Planning a trip from Nairobi to Mombasa? This guide provides comprehensive information to help you find the best flights, understand your options, and make your travel as smooth as possible. Mombasa, popularly known as 'Mombasa Raha', is situated on Mombasa Island on the coast of Kenya and is connected to the mainland to the north by the Nyali Bridge‚ to the south by the Likoni Ferry‚ and to the west by the Makupa Causeway. Mombasa boasts of an average temperature of 27°C‚ offers travelers an exotic taste of the African tropic and is the centre of coastal tourism.
Mombasa is a city of great diversity‚ where people of different cultures and backgrounds live together in harmony. The city's Swahili culture is evident in its food‚ music‚ and language‚ and visitors are often welcomed with open arms. Nestled on the eastern coast of Kenya‚ Mombasa is a city of contrasts. It's a place where modern and ancient cultures blend‚ creating a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. The city is a melting pot of cultures‚ where people from all walks of life converge to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Airlines and Flight Options
Several airlines offer direct flights from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA). Some of the airlines that make the route are Jumbojet, Fly540, 748 Air Services, Hahn Air Systems and Kenya Airways. Here's a look at some of the popular choices:
- Jambojet: This airline is a popular choice for flights from Nairobi to Mombasa. With an average price for the route of $130 and an overall rating of 8.9, Jambojet is the most popular choice. Jambojet Limited (JM) offers 304 nonstop services on this route each month.
- Kenya Airways: This airline operates flights between Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Nairobi and Mombasa. Kenya Airways (KQ) offers 269 nonstop monthly flights.
- Skyward Express: Skyward Express is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $124 and an overall rating of 8.0.
There are nonstop flights from Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Nairobi to Mombasa on a daily basis. All flights from Nairombi to Mombasa are direct, as they last a little over an hour.
Here’s a typical flight schedule:
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| Day | Airlines (Nairobi to Mombasa) | Airlines (Mombasa to Nairobi) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Jambojet, Kenya Airways | Jambojet, Kenya Airways |
| Tuesday | Jambojet, Kenya Airways | Jambojet, Kenya Airways |
| Wednesday | Jambojet, Kenya Airways | Jambojet, Kenya Airways |
| Thursday | Jambojet, Kenya Airways | Jambojet, Kenya Airways |
| Friday | Jambojet, Kenya Airways | Jambojet, Kenya Airways |
| Saturday | Jambojet, Kenya Airways | Jambojet, Kenya Airways |
| Sunday | Jambojet, Kenya Airways | Jambojet, Kenya Airways |
Finding Cheap Flights
Looking for the best deals on flights? KAYAK’s data-powered insights will help you find cheap flights. Here are some tips to secure great prices:
- Book in Advance: Travelers who book at least 2 weeks in advance save around 7% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, book 3 weeks before departure.
- Flexible Dates: If your flying dates are flexible, consider flying to Mombasa on a Monday, as that's when the cheapest rates are typically found. Thursday is the most expensive day. For your return ticket, fly on a Thursday and avoid Tuesdays for the best deals.
- Cheapest Month: The cheapest month for flights from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl Airport to Mombasa is March, where tickets cost $101 (return) on average. December and August are the most expensive months.
- Monitor Prices: Use tools like KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast to determine whether the price for a flight is likely to change within 7 days.
- Hacker Fares: Combine one-way tickets to save money over a traditional round-trip ticket.
Estimated round-trip price: KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.
Airport Information
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
On the date you’re set to board your flight to Mombasa at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), you should get to NBO at least 1h 30min ahead of your flight’s departure time. Getting to NBO this early will ensure you can make it through the airport’s busy security checkpoints in time for your flight. It will also ensure that you have plenty of time to explore points of interest at the airport.
While waiting for your flight to Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA), you can relax at NBO’s Pride Lounge, Simba Lounge, or Aspire Lounge. Pride Lounge and Simba Lounge are located in Terminal 1A, whereas Aspire Lounge is in Terminal 1B. At any of these paid-entry air-conditioned lounges, you’ll enjoy access to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, flight information monitors, magazines, and TVs. You’ll also enjoy great customer service, as all three lounges boast outstanding staff.
If you’re hungry, you can grab a bite at NBO as you wait for your flight to Mombasa; NBO is home to several outstanding dining options. Some notable eateries where you can dine at NBO include Amaica Restaurant, Java Express Café, Java House, Ro-Ro Restaurant, Hardee’s, Karibu Café, Kwaheri Snack Bar, and the Kenchic Inn.
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Public Transportation to NBO:If you’d like to travel to NBO from downtown Nairobi via public transportation, you’ll have to take a taxi, as taxi is the only mode of public transportation that serves the route. To get a taxi, you can choose from Uber, Bolt, or LittleCab. Alternatively, you can order a taxi from one of the city’s cab companies.
Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA)
In Mombasa, you can easily rent a car of your choice at MBA, as long as you are 18 years or older and have the required documents. The airport features car rental companies like Hertz, Unicorn Rent A Car, Ace, Avis, and Budget.
If you need specific information while at MBA in Mombasa, you should head to one of the airport’s information desks. Available in each of the two terminals, these desks have well-informed airport staff.MBA has one business center. Located in the main terminal, the business center features workstations and offers business services such as printing, photocopying, and faxing. Equipped with strong internet connection, you can accomplish all your work-related tasks from this business center.
Things to Do in Mombasa
Mombasa is a fascinating destination that offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for visitors. Its rich history‚ vibrant culture‚ and stunning natural beauty make it a must-visit destination in East Africa.
Begin your Mombasa adventure with a visit to Haller Park‚ a stunning ecological paradise transformed from a former limestone quarry. This lush sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife‚ including giraffes‚ zebras‚ hippos‚ and crocodiles. Don’t miss the highlight of the day - feeding the gentle giraffes.
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A leisurely walk along Mombasa’s white sandy beaches is the ultimate therapy that you did not know you needed. Immerse yourself in the moment and let yourself be drawn in by the sound of the sea. You can sit by the beach and let the tide lick your toes. The expansive Indian Ocean offers you the perfect opportunity for both motorized and non-motorized water sports. The coast north of Mombasa has several world-class dive sites. Some of the best sites are in Mtwapa and Nyali Reef. At Mtwapa and Barracuda Reef‚ you are guaranteed to see large shoals of angel and butterfly fish. There has also been an occasional sighting of the world’s largest shark-the Whale Shark.
Step back in time with a visit to Fort Jesus‚ a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history. Built in 1593 by the Portuguese‚ this historic fort later became a stronghold for the Arabs‚ serving as a prison and slave-holding facility before captives were shipped away. Walk through the fort’s ancient walls‚ explore the underground passages‚ and take in breathtaking views of the ocean.
Another must-see attraction in Mombasa is Old Town. The district is a labyrinth of winding streets and alleys‚ with houses made of coral stones and roofs of thatched palm fronds. The air is always heavy with the scent of spices‚ and the vibrant colors of the buildings and markets create a lively atmosphere.
Aside from historical sites‚ Mombasa is also home to stunning beaches and marine life. The city is surrounded by the Indian Ocean‚ and visitors can enjoy a range of water activities‚ from swimming and snorkeling to deep-sea fishing and scuba diving.
