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Mombasa County, Kenya

Pwani

Pwani means the coast.

Mombasa County

The Port of Mombasa is East Africa's largest seaport and the gateway for Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and eastern DRC.

Capital
Mombasa
People
1.2M
Area
213 km²
Altitude
15 m
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Mombasa is Kenya's smallest county by area, centred on Mombasa Island and the shores around it. The Mijikenda are the largest group, alongside Swahili, Arab, Kamba and many other communities. The result is a lively, cosmopolitan port city with centuries of history.

Why it matters

The Port of Mombasa is East Africa's largest seaport and the gateway for Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and eastern DRC. Fort Jesus, begun by the Portuguese in 1593, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

The economy

The port, trade, logistics and tourism drive one of Kenya's most productive county economies.

Must-see in Mombasa

  • Fort Jesus

    A 16th-century Portuguese fortress and museum, with an evening sound and light show.

  • Mombasa Old Town

    Narrow lanes, carved doors, spice stalls and antique shops beside the old harbour.

  • Mombasa Marine National Park

    Coral gardens for snorkelling, diving and glass-bottom boat trips.

  • Haller Park

    A former limestone quarry turned wildlife park, famous for giraffe feeding.

  • Nyali, Bamburi and Shanzu beaches

    Lively north-coast beaches lined with resorts and water sports.

  • Mombasa Tusks

    Arched tusk monuments on Moi Avenue, a city icon since 1952.

  • Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre

    Crafts by artisans with disabilities, plus traditional dance.

  • Mamba Village Centre

    A large crocodile farm with gardens and horse riding.

Parks and wildlife in Mombasa

Peoples of Mombasa

Communities with a historic home in Mombasa. Today people from every part of Kenya live and work here.

Music, food and culture

Swahili taarab and the hip-swaying chakacha dance are the city's signature sounds. The Mombasa Carnival fills Moi Avenue with floats, dancers and music in November. Try biryani, pilau, mahamri, viazi karai and mishkaki skewers.

Best time to go

October to January and June to September bring the most reliable beach weather. Mid-March to late May is the hottest and wettest stretch.

On the map

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Mombasa and its neighbours. Tap a county or a place to read about it.

Haller ParkMombasa Marine National ParkMombasa Old TownFort Jesus

Hover a county or a dot. Click to open it. Locations are approximate.

Your questions

When is the best time to visit Mombasa?

October to January and June to September bring the most reliable beach weather. Mid-March to late May is the hottest and wettest stretch.

What is Mombasa County known for?

The Port of Mombasa is East Africa's largest seaport and the gateway for Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and eastern DRC. Fort Jesus, begun by the Portuguese in 1593, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

Where is Mombasa and what is its capital?

Mombasa is Kenya's smallest county by area, centred on Mombasa Island and the shores around it. The Mijikenda are the largest group, alongside Swahili, Arab, Kamba and many other communities. The result is a lively, cosmopolitan port city with centuries of history. The county capital is Mombasa, and the 2019 census counted 1,208,333 people across about 213 square kilometres.

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A giraffe and acacia tree silhouetted against a Kenyan sunset

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