The unit of currency used is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Foreign currency can be changed at the airport, banks, bureau de change, and hotels. Below is a table of conversion rates which vary by city. If you are flying through Nairobi, we recommend changing currency in Nairobi for a higher KES buying rate. Note that the conference location which is at the Pride Inn Hotel accepts payment in USD. Credit cards such as VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted in most establishments, including at the Pride Inn Hotel. Discover and American Express are not widely accepted.
Conversion rates
The below rates are as of April 2023 and will likely change over time.
USD Buying Selling
Nairobi 130 137.5
Mombasa 124 124.5
To airport
The Mombasa airport is the Moi International Airport. You can fly to this airport directly or through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. You can also take the SGR which is the Nairobi-Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway.
To hotel
From the airport you can use the following transport means to the hotel:
The travel company Blue Safaris has negotiated rates for travel and safaris for AC3. See their website for more details. You can book and pay directly with them.
1. Fort Jesus
Built in 1593 to 1596 by the Portuguese, Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mombasa’s top tourist attractions. Italian architect Cairati designed the structure, which is one of the world's finest examples of 16th-century Portuguese military architecture. Built in the shape of a man, the fort was given the name of Jesus as a clear religious reference. The fort changed hands nine times between 1631 and 1875 before finally resting with the British.
2. Haller Park
Haller Park Mombasa is a hit with animal lovers. Formerly called Bamburi Nature Trail, this inspirational project began in 1971, when Dr. René Haller transformed the abandoned limestone quarries here into a thriving nature reserve. The park was also home to a famous interspecies couple that became an Internet sensation after the 130-year-old tortoise, Mzee, adopted Owen, an orphaned hippo. Birds are also abundant in the park. More than 160 species have been introduced to the area including weaver birds, cranes, pelicans, and storks. Walking and cycling paths wind through the groves of casuarina, and a reptile park, palm garden, butterfly pavilion, and crocodile pens are other attractions.
3. Mombasa Marine Park
Mombasa Marine National Park protects mangroves, seagrass beds, sandy
beaches, and coral reefs. Diving and snorkeling are popular things to do - especially north of Mombasa, from Mtwapa Creek south to the entrance of Likoni. Seahorses, stingrays, and eels are among the marine creatures inhabiting the reserve, and the MV Dania is a popular wreck dive here. If you prefer to stay dry, you can view the diverse marine life from a glass-bottom boat.
4.North Coast Beaches
Beaches on the north side of Mombasa are a little livelier than the south coast.
Palm-lined shores, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and a profusion of water sports, resorts, and entertainment venues provide plenty of tourist action. The resorts are also closer to the airport and Mombasa City.
5. Old Town
On the southeast side of Mombasa Island, the Old Town is reminiscent of the days when the Portuguese ruled this important port. The town's inhabitants are mostly of Arab, Asian, and Europeanborigin, and the architecture reflects their cultures. Ornately carved doors and balconies adorn the old buildings that jostle cheek to jowl along the narrow streets. History buffs can easily spend a couple of hours here, strolling along the atmospheric alleys and shopping for antiques, fragrant oils, spices, and souvenirs. If you are looking for places to eat in Mombasa, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés in this area