CITY OF MOMBASA - KILIFI DISTRICT
The city of Mombasa is known as the white and blue city in Kenya. The true heart of Mombasa is found in the exotic old town, among the narrow winding streets and Arab architecture. In the north of Mombasa, The town of Kilifi lies on a
picturesque creek and sits on the estuary of the Goshi River. Kilifi is known for its beach and for the ruins, mosques and tombs, dating from the 14th to the 17th century.
The weather is generally warm throughout the year (above 25°C) with two seasons of moderate rainfal, around March - July, and October - December.
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Get to Mombasa
From Nairobi by plane to Moi International Airport (1 hour, 6.500 KES) or by Madaraka train (6 hours, 1.000 KES). Tourists can book tickets online. If you will fly try to see in the right side of the plane to sight Mount Kilimanjaro. Instead, if you will take Madaraka train, pay attention to spot elephants crossing Tsavo West National Park. There are also a lot of buses companies and matatus (recommendation SMART COACH) heading to Mombasa, takes 8 hours depends on road traffic.
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From the airport or train station, must take a taxi (use Bolt app) to go to the Matatu North Station at Buxton, Mombasa (1.500 KES 45 minutes depends on the road traffic). A taxi into Mombasa without App costs around 2.500 KES, while matatus drop passengers off by the former train station in the centre for 150 KES. Tuk-tuks (800 KES) are not allowed in the train station car park, but if you walk out to the main road (around 300m), you'll find them waiting at the junction.
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Get to Kilifi
From the Matatu North Station at Buxton in Mombasa, take a matatu heading to Malindi District. It's about 2 hours to get Kilifi town (300 KES). Lasts depart at 9 pm. There you can move by a boda (motorbike) from 150 KES.
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Accommodation
Kilifi Backpackers (or Distant Relatives) is the perfect option to young people. It has swimming pool, pizza party on Fridays, dj's music and a direct path to a small beach. Prices from 1.300 KES/ night without breakfast. To get there you must take a boda on the main road (150 KES). More info here.
Kilifi Konnection. Luxury houses in Kilifi.
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Restaurants
Kilifi Bay Resort near Bofa Beach. Tourist can use the swimming pool a whole day paying one buffet breakfast (1.050 KES).
Nautilus Restaurant. it's located literally on the estuary, The wine is good, the oysters are even better and the prawns in spicy coconut milk top the batch. Price: 3.500 KES.
Boatyard. Fresh crab and oysters (oyster night is Saturday), fish and chips or full English breakfasts.
What to do
Bofa Beach. Take a boda to go there (300 KES).
Vuma Cliffs to see sunset. Take a boda (30 minutes from Kilifi) from 1.200 KES (round trip). Distant relatives also manage transport from 1.500 KES.
Mnarani ruins.
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Back to Mombasa
Take a matatu to Mombasa in the main road (250 KES).
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What to do
Old town. Located around Ft. Jesus, this historic district has mostly been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants. A nice place to explore on a Sunday when much of the city is closed down. The entrance fee for Ft. Jesus built by the Portuguese in 1593-1596 is 500 KES. Schedule: 8.00 am - 17.00 pm. More info here.
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Haller Park. Small zoo in the north of Mombasa. Animals include giraffes, hippos, monkeys and a reptile house. Entry fees: 400 KES. Schedule: 8.30 am - 17.30 pm. Take a taxi or a matatu in Buxton to get the park 70 KES).
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Restaurants
Fischer's Joint. Near the Central Bus Station in Mombasa you can try their delightful Arabian dishes (500 KES).
Forodhani Restaurant. Local dishes and views to Mombasa bay.
