Should I Visit Mombasa or Dakar for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Mombasa or Dakar?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mombasa and Dakar. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Mombasa or Dakar?

Mombasa

Mombasa is a beautiful, large city on the eastern coast of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean. The city is famous for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and diverse marine life. Mombasa experiences a tropical climate year round, meaning temperatures rarely drop below 70° Fahrenheit. The rainiest months of the year are April and May and the driest months are January and February. Temperatures tend to be more mild from May through October, usually in the 70's and 80's. Temperatures get much warmer from November through April, with daily averages reaching the high 90's.

Dakar

Located in West Africa, Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Main attractions include the city's markets, the Dakar Grand Mosque, Goree Island, the IFAN Museum, the African Renaissance Monument, beaches, and the Senegal Zoo.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Adventure Tours to Senegal, and The Best Luxury Tours to Senegal.

Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Mombasa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Mombasa Prices
Kenya Prices

Dakar Prices
Senegal Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Mombasa $81

Dakar $72

The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Dakar is $72. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mombasa and Dakar in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Mombasa $26

Dakar $31
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Mombasa $52

Dakar $62

Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Dakar

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Dakar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mombasa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Mombasa $18

Dakar $5.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa

Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $65
DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $115
Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $101
Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $71
Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Nyali, Bamburi & Shanzu: $32
Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Malindi Hotels: $126
Mombasa Airport Transfers: $62
Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
Mombasa Old Town Walking Tour With Round Trip Hotel Transfer: $34
Mombasa Private Airport Transfer: Cheap & Comfortable: $33
Mombasa SGR Train Station Private transfer to Shanzu/Mtwapa: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dakar:

Transfer - Dakar <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $188
Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Saint-Louis (One way): $251
Transfer - DSS Airport <-> Dakar (One way): $63
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Saly Zone (two directions): $62
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Riu Baobab Hotel (two ways): $79
Private Transfer DSS AIBD Airport - Dakar (two directions): $79
DSS transfer - DAKAR (one way) : $47
DSS Airport Transfer <-> Saly (One way): $63
DSS Airport Transfer <-> Dakar (Return): $115
Blaise Diagne Intl Airport (DSS) to Dakar hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $126
Blaise Diagne Int Airport (DSS): Transfer to Dakar hotels: $201
Airport Transfer - Aéroport international Blaise Diagne to Dakar: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Dakar?

Prices for flights to both Dakar and Mombasa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

Food

Food Meals for one day

Mombasa $41

Dakar $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa

For Mombasa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

city tour, food tour, cultural tour: $25
Fort Jesus Sound & Lights Show And Romantic Dinner.: $39
Fort Jesus Light and music Night Shows With Dinner.: $44
Swahili food Cooking Class Experience: $44
Special African Dinner: $46
Swahili Street Food Tour: $50
Spicy Food Tour in Mombasa Streets And City tour: $150

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dakar:

Breakfast

$3.91

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Mombasa $18

Dakar $13

Tours and Activities in Mombasa

For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Mombasa Half Day City Tour: $18
Old Town and Haller Park Guided Day Tour: $20
Historical Guided city tour. Fort Jesus, old town.: $22
Mombasa Sunset & Bar Craw Night Tour.: $25
Giraffes Feeding Experience At Haller Park by Car.: $26
Rock Starz Village:A Culinary Gem Guided Tour on Diani Beach: $26
Old Town and Haller Park Guided Day Tour.: $27
Sunset Canoe Tour on a River within the Mangroves: $28
Mombasa Old Town Walking Tour: $30
Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
Mombasa City: Swahili Cuisines Rich Culinary Heritage Tour.: $31
City Tour with street food tasting.: $32

Tours and Activities in Dakar

Here are a few actual costs in Dakar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Mamelles Lighthouse and Ngor Island (Walking Tour): $130
2 days tour Pink lake- desert of Lompoul 2 people minimum : $230
Bandia Reserve Tour from Dakar 2 Persons Minimum : $220
Bandia Reserve and Somone Lagoon Day Tour: $233
Dakar City Tour and Goree Island: $162
Dakar City Tour and Goree island (from 3 people): $126
Pink Lake and Turtle Village Half-Day Tour: $200
Private City Tour: $106
Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $29
Private custom tour with a local guide: $29
discover the magic of this city on our guided tour: $31
Day Tour Bandia Wildlife Reserve and pink lake : $291

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Mombasa $8.83

Dakar $8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Mombasa

Also in Mombasa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Coastal Pub Crawl - Bamburi Drunk Tour: $25

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa and Dakar, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Dakar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Dakar?

Dakar has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Dakar, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Mombasa or Dakar?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Summer?

Both Dakar and Mombasa during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dakar year-round.

Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Dakar. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Dakar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the summer, Mombasa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dakar. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 218 hours of full sun.

In July, Mombasa is generally cooler than Dakar. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Mombasa 24°C (75°F)

Dakar 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Dakar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Dakar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Dakar. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dakar this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Dakar during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 260 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Mombasa is around the same temperature as Dakar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Dakar fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Mombasa 26°C (79°F)

Dakar 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Dakar. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dakar throughout the year.

Mombasa usually gets more rain in January than Dakar. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dakar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Dakar. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dakar receives 232 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Mombasa is a little warmer than Dakar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Dakar averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Mombasa 27°C (81°F)

Dakar 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Spring?

Both Dakar and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Dakar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Dakar. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Dakar receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Dakar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Dakar during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Dakar receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Dakar. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Dakar fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Mombasa 27°C (81°F)

Dakar 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Dakar and Mombasa

	Mombasa		Dakar
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	27°C (81°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Feb	27°C (81°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	21°C (70°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar	28°C (82°F)	60 mm (2.4 in)	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr	27°C (81°F)	150 mm (5.9 in)	21°C (70°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
May	26°C (79°F)	260 mm (10.2 in)	23°C (73°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun	24°C (75°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)	26°C (79°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul	24°C (75°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)	28°C (82°F)	50 mm (2 in)
Aug	24°C (75°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)	28°C (82°F)	150 mm (5.9 in)
Sep	25°C (77°F)	50 mm (2 in)	28°C (82°F)	150 mm (5.9 in)
Oct	26°C (79°F)	100 mm (3.9 in)	28°C (82°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov	26°C (79°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)	26°C (79°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec	27°C (81°F)	100 mm (3.9 in)	24°C (75°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mombasa vs. Dakar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mombasa or Dakar?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Mombasa or Dakar?

Mombasa

Dakar

Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Mombasa?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Dakar

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Dakar?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Mombasa

Tours and Activities in Dakar

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Mombasa

Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Dakar?

When is the best time to visit Mombasa or Dakar?

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Summer?

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Autumn?

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Winter?

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Dakar and Mombasa

Related Articles for Mombasa

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mombasa vs. Dakar for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mombasa or Dakar?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Mombasa or Dakar?

Mombasa

Dakar

Which place is cheaper, Dakar or Mombasa?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Dakar

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dakar

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Dakar?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa

Typical Food Prices in Dakar

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Mombasa

Tours and Activities in Dakar

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Mombasa

Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Dakar?

When is the best time to visit Mombasa or Dakar?

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Summer?

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Autumn?

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Winter?

Should I visit Mombasa or Dakar in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Dakar and Mombasa

Related Articles for Mombasa

Subscribe to our Newsletter