When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Mombasa?
Kenya experiences two high seasons during the year, both connected to the native wildlife. The first is in January and February, and the second lasts from June until October. Despite this, the highest airfares tend to be in July and August and around Christmas. October is a brilliant time to find cheap flights to Mombasa, because not only will you have great safari opportunities and the best visibility for diving, there will also be fewer tourists.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Mombasa?
The best time to book flights to Mombasa is between three and four months before departure. This is generally the time when you can save the most money. While there are deals on last-minute flights sometimes, finding one is never guaranteed. It is better to book well in advance if you’re on a tight budget. Being flexible on your dates can also result in excellent savings.
Flying to Moi International Airport MBA
Moi International Airport MBA is Kenya’s second-largest airport after Nairobi. For travellers to the eastern coast, this is their first stop. Unfortunately, direct flights from the United Kingdom (UK) to Mombasa are not available. All flights from the UK will include one or more stopovers. Although there are currently no direct flights to Mombasa, you can find direct flights to Nairobi, the capital. After that, Mombasa is just a quick domestic flight away. The main departure airport for flights to Mombasa is London Heathrow, since they run several routes via the Kenyan capital. While it may be possible to leave from other airports around the UK, this will push the cost up considerably and provide much less flexibility on dates. Carriers operating return flights include Kenya Airways, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airlines and Lufthansa.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
MBA is a small two-terminal airport. Terminal 1 deals primarily with domestic flights (although there can be a few international flights in the mix), while Terminal 2 deals exclusively with international air traffic. Walking from one terminal to another should only take a few minutes. Upon arrival, travellers wishing to exchange their sterling for Kenyan shillings or to withdraw money can find both currency exchanges and ATMs at the airport. There are also several lounges available for use. Those with an economy class ticket will need to pay extra for access. A prayer room is also open for all passengers.
Getting to the City from Moi International Airport MBA
The easiest way to reach the city from the airport is by organising a transfer through your hotel. However, airport shuttle buses are also in operation, they are located in the car park outside the arrivals hall just past the taxi ranks. The journey will take between 30 and 50 minutes depending on traffic. Information on prices for taxis can be found at the information booths near baggage reclaim. All information is provided in several languages. If you prefer hiring your own car, you will find several booths for big-name car hire companies in the arrivals hall.
Why visit Mombasa?
Some of the greatest animals on earth call Kenya their home, and as a result, people from all over the world are drawn to this stunning African nation. Mombasa sits on the eastern coast, a melting pot city that allows visitors to experience an intoxicating mix of city life and the call of the wild all in one holiday. Safari opportunities abound, ranging from overnight trips to seven-day extravaganzas. Keep those eyes peeled; you never know what type of animal magic might occur.
Diving is all too often overshadowed by the numerous attractions on land, but it, nevertheless, draws large numbers of tourists to Mombasa. Pristine coral reefs thrum with activity in a thrilling submarine metropolis that captivates the senses. A feast for the eyes, these brightly coloured reefs are home to angel fish, tang, grouper and octopi. See if you can spot them all during your Kenyan diving adventure.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
UK citizens need to obtain a visa to visit Kenya. This may be purchased at the airport upon arrival or before departure. To reduce queuing and wait times at the airport, it’s better to purchase your visa before travelling. Before departing, all your vaccinations should be up to date. Consider getting immunised for typhoid, hepatitis A, tetanus and if you’re planning on travelling further into Kenya from Mombasa, yellow fever. The exchange rate for Kenyan shillings is poor, so it is best to exchange your sterling upon arrival. Be sure to inform your bank of your trip if you plan on using your debit card.
