How to find a cheap car hire deal in Mombasa (MBA)
In search of a cheap Mombasa rental car? With prices averaging $102 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're after a small ride, a spacious SUV, or anything in between, we compare all the best deals to get you more for your money.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Mombasa is $90.
Staying a little longer in Mombasa? Grab a weekly rental from $630 and fit more into your itinerary.
If you want to get the best price, book your MBA car hire around one week in advance.
At Mombasa, you can grab your ride from leading rental brands such as Green Motion, Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car.
The coverage Green Motion or another supplier offers for your Mombasa car hire can vary, so be sure to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in MBA. Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can snag some excellent one-way prices.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Mombasa with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at $189 a day.
Up next is this provider, offering daily rates of around $207.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $207 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're still weighing up what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Large rental category. It's the most commonly booked car type at MBA.
Compare car hire types from Mombasa (MBA)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Mombasa rental car gets you moving without breaking the bank. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are perfect for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this MBA car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or cruising along wide-open highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Mombasa effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different MBA car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Mombasa by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car rental in Kenya. Rules can vary, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to explore your options.
Kids coming with you? Child car seat laws vary from one location to another, and the correct setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Make sure you add the right one to your MBA car rental reservation.
You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
If you've never driven in Kenya, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. In general that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Kenya is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
You'll be using the Kenyan shilling (KES) here. Along with your bank cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
With a MBA car hire, you're in charge when it comes to your next move. If central Mombasa is your first port of call, it's around 19 kilometres east of the airport and a journey of about 35 minutes.
Allow roughly 55 minutes to travel from Mombasa to the city centre during peak hours.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You can also grab a car hire in Mombasa. If you don't need a vehicle as soon as you arrive, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Mombasa (MBA)
Begin with some of the leading attractions in Mombasa, such as Mombasa Marine National Park and Fort Jesus. Whether you drive or find an alternative way there, you'll want to tick off these highlights before leaving town.
Kilifi should be on your to-do list if you'd like to see Arabuko sokoke forest and Mnarani ruins. This city is about 48 kilometres northeast of MBA.
Up for a bigger adventure? Lamu is another fun destination that's around 241 kilometres northeast of MBA. Lamu Fort and Lamu Museum make perfect pit stops.
