Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Mombasa, Mombasa County, Kenya
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Mombasa? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Mombasa:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Mombasa?
The short-term rental market in Mombasa shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $499 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $998 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $1,758+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $219
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Mombasa
The market in Mombasa shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 25% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 50% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 69%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 12%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Mombasa
Daily rates in Mombasa vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $45 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $89 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $154+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $29
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Mombasa
Peak Season (December, May, June)
- Revenue peaks at $993.49 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 42.25%
- Daily rates average $81.52
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $763.33 per month
- Occupancy maintains 32.60%
- Daily rates hold at $73.22
Low Season (July, January, September)
- Revenue drops to $515.00 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 22.73%
- Daily rates adjust to $59.66
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Mombasa in 2025?
Yes! Mombasa demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 33% and monthly revenue averaging $763 and The market's 177 active listings indicate growing demand with plenty of opportunity for new properties. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Mombasa
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Nyali | Popular seaside neighborhood known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels, and vibrant nightlife. Ideal for tourists looking for beach vacation experiences and entertainment. | Nyali Beach, Nyali Cinemax, Mombasa Go-Kart, Haller Park, Mamba Village |
| Diani Beach | World-famous destination known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. A top choice for tourists seeking relaxation, sunbathing, and water sports. | Diani Beach, Colobus Conservation, Chale Island, Kite surfing spots, Shopping at Diani Centre |
| Shanzu | A beautiful beach area famous for its resorts and water sports. A great choice for vacationers who want a quieter beach experience yet close to attractions. | Shanzu Beach, Kenyatta Public Beach, Mombasa Marine National Park, Sunset Beach, Wild Waters |
| Old Town | Historic area with Swahili architecture and rich culture. Attracts tourists interested in history, culture, and local cuisine. | Fort Jesus, Old Port, Lamu Road, Baobab Beach, Local markets |
| Likoni | Residential area close to the ferry and with various local attractions. Offers a more authentic Mombasa experience with local culture. | Likoni Ferry, Dr. R. Sahab's Nature Trail, Forest Beach, Local eateries, Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park |
| Kilifi | A serene seaside location known for its unspoiled beaches and vibrancy. Popular with tourists looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway. | Kilifi Creek, Bofa Beach, The Starry Night Beach Resort, Local cultural experiences, Kilifi Golf Club |
| Mombasa CBD | The bustling commercial center of Mombasa with a mix of cultural and modern attractions. Great for business travelers and tourists seeking urban experiences. | Mombasa Tuskeys Supermarket, Mombasa Oldport, Mombasa Railway Museum, Local food markets, Busy local commerce |
| Watamu | Known for its stunning beaches and marine parks, Watamu is a haven for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Ideal for those interested in snorkeling and nature. | Watamu Beach, Watamu Marine National Park, Gede Ruins, Local seafood restaurants, Mida Creek |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Mombasa?
We recommend checking directly with Mombasa's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Mombasa
Your Coastal Oasis!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Saba House on the creek
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Angani Apt | AC Installed | Ocean View & Rftp Pool
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Trinder House
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Seaview Penthouse8 Rooftop Pool, AC, Lift, Ensuite
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Coastal charm Getaway
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Mombasa
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pwani Luxury | 3 | $47,476 | 91 | 4.73/5.0 |
| Aly | 1 | $42,862 | 47 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Valery Anita L | 1 | $35,274 | 55 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Jane | 3 | $30,197 | 75 | 3.14/5.0 |
| Rosalyn | 2 | $26,891 | 49 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Iain | 1 | $25,812 | 15 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Faith | 1 | $23,104 | 29 | 4.59/5.0 |
| Scott | 1 | $20,043 | 32 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Sania | 1 | $18,833 | 45 | 4.69/5.0 |
| Jackline | 1 | $18,800 | 19 | 4.37/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Mombasa
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (92.7%), with apartment & condo and house properties comprising 97.8% of inventory
- Untapped potential in others, boutique & hotels segments (2.2% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 177 properties in Mombasa shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 44.6% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms together representing 67.2% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (44.6%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (2.8%)
- Market concentration: 67.2% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 177 properties in Mombasa reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 35.6% of all listings. The average property accommodates 4.0 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 52.5% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (35.6% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (0.6% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 4.0 guests per property
- Market concentration: 52.5% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 177 properties in Mombasa, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (71.2% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 1-30 days (37.9% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (71.2%)
- Most common booking duration: 1-30 days (37.9%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 84.2%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 15.8%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
108 listings
74.5% of total
2 Nights
28 listings
19.3% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
1.4% of total
30+ Nights
7 listings
4.8% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 93.8%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 0% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (4.8%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 95.2% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Flexible
49 listings
43% of total
Moderate
22 listings
19.3% of total
Firm
14 listings
12.3% of total
Strict
29 listings
25.4% of total
Key Insights
- Flexible is the preferred policy at 43.0% of listings
- Guest-friendly policies (Flexible & Moderate) dominate at 62.3% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Flexible policies
- Firm policies are least common at 12.3% of listings
Recommendations
- Consider starting with a Flexible policy to align with market preferences
- Strong market preference for Flexible policies suggests this should be your baseline
- Consider generous cancellation terms as a competitive advantage
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in May, Dec, Apr, averaging 31 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Jun, Oct, Sep, averaging 17 days
- Spring shows the longest average booking window at 29 days, while Fall has the shortest at 20 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Spring bookings at least 29 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Fall to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Jun-Sep when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Mombasa
Every property in Mombasa comes standard with Wifi. Below shows the distribution of other amenities:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 32.1% of total guests, indicating a moderate local market presence.
- Primary international markets: United States (24.7%) and United Kingdom (12.5%)
- English is the top language at 57.6%, followed by Swahili (13.8%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 4.4%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Nairobi and London markets
- Develop localized content for United States and United Kingdom
- Prioritize English and Swahili language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Mombasa. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dabaso ward | 101 | $2,103 | $166.89 | 44% |
| Ramisi ward | 11 | $2,080 | $210.88 | 40% |
| Matemwe | 23 | $2,050 | $271.83 | 33% |
| Kiwengwa | 90 | $1,386 | $175.74 | 35% |
| Tiwi ward | 22 | $1,323 | $160.30 | 30% |
| Kinondo ward | 170 | $1,273 | $176.23 | 34% |
| Ukunda ward | 280 | $1,185 | $125.91 | 36% |
| Mnarani ward | 34 | $1,090 | $148.47 | 24% |
| Kigomane | 23 | $974 | $154.11 | 25% |
| Watamu ward | 243 | $863 | $143.61 | 30% |
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