As the August holidays kick off, hundreds of domestic tourists have descended on Mombasa’s sandy beaches. But unlike the typical high-spending tourist, many are choosing to experience the visit on a budget and having just as much fun.
From low-cost accommodation and shared rides to affordable coastal food and free public beaches, thousands of domestic travellers are finding smart ways to cut costs and still make unforgettable memories.
“Not everyone can afford a luxury hotel. We used to think vacations were only for the rich. But this time, we planned ahead, booked a small place online, and we are doing free and low-cost activities like beach walks, swimming, visiting Nguuni Nature Sanctuary and Fort Jesus,” said Ms Ann Mutheu, a mother of three from Nairobi who is spending five nights at a homestay apartment in Bamburi. She pays Sh2,500 per night for a studio apartment.
Ms Faith Davis, another local tourist from Nakuru, says she has come with her two friends and they are planning to spend less than Sh100,000 during their one-week stay at the Coast.
“We are spending three days in Mombasa and the rest in Diani, Kwale County,” she told the Daily Nation .
Asked what strategies they are using to cut costs, Ms Davis said they use public transport rather than hiring a ride.
“We board matatu, it is cheaper as compared to using an Uber, and we have also resorted to staying in an 'Airbnb' rather than luxurious hotels that could cost us not less than Sh10,000 per night,” she disclosed.
“Self-catering options are a lifesaver. Instead of pricey restaurant bills, you can cook or eat at local food outlets. We go to Kongowea Market, buy fresh fish, and cook at our apartment,” says Ms Davis. She added that travelling with friends or family helps reduce costs through cost-sharing.
She also insisted on not falling into traps by vendors who often overprice items for visitors to the city.
Tourists enjoy the ambience and sea breeze at Diani Reef Resort and Spa in Kwale County on May 26, 2023.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“Avoid overpriced items at tourist curio stalls and opt for local markets, and pack your own essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and reusable water bottles to avoid last-minute spending," she said.
Ms Susan Turunga, another tourist from Oxford in the United Kingdom, says she loves coming back to Kenya and exploring its beauty on a budget, especially in Mombasa.
"You don't need to spend a lot to have an amazing time here. I go for affordable apartments, eat delicious local food like biryani and viazi karai, fresh coconut water and enjoy free or low-cost experiences like watching the sunset at the beach, walking through Old Town or relaxing on public beaches," she said, adding that tuktuks are her go-to for quick and cheap transport.
Holidaymakers cutting costs
"I always carry my camera to capture the moments. With the right mindset and a few smart choices, you can enjoy a rich holiday experience without breaking the bank. Mombasa proves that luxury isn’t always about money," she said.
Local tourists at the entrance of the world-famous Fort Jesus Monument in Mombasa City on August 5, 2025.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“Who says you need Sh100,000 to enjoy Mombasa? All you need is planning, good company, and a sense of adventure,” says Ms Davis.
Their sentiments reflect a growing trend of holidaymakers cutting costs without compromising the experience. In Nyali, Brian Ouma, who operates a three-bedroom homestay apartment, said he has been fully booked since 28 July.
“I have had clients from Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. Most of them are families or small groups. They cook for themselves and use tuk-tuks to move around it is cheaper than hiring taxis or eating out every day,” said Mr Ouma.
The boom in budget tourism is also benefiting small businesses. Eateries in Old Town and at Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach are recording a surge in customers, as domestic tourists flock to their stalls to enjoy coastal cuisine.
At Mama Warda eatery in Old Town, for instance, sales have doubled in just one week.
“We serve pilau, biryani, fish, bhajia, samosas, among other coastal cuisines at friendly prices. These domestic tourists are our biggest customers now,” said Mama Salama.
But the influx is not without concern. Local environmentalists have raised the alarm over increased littering, especially plastic waste on public beaches.
“There has been a visible spike in single-use plastic bottles and snack wrappers along Jomo Kenyatta Beach. We love seeing Kenyans enjoying their coast, but we urge them to clean up after themselves,” said Ali Shando, a volunteer with the Coast Youth Clean-Up Initiative.
August is usually one of the peak tourism seasons in the Coast region, along with April and December, mainly because of the school holidays, favourable weather, and festivities. Although the region has experienced cooler temperatures, at times dropping below 20 degrees Celsius since the start of the month, this has not dampened the holiday spirit.
In Mombasa, apart from families, schoolchildren have also arrived in large numbers from other regions, as evident from the many school buses on the streets.
