Mombasa

As of June 2026, Mombasa, Diani Beach have 1,700 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 0% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Mombasa generates KES484K per year. High-performing properties earn KES2.5M/year, while low-performing properties earn KES122K/year. The extreme variance between top-tier earnings and the average suggests that revenue potential is highly polarized, likely driven by specific asset positioning rather than broad market demand.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Mombasa. Average annual revenue is KES484K with 13% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to KES2.5M/year. An occupancy rate of 13% paired with high ceiling earnings indicates a market where profitability relies on capturing a narrow, high-value segment of travelers rather than high-volume utilization.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Mombasa is 13%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of KES9K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of KES1K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Mombasa, with annual revenue of KES868K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Mombasa market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Mombasa area. Mombasa: Lenient. Tourism license from county government recommended, business permit advised. Minimal enforcement, many hosts operate informally without permits. Growing STR market largely unregulated. Diani Beach: Lenient. Tourism license and county business permit technically required. Very light enforcement, most properties operate without full compliance. Tourist area with minimal restrictions. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Mombasa Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 0% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 5%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. Stagnant supply levels coupled with a slight contraction in revenue suggest that the market is currently adjusting to shifting traveler spending power without significant inventory turnover.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 36% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (February-March) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Mombasa listings include: Kitchen (98%), Tv (97%), Pool (67%), Air Conditioning (60%), Balcony (56%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Air Conditioning, Gym, with Pool properties earning approximately 127% more (KES2.0M/year vs KES872K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Mombasa over the last 12 months: May: KES22K, June: KES25K, July: KES29K, August: KES49K, September: KES24K, October: KES31K, November: KES48K, December: KES84K, January: KES34K, February: KES20K, March: KES20K, April: KES38K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Mombasa is KES9K, up 12% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average KES5K/night, 2-bedroom properties average KES10K/night, 3-bedroom properties average KES16K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average KES24K/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Mombasa book an average of 14 days in advance, down 25% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 11 days, 2-bedroom: 14 days, 3-bedroom: 17 days, 4+ bedroom: 24 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Mombasa Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 0%, revenue per listing decreased 5%, occupancy fell 11%, average nightly rates increased 12%, and lead time decreased 25%. These metrics reveal a market trending toward shorter-term bookings and higher pricing, despite softening occupancy and overall revenue pressure.

In Mombasa, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 9% higher occupancy than weekdays.