"With its atmospheric Old Town centred on Portuguese-built Fort Jesus, Mombasa is the busiest port in East Africa and Kenya’s second-largest city. Set on a small island linked to the mainland by two bridges, Mombasa is also the road, rail and air gateway to gorgeous Diani Beach, which offers fine swimming and other marine activities, as well as some unexpectedly good opportunities for wildlife viewing. ”
- Philip Briggs
Mombasa & Diani Beach
An important centre of maritime trade since the 12th century or earlier, the historic Old Town of Mombasa comprises a compact maze of narrow alleys lined by ancient mosques, hole-in-the-wall coffee and juice shops, and tall Arabic-style homesteads dating to pre-colonial times. Overlooking it, imposing Fort Jesus was the most strategically-important building on the Swahili Coast for a full three centuries after it the Portuguese built it in 1593; it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating museum.
Mombasa is flanked by beach resorts, the most popular of which is Diana, a long, idyllic expanse of palm-fringed white sand 30km to the south. Despite being the main focal point of Kenya’s all-inclusive beach package scene, Diani remains blissfully uncrowded by Mediterranean standards, and it is a great base for marine activities such as diving, snorkelling and windsurfing. Relict patches of coastal forest on Diani support plenty of monkeys and a good variety of birds. For those craving a safari fix, the scenic Shimba Hills National Reserve, only 30km inland, hosts healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, leopard, giraffe, zebra and warthog, as well as being the last Kenyan stronghold of the handsome sable antelope.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
This period is the driest in the year, with blue skies the majority of the month. An ideal time to visit the region.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
DRY SEASON
This period is the driest in the year, with blue skies the majority of the month. An ideal time to visit the region.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
DRY SEASON
This period is the driest in the year, with blue skies the majority of the month. An ideal time to visit the region.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, with at time significant rainfall amounts. Between the showers and thunderstorms there is still a good amount of sunshine to enjoy, so potentially a good time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, with at time significant rainfall amounts. Between the showers and thunderstorms there is still a good amount of sunshine to enjoy, so potentially a good time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. There can be the occasional shower, but these are few and far between. All in all a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. There can be the occasional shower, but these are few and far between. All in all a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. There can be the occasional shower, but these are few and far between. All in all a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. There can be the occasional shower, but these are few and far between. All in all a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Like the rains early in the year this The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, with at time significant rainfall amounts. Between the showers and thunderstorms there is still a good amount of sunshine to enjoy, so potentially a good time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Like the rains early in the year this The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, with at time significant rainfall amounts. Between the showers and thunderstorms there is still a good amount of sunshine to enjoy, so potentially a good time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
DRY SEASON
This period is the driest in the year, with blue skies the majority of the month. An ideal time to visit the region.
Its location so close to the equator and along the Indian Coastline means that Mombasa and Diani Beach have a tropical climate with consistent warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The maximum midday temperature averages around 31°C or 88°F through the majority of the year. Mornings are more pleasant at 21°C or 70°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. The long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November. The height rainfall amounts can be expected during these periods, but showers and thunderstorms can happen throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.
Explore Mombasa & Diani Beach Properties
AfroChic Diani Beach
AfroChic Diani Beach
A modern, boutique hotel on the white sands of Diani Beach, AfroChic is an intimate property in a gorgeous location with views all along the shore to the sparkling Indian Ocean. Part of the Elewana collection, the hotel retains a ..
Almanara Luxury Resort
Almanara Luxury Resort
Nestled beneath tall palms and amid tropical gardens, Almanara Resort is a small, luxury property managed by the Gionvando family with beautifully designed rooms, perfect sea views and a decent watersports centre to keep ..
Kinondo Kwetu
Kinondo Kwetu
Kinondo Kwetu is a small lodge owned and run by a Swedish couple with a home from home atmosphere. With miles of beautiful white sands reaching out to the Indian Ocean, a wealth of water sports and plenty of privacy, Kinondo ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
