Mombasa has been ranked as the third most affordable holiday destination for citizens of the United Kingdom, as per the 18th annual Post Office Travel Money Holiday Report.
The city has emerged among those offering the lowest prices for meals, drinks, and other tourist-related items. This decline in prices is primarily attributed to the strengthening of the sterling pound, making travel more economical for UK citizens.
Despite the recent strengthening of the shilling, the local currency has still depreciated against the Sterling Pound. Presently, one Sterling Pound exchanges for Ksh167 of the local currency.
In the rankings, UK citizens favoured purchasing five main items while in Kenya: a cup of filter coffee, a bottle of beer, a glass of wine, a three-course evening meal for two, and a bottle of water.
According to the report, a cup of coffee in Mombasa retails at 1.34 pounds (Ksh224.15), while beer averages 2.01 pounds (Ksh336.23). A glass of wine went for 3.01 pounds (Ksh503.51), and a 1.5-litre bottle of mineral water cost 0.61 pounds (Ksh102.04).
Those seeking to reserve a 3-course evening meal for 2 (including a bottle of house wine) retails at 38.19 pounds (Ksh6,388.36).
The report reveals that a tourist is expected to spend an average of 54.93 pounds (Ksh9,188.6) in Mombasa for the purchase of these basic items.
In contrast, a UK tourist travelling to Egypt will pay an average of 61.37 pounds (Ksh10,265.87) while touring in Portugal for a sight-seeing adventure will cost an average of 59.69 pounds (Ksh9,984.84) for similar items.
On the other hand, a three-course meal in Cape Town, South Africa is cheaper compared to Mombasa, with a tourist parting with 34.64 pounds (Ksh5,794.52)
Overall, one has to spend 54.35 pounds (Ksh9,091) to purchase the items in the South African city.
"By contrast, local costs have risen in Cape Town, last year’s barometer leader, and, even though sterling has surged in value against the rand, prices have increased by nearly five per cent as a result," the report read in part.
"At Ksh9,091, Cape Town is the runner up in this year’s cost comparison, just ahead of third-placed Kenya (£54.93), where costs in Mombasa have fallen by seven per cent."
