Travel Essentials for Mombasa | The things you NEED to pack!
Travelling to Mombasa? I hope you take the plunge and book the ticket to this Magical Place. Mombasa is only one hour away ( or less) from Nairobi, but this tropical beach destination is somewhere you must prepare for! Here is a list of the top travel essentials you NEED to pack when travelling to Mombasa.
Mombasa has a high risk of Malaria (so much I think I may have even contracted a mild case!) You must take Malaria tablets according to how your doctor tells you. We took Atovaquone and Proguanil Malaria tablets which we were supposed to start two days before our arrival, but unfortunately I missed two days, and ended up taking my Malaria tablets late. Yes I know, I could have died. (Just don’t be like me!) This is important, it is a priority so make sure you do what you’re supposed to. I learnt the hard way, and was sick every other day as a consequence.And remember, some Malaria tablets need to be taken for a further 7 days upon returning back to the U.K. But ensure you ALWAYS check with your Doctor first.
Travel Essentials for Mombasa
Deet (repellent) is a must. Don’t forget to spray/ rub it all over your body everyday. I made sure to do this, as I learnt the hard way in Sri Lanka.
Immodium – Do NOT forget to bring this or some sort of tablets that will help stop diarrhea. Whether they work or not, that’s down to the tablet. The over active bowel movement problem can be anything from the side effects of the Malaria tablets, to the food. But whatever you do…TAKE THEM – because you’re gonna need them! There is even a risk of water borne diseases, so be careful and only drink purified water. I was still ‘iffy’ about drinking boiled water, so we only drank bottled water.
Sunscreen – Do make sure you apply sunscreen everyday, multiple times a day. Do not think you don’t need it because you are a darker skin, you need it! Even if your arms and legs are covered, please be sure to still apply it.
This next one is a funny one, but here goes… Teabags! Now, this is not essential but if your a Brit with a tea preference like me – it is! We were staying in a self-catering apartment so we brought our own tea from home, but when we ran out, our local shop only sold loose tea, which needed to be boiled in a pot and strained. The taste was not bad, but just for convenience, carry your own. The larger grocery stores may sell teabags, but we didn’t find any as we only ran out at the last moment.
Hiking Boots/ Trainers – If you’re going on a trip, don’t forget to pack your hiking boots or trainers, Many of the trips include a hike so don’t bother with sandals or sliders. Be practical, as many of the day trips last a full day.
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)- Depending on the country you are coming from, you’ll most likely need an ETA. We applied for our two weeks in advance to be on the safe side and we received them in one day! Currently, Nigerian travellers do not need ETA (correct as of January 2026), but ensure you double check with your embassy or travel agent as changes can happen at any given time.
Yellow Fever Vaccination – Please check with your doctor whether you are required to be vaccinated with Yellow Fever before travelling. I received my Yellow Fever vaccine in 2013, when I travelled to Nigeria, but looking back – I definitely didn’t need it as I live, and was travelling from London (which is NOT a Yellow Fever country.) You usually only need Yellow Fever if you are coming from a country with a risk of it. If you are not sure what else you may need, be sure to visit www.gov.uk
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So, i’ve given you a rundown of the things you need, but what about the things you want… Clothes? Camera Equipment, Books or more some of my personal recommendations.
With Love,
Siobhan Patrina
