What to Pack for Mombasa Excursions – The Complete Coastal Packing Guide
Mombasa Travel Essentials • What to Wear • What NOT to Bring • Safety & Comfort Tips
Planning your Mombasa excursion is exciting — but knowing exactly what to pack ensures you enjoy the beautiful coastal weather, stay comfortable, and keep your belongings safe while exploring beaches, city attractions, Old Town, Fort Jesus, marine parks, and cultural experiences.
This guide covers everything you need to bring, what to avoid, and expert tips for different types of tours, including:
✓ Mombasa City Tours
✓ Snorkeling & Marine Park Excursions
✓ Dhow Cruises
✓ Haller Park Tours
✓ Mombasa Beach Trips
✓ Mombasa Day & Half-Day Tours
Clothing Essentials for Mombasa Excursions
Mombasa is warm and humid throughout the year. Light, breathable clothing is best.
✔ Recommended Clothing
- Light cotton T-shirts & tops
- Loose trousers or shorts
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- A light shawl or scarf (useful for sun or visiting religious sites)
- Beachwear (for marine excursions or dhow cruises)
- A hat or cap
- Sunglasses
What to Pack for Beach & Marine Excursions
If you’re taking a Mombasa Marine Park tour, snorkeling trip, beach visit, or sunset dhow cruise:
✔ Must-Have Items
- Swimsuit
- Microfiber towel
- Flip-flops / water shoes
- Snorkeling gear (optional — can also be rented)
- Dry bag (to keep valuables safe from water)
- Waterproof phone pouch
✔ Optional Add-ons
- GoPro / underwater camera
- Light snacks
Bags & Gear
Bring bags that keep your items protected from heat, sand, and water.
✔ Recommended:
- Small daypack
- Crossbody bag (safer for city tours)
- Waterproof beach bag
- Dry pouch for phone & passport
Sun Protection Essentials
Mombasa sun can be intense, especially during midday city tours.
✔ Must-Have Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Lip balm with SPF
- After-sun gel or aloe vera
- Wide-brim hat
Health & Safety Items
Stay comfortable and safe throughout your excursion.
✔ Bring:
- Reusable water bottle
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first-aid kit
- Motion sickness tablets (helpful for dhow cruises)
- Insect repellent (especially for evening excursions)
Electronics & Accessories
Make your excursion memorable.
✔ Recommended:
- Fully charged phone
- Power bank
- Camera + extra memory card
- Charging cables
- Travel adapter
Money & Documents
Don’t bring too much — just what you need.
✔ Carry:
- Small amount of cash (KES preferred)
- Credit/debit card
- Copy of passport (leave original in hotel safe)
- Hotel room key card
What NOT to Pack for Mombasa Excursions
Avoid items that attract unnecessary attention or may be unnecessary.
✘ Avoid Bringing:
- Expensive jewelry
- Large sums of money
- Heavy clothing
- Unnecessary electronics
- Full-size perfumes or toiletries (heat-sensitive)
Packing Tips for Different Mombasa Excursions
For the Mombasa City Tour
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light clothing
- Water bottle
- Small cash for souvenirs
- Camera
For Fort Jesus & Old Town
- Respectful clothing
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Crossbody bag
- Comfortable sandals
For Haller Park
- Closed shoes
- Water
- Insect repellent
For Marine Park Snorkeling
- Swimwear
- Dry bag
- Waterproof camera
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)
For Sunset Dhow Cruises
- Light evening clothing
- Shawl
- Phone camera
- Minimal valuables
FAQs – What to Pack for Mombasa Excursions
Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Modest clothing is preferred in Old Town or religious sites.
Only for marine, snorkeling, or beach-based activities such as Diani excursions or dhow cruises.
Yes — especially for evening tours and Haller Park visits.
Yes, but avoid very short shorts. Knee-length is recommended.
Bring small amounts of cash for markets and souvenirs. Cards work in major shops and restaurants.
Yes, especially if you plan to keep your phone with you.
Absolutely — the coastal sun is strong year-round.
