In this guide I will go into greater details discussing searches related to Nairobi to Mombasa chiefly – flights, SGR Train and distance from Nairobi to Mombasa. Mombasa is the perfect coastal getaway for both locals and tourists alike.
Its white sandy beaches, beachfront hotels and resorts, and tourist destinations are enough to motivate anyone to visit!
Table of Content
- Nairobi to Mombasa distance
- Nairobi to Mombasa flights info
- Nairobi to Mombasa by SGR Train; Tickets, Departures
- Mombasa tourist attractions
- Nairobi tourist attractions
1. Distance from Nairobi to Mombasa by Road
On the drive from Nairobi to Mombasa, you will cover a distance of 488 kilometers in around 7 hours and 50 minutes. If you do not want to drive down to the coast, there is the option of traveling on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.
Buses from Nairobi to Mombasa
The bus companies plying this route include:
- Coast Bus
- Modern Coast
- Coast Air
- Tahmeed Coach
- Dreamline Express
2. Nairobi to Mombasa Flights
Airlines offering flights to Mombasa are based at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport. Airlines that fly to Mombasa from Nairobi are:
- Kenya Airways
- Jambojet
- Fly 540
- Skyward express
- Silverstone Air
- Mombasa Air Safaris
Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Fly 540 depart from JKIA, while the other three depart from Wilson Airport. Flights to Mombasa from Nairobi take an hour at most.
Prices vary depending on the season and the day of departure. Expect to pay anything between Ksh 5,500 and 11,000.
3. Nairobi to Mombasa by SGR Train
The SGR Train offers two travel options – the Inter-County train and the Express train.
3.1 SGR Train Ticket Prices
If you purchase a standard class seat, you will pay Ksh 1000, and if you choose a first-class seat, Ksh 3000. Children aged between 3 and 11 pay Ksh 500 for a standard seat, and Ksh 1500 for a first-class seat.
3.2 SGR Departure Timings from Syokimau Station, Nairobi.
The Inter-County train departs at 8:20 am and gets to Mombasa at 2:18 pm, and the Express train leaves at 2:35 pm, arriving in Mombasa at 7:18 pm.
3.3 Stop Over Stations
The Inter-County SGR Train stops at several stations as listed below:
- Athi River
- Emali
- Kibwezi
- Mtito Andei
- Voi
- Miasenyi
- Mariakani
- Mombasa
3.4 Arrival Station in Mombasa
At the end of the journey, the SGR train stops at the train station at Miritini, Mombasa. Advance booking for holiday travelers can be done on the website (https://metickets.krc.co.ke/), and payment made using MPesa or cash
4. Mombasa Tourist Attractions
The town of Mombasa and its environs has much for the tourist to see and enjoy. Here is a list of the top five places you can visit.
4.1 Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus was built in the 16th Century by the Portuguese as a way of protecting themselves from local rioters and foreign invaders. Some of the highlights of this historical site are a cannon and weapon display, a museum tour, and a magnificent sound and light show held 3 nights a week.
4.2 Mamba Village
Mamba Village is a crocodile farm located in Nyali, Mombasa. A typical tour here starts with a video on the life cycle of a crocodile, followed by a farm walk ending with a dramatic crocodile feeding session. If you’re not a fan of crocodiles, visit the aquarium or do some camel and horse riding.
4.3 Haller Park (Bamburi Nature Trail)
Haller Park is a private game sanctuary established as part of a quarry rehabilitation project. The animal species resident here include African buffalos, oryx, porcupines, crocodiles, Aldabra tortoises, monkeys, and birds.
4.4 Gede Ruins
Gede Ruins are the remains of a Swahili town located 90 kilometers North East of Mombasa. Take a walk through the remains of the palace, mosques, and houses and get a glimpse into the ancient life of its inhabitants.
4.5 Mombasa Old Town
Ancient buildings, narrow streets, ornately carved doors and balconies, and amazing architecture give this lovely old town its character. Grab a meal at one of the small cafés, and purchase antiques, fragrant oils and spices at the local shops.
5. Mombasa Hotels
Below is a list of Mombasa hotels that you can check out as you plan your Mombasa holiday beach package.
5.1 PrideInn Mombasa
PrideInn Mombasa is a luxury business hotel located into the heart of Mombasa town. It is located 400 meters from the Miritini SGR Train Station, on Haile Selassie Road. Expect a quiet and luxurious stay here, coupled with city tours and tourist excursions.
5.2 Voyager Beach Resort
Voyager Beach Resort is well known for its family entertainment packages that include water sports, fun sailboats, deep sea diving for adults, and the adventurer club for kids. This ship-themed resort is located on Mount Kenya Road in Nyali, Mombasa.
5.3 PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort
PrideInn’s Flamingo Beach Resort, located on Serena Road in Mombasa, offers a host of entertainment packages for its residents. Adults get to enjoy a salon, massage center, gym, and various watersports, while children have a well-equipped kids’ corner with play structures and a jungle gym.
5.4 PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort
This beach resort, located in the Shanzu Beach area, is home to the first Aqua Park in Mombasa. This safari-themed aqua park for children features water cannons, slides, and water rings. Adults are also well catered for, with activities like beach volleyball, water rugby, Zumba aerobics, etc.
5.5 Serena Beach Resort and Spa
If you are looking for a tranquil beach resort with white, sandy beaches, coconut palms, and lush gardens, Serena Beach Resort is perfect for you. This family-friendly tropical paradise, located along Shanzu Beach, offers kite surfing, eco trails, swimming, and beach volleyball as well as a fitness center and spa.
All set to go to Mombasa? Enjoy the trip, and be sure to enjoy the sights and sounds along the way!
6. Nairobi Tourist Attractions
Before you board your next flight, why not check out these top tourist attractions in Nairobi? Here are some attractions to see while in Nairobi
6.1 Nairobi National Park
This is one of the first places you must visit – the only national park in the world close to a capital city! Here you will see lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and several species of birdlife.
6.2 Giraffe Centre
At the Giraffe Centre, 17 kilometers from the City Centre, you can hand-feed or mouth-feed one or two Rothschild Giraffes!
6.3 Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum, ten minutes away from the Nairobi CBD, has information on Kenyan history, nature, and culture. Pop into the neighboring Snake Park afterward!
6.4 Masai Market
No trip to Kenya is complete without a visit to the Masai Market. This is the ideal place for you to purchase authentic African gifts for your family and friends, like jewelry, carvings, fabrics, clothing and wall hangings.
Read my article on the best time of the year to go on safari to Kenya.
6.5 Daphne Sheldrick Trust
A quick 30-minute trip to visit the Daphne Sheldrick Trust to see cute baby elephants getting some exercise and a meal may be just what you need. This elephant orphanage is located within the Nairobi National Park.
I trust the above guide was useful to you as you plan your safari trip to Kenya.
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