Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Kenya / Mombasa
 |  | Fact File : Mombasa |
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| | | Mombasa | | Did you know?
The Swahili expression "hakuna matata" means "no problem".
Language
English and Swahili, plus many tribal languages.
Visas
All UK citizens require a visa which is valid for three months.
Getting there
Direct flights serve Mombasa from the UK.
Flying time from London
Eight hours.
Getting around
Matatus or brightly-coloured minibuses — often with loud stereo systems and crammed with passengers — provide cheap, frequent transport up and down the coast from Mombasa.
Currency
Kenyan shilling.
Costs
Bottle of beer is around £1, a meal between £3-£5 and a roll of camera film £3-£4. Prices fluctuate but may be higher in tourist centres like Mombasa.
Weather
Cool ocean breezes make the humid coast easier to bear. Temperatures range between 21C/70F and 30C/86F. Rainfall is heaviest between April and May.
Time difference
Three hours ahead of GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 254.
Voltage
240V. A universal adapter is useful.
Opening hours
Banks are open 9am-2pm, Monday-Friday and there's also a Barclays Bank which stays open daily (except on Sundays) until 5pm.
Health – before you go
Vaccinations are not compulsory but hepatitis A, polio and typhoid are recommended. Anti-malarial protection is necessary. Seek advice from your GP and make sure you buy adequate health insurance.
Health – when you are there
Be careful of what you eat and drink. Avoid tap water, drinks that include ice and salads. Stick to bottled water and fruit which you have to peel. Take proper measures to protect yourself from the sun and heatstroke.
Warnings
Avoid walking around after dark. Don't carry or wear valuables and lots of cash in public places. Only travel with reputable operators if you're booking local excursions on your own.
Emergency
Police – 99.
Customs
Wear modest clothing in Muslim areas.
Pets
Quarantine rules apply.
Tipping
It's 5-10% in tourist restaurants. Tips for safari guides are also expected.
Tourist Office
Kenya Tourist Board, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9EU. Tel: 020 7202 6373.
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| | Available rental properties in Mombasa |
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| |  | | Tembo Villa, Diani Beach
A newly built 4 bed Luxury Villa (3 bedrooms available to rent) with its own 12 metres pool located in Diani Beach approx 100 metres from the beach front.
|  | | Tembo Cottage
Luxury 2 bedroom cottage, fully airconditioned with open air terrace for al fresco dining and large roof top balcony overlooking the sea, which is ide
|  | | Bougain Villa
Luxurious African style villa at the shore of the Indian ocean with big garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
|  | | Villa Peppercon
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
|  | | Cottage Lamu
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
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Holiday Rentals in Mombasa |
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