Mombasa

Mombasa

Kenya

Explore the centuries-old carved doors and narrow alleys of the historic Stone Town, where Swahili architecture meets Indian Ocean mystique.

Currency Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Language Swahili, English
Time Zone EAT (UTC+3)
Best Time to Visit Jan–Mar
Typical Duration 12-93 nights
Price Range From $44,490 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to East Africa's wildlife and cultural treasures, offering access to Kenya's renowned safari experiences and the historic Swahili Coast.

Cruises that visit Mombasa

Build Your Day in Mombasa

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Fort Jesus Museum Its a historical site and a must visit for whoever comes to Mombasa Kenya. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 11k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Char-Choma Restaurant Best restaurant in Mombasa for Quality and affordable price Family restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 7k Open · Closes 12 AM
Haller Park You can easily combine a visit to the park with a city tour to Mombasa. Park · ★ 4.3 · 6k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Pembe Za Ndovu – Elephant Tusks One of the tourist attractions in Mombasa ...make a date and visit! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 6k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Mama Ngina Waterfront A great place to view Indian Ocean when you are in Mombasa Kenya. Park · ★ 4.5 · 5k Open · Closes 10 PM
Tarboush Restaurant Would totally recommend for a local Mombasa cuisine experience Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 4k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Wild Waters Very interesting and definitely a must visit if you are in Mombasa. Water park · ★ 4.4 · 4k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Blue Room Restaurant & Ice Cream I can see why people call this one of the top biryani spots in Mombasa. Family restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 4k Open · Closes 10 PM
Yul's Restaurant Good food.The ice cream is a must try,the best in Mombasa Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 4k Open · Closes 11 PM
Forodhani Restaurant Best restaurant ambience and views in old town Mombasa Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 4k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Cafesserie One of the best places to eat when in Mombasa...good food and good service.. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 3k Open · Closes 11:30 PM
Moonshine Beach Bar Music is great, service is fantastic and lots of drinks Lounge bar · ★ 4.3 · 3k Open · Closes 1 AM
Maasai Beach Bar & Restaurant Masai beach has one of the best pork servings in Mombasa. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 3k Open · Closes 11 PM
The Moorings, Mombasa, Kenya. Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegan options Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k Open · Closes 11 PM
Tapas Gold Bar & Restaurant The only bar in Mombasa that is Classy from my view. Bar & grill · ★ 4.4 · 2k Open · Closes 3 AM
Qaffee Point They have the best Americano in the whole of Mombasa. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Open · Closes 11 PM
The Yacht Lounge Mtwapa Drinks, Ambience, great music and great service Bar & grill · ★ 4.4 · 2k Open · Closes 3 AM
Kingston Beach Resort Love the drink and foods they have Very pocket friendly The music is a 10 Lounge bar · ★ 4.3 · 2k Open 24 hours
CRAVE KENYA - CITYMALL The soft serve at the mall is genuinely the best I've had in all of mombasa Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k Open · Closes 12 AM
Roberto's Italian Restaurant This is a must visit restaurant when in Mombasa, authentic Italian cuisine😍 Italian restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k Open · Closes 11 PM
Mamba Village Mombasa Amazing place for kids thou limited activities for adults. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 2k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Tamarind Restaurant Mombasa A bit expensive for Mombasa but very good food and perfect environment. Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Open · Closes 11 PM
Shimba Hills National Reserve A memorable place to bring your family I do recommend to bring yours. National park · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 AM Fri
Poco Loco Bistro Best meal I’ve had in Mombasa for an affordable price. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open 24 hours
Floating Island Restaurant Nice food and pocket friendly price very tasty food Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve This is an experience one needs to try out when they visit Mombasa. Nature preserve · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 AM Fri
Kizingo BBQ Highly recommended for yummy food on a budget in Mombasa. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Safari Inn Bar & Restaurant All you can eat·Happy hour food·Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 1 AM
Nguuni Nature Sanctuary Very refreshing and friendly good for kid and hosting some activities Wildlife park · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Mikaye Restaurant All you can eat·Happy hour food·Private dining room African restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Istanbul Beach Cave Restaurant The ambience, service and food was top notch. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Mugshotcafe A good spot for breakfast if you’re in the Nyali area of Mombasa. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Sea Haven Restaurant Outdoor seating·Private dining room·Great cocktails Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Club Hypnotica Great music with a wonderful crowd. Night club · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open 24 hours
Toscana Seafood Restaurant & Lounge All you can eat·Happy hour food·Fireplace Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open 24 hours
Cool Beans Cafe Great fresh food and plenty of variety to choose from with great prices. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
La Casa Di Nico Mombasa This is the best Italian restaurant not only in Mombasa but in all of Kenya. Italian restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
New Mombasa Dishes Affordable food, well prepared Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple A great place to explore on city tour in Mombasa Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM Fri
Coco's Great atmosphere, and the evening entertainment is very good 👍 Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Al Capone Lounge Nyali Great Ambiance, music, food. Night club · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Screenshot Lounge Big music , great service lotz of women Night club · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open 24 hours
Pixies Lounge Relaxed atmosphere. Lounge bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Signature By La - Fattoria Outdoor seating·Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Mombasa Butterfly House attraction · ★ 3.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Fri
Kuze - Mombasa Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Imani Dhow Vegetarian options Fish restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
Mombasa city tour Anthony is a must have guide for a mombasa tour. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Mombasa beach Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Mombasa is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Mombasa

About Mombasa

Mombasa serves as a compelling port of call for world cruises, with two distinguished cruise lines—Emerald Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises—regularly calling here. With 18 upcoming cruises and itineraries typically spanning 12 nights, this East African hub connects travelers to some of the world's most exotic destinations, from the spice-scented islands of Zanzibar to far-flung ports including Sydney, Papeete, and London. The port experiences peak activity during the Northern Hemisphere winter months of December through March, making it an ideal stop for those seeking to escape colder climates.

When your ship docks in Mombasa, you'll find yourself in a city steeped in Swahili culture and centuries of maritime history. Ashore, cruise passengers can explore the atmospheric Old Town with its narrow streets and historic architecture, or venture to nearby natural wonders that showcase Kenya's remarkable wildlife and coastal beauty. Whether you're embarking on a grand world voyage or enjoying a brief port visit, Mombasa offers an authentic taste of East Africa's rich heritage and vibrant character.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Fort Jesus's Centuries of History

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress that dominates Mombasa's skyline. Walk through its imposing stone walls, climb the ramparts for panoramic harbor views, and discover artifacts in the museum that tell stories of trade, conquest, and cultural exchange along the East African coast.

2

Authentic Swahili Street Food

Wander through the Old Town's bustling streets and sample local delicacies like urojo (Swahili soup), grilled seafood, and coconut-infused dishes at family-run stalls. The aromatic spice markets and fresh tropical fruits offer an authentic taste of Mombasa's rich culinary heritage and coastal flavors.

3

Pristine Beaches and Coral Reefs

Relax on the powdery sands of Nyali Beach or Bamburi Beach, just minutes from the port. Crystal-clear waters reveal vibrant coral gardens perfect for snorkeling, while the warm Indian Ocean breeze and swaying palm trees create an idyllic tropical escape from your cruise ship.

4

Vibrant Old Town Bazaars

Navigate the maze-like streets of Mombasa's historic Old Town, where colorful shops overflow with Swahili crafts, intricately carved wooden doors, beaded jewelry, and spices. Haggle with friendly vendors in this atmospheric quarter where Arab, Indian, and African influences blend seamlessly in every corner.

5

Haller Park's Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit this rehabilitated coral quarry transformed into a lush wildlife sanctuary featuring giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, and exotic birds. The verdant gardens and peaceful walking paths offer an unexpected natural oasis where you can observe East African animals in a serene, conservation-focused environment.

Cruise Lines at Mombasa

Cruises Departing From Mombasa

Cruises Visiting Mombasa

Ship Schedule at Mombasa

Mombasa Location

Other Cruise Ports in Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mombasa port known for?

It is Kenya’s main seaport with a rich maritime history and proximity to Fort Jesus.

What are the top attractions near Mombasa port?

Old Town, Fort Jesus, Old Harbour and dhow cruises offer historical and scenic experiences.

How can I visit Mombasa Port from the airport?

Take a taxi or arrange a transfer; the port is about 10-15 km from the airport.

When is the best time to visit Mombasa Port?

Dry seasons from January to February and July to August typically have better travel weather.