Mombasa · Backpacking

Kenya Railways runs the Nairobi–Mombasa train with departures at 08:00, 15:00 and 22:00 from both ends. Economy is KSh1,500 and first class KSh4,500; children aged 3–11 travel at half fare. Book only through the official Kenya Railways site, which warns explicitly against third-party ticket sellers.

The south coast's main hostel, at 14 KFI Road about five minutes' walk from the sand, with a pool, a bar and camping space. Dorm beds are KSh1,500–1,800 and budget private rooms start around KSh3,000. Getting there from the island means the Likoni ferry and a matatu down through Ukunda.

Matatus run fixed routes along Digo Road and out to Bamburi and Mtwapa, and tuk-tuks handle short hops — agree the fare before you get in, because it is negotiated, not metered. The Likoni ferry is the only link to the south coast; foot passengers board directly while vehicle queues can be long.

The coral-stone quarter between Nkrumah Road and the old harbour — Ndia Kuu, Mbarak Hinawy Road, Government Square — costs nothing to wander, and the carved doors and Omani balconies are the point. Guides offer themselves near the Fort Jesus gate; settle a price first if you want one.

A dorm bed at Diani Backpackers is KSh1,500. The variable is entry fees, where non-residents pay a multiple of the resident price: Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is KSh1,200 against KSh500, Wild Waters KSh2,000 against KSh1,800, Haller Park KSh3,000 against KSh1,000. Plan on roughly KSh4,000–6,000 a day for a bed, street food, local transport and one paid attraction — and the SGR at KSh1,500 on top if you are arriving from Nairobi.