars and upscale venues. | KES 250–500 |
| Cocktail at a Nyali barKES 600–800 at Yul's and casual spots. KES 900–1,200 at Tamarind and hotel bars. | KES 600–1,200 |
| Sunset drinks at Moonshine Beach Bar (Reef Hotel)Directly on Nyali Beach. Live music on Sundays. Open noon to late. Accessible to non-hotel guests. | KES 500–2,000 |
| Club entry feeMany clubs are free entry on weeknights. Weekend cover KES 500–1,500 at venues like Club Hypnotica. Ladies often free. | Free–KES 1,500 |
| Shisha sessionAvailable at Maroc Swahili Cuisine 001 (by the sea, great sunset spot) and various Nyali lounges. | KES 500–1,500 |
| Night out budget (drinks + entry + tuk-tuk home)Budget night: 4 beers + entry + tuk-tuk = ~KES 2,000. Upscale night with cocktails and Uber = KES 4,000–6,000. | KES 2,000–6,000 |
Money tips
- Take the SGR train, not a taxi from Nairobi — The SGR economy ticket is KES 1,500 — a fraction of a KES 12,000+ taxi/private transfer. First class at KES 4,500 is still cheaper and infinitely more comfortable. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for guaranteed seats during holidays.
- Use Bolt/Uber instead of airport taxis — Airport to Nyali costs KES 500–1,000 on Bolt vs KES 1,500–2,500 from the taxi desk. Both apps work at Moi International Airport. Have cash ready — card payments cause driver cancellations.
- Eat where locals eat for the best value — Forodhani in Old Town, Swahili Dishes in Mombasa town, and the grill stalls at Kongowea Market serve the same Swahili food tourists pay triple for at resorts. A full biryani lunch costs KES 500–800 vs KES 2,500+ at a hotel restaurant.
- Haggle at markets, but not at restaurants — Beach vendors and Kongowea Market expect bargaining — start at half the asking price. Restaurants and cafes have fixed prices. Tuk-tuk fares are always negotiable; agree on the price before getting in.
- Visit during green season (April–June) for 30–50% savings on hotels — Beach hotel rates drop dramatically during the long rains. The rain usually comes in heavy afternoon bursts — mornings are often clear. Restaurants and attractions are less crowded, and seafood supply at markets remains steady.
- Buy seafood at the market and have it grilled — At Kongowea Market, a whole red snapper costs ~KES 870/kg raw. A grill stall charges KES 100–300 to cook it. Total: KES 500–1,200 for a meal that costs KES 2,500+ at a restaurant. Point at the fish you want, agree on weight and price, then walk it to the grill.
- Combine Fort Jesus with Old Town for free exploring — After paying for Fort Jesus (KES 550–2,200), spend 2–3 hours wandering Old Town for free. The Swahili architecture, carved doors, spice stalls, and narrow streets cost nothing to explore. Forodhani Restaurant is 200m from the fort for a cheap lunch.
- Use the Likoni Ferry to save on South Coast access — The Likoni Ferry is free for pedestrians and runs continuously. If visiting Diani for a day, take a matatu to Likoni (KES 50–80), walk onto the ferry, then catch a matatu on the other side to Ukunda (KES 150). Total: ~KES 500 return vs KES 8,000+ for a private transfer.
- Drink local, not imported — A Tusker or White Cap beer costs KES 250–300 at a local bar vs KES 600–800 for an imported beer or KES 900+ for a cocktail at hotel bars. Dawa (Kenya's signature honey-lime-vodka cocktail) is better value than imported spirit cocktails.
- Tipping norms: 10% at sit-down restaurants — 10% is standard at restaurants. At Tamarind and other upscale spots, 10–15% is appreciated. At casual spots, round up or leave KES 100–200. For beach vendors and street food, tipping is not expected but KES 50–100 is welcomed.