Beach
Heritage site · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Fort Jesus & Mombasa Old Town
A 16th-century Portuguese fort on the Swahili coast.
- Coast
- Best: Aug–Oct, Dec–Mar
- World Heritage Site since 2011
Overview
- Built
- 1593 – 1596
- UNESCO listing
- 2011
- Managed by
- National Museums of Kenya
Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596 to guard Mombasa's old harbour. UNESCO inscribed it in 2011 as one of the finest examples of 16th-century Portuguese military architecture.
The fort changed hands many times between the Portuguese, Omani Arabs and the British, and its museum displays finds from the coast's trading history.
Next door, Mombasa's Old Town has narrow streets, carved balconies, spice shops and the old harbour where dhows once traded across the Indian Ocean.
- The fort and museum
Ramparts, cannons and coastal history.
- Mombasa Old Town
Swahili architecture and spice markets.
- Evening sound and light
Ask at the fort for current schedules.
Things to do
- Fort Jesus visitUS$17
Fort and museum.
- Old Town walking tour
With registered guides.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
When to go
Good all year; mornings are cooler.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Best
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Wetter
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Best
Fees and permits
Official rates from the National Museums of Kenya (Heritage admission fees from 7 May 2026 (Legal Notice 79 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jesus (adult)per personChildren: KES 300 / US$6 / US$8. With the Butterfly House: KES 650 / US$12 / US$19. | US$17 | US$9 | US$9 | KES 550 |
- Fort Jesus (adult)per person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$17
- Foreign resident
- US$9
- Rest of Africa
- US$9
- East African citizen
- KES 550
Children: KES 300 / US$6 / US$8. With the Butterfly House: KES 650 / US$12 / US$19.
- Open 8:30–17:30 daily, including public holidays.
Getting there
- By roadFrom Moi International AirportAbout 30 minutes
Into Mombasa Island.
- By roadFrom NairobiTrain, about 5 hours
Madaraka Express to Mombasa terminus, then a taxi.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Dress modestly in the Old Town.
- Use registered guides at the fort entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Fort Jesus?
From 7 May 2026: US$17 for adults from outside Africa, US$9 for residents and other Africans, KES 550 for Kenyan and East African citizens.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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Places to pair with Fort Jesus
Beach
Marine park
National park