Mombasa, Mombasa County Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Mombasa, Mombasa County? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $3,542 per year — at a $60 nightly rate, 26.2% occupancy, and a $16 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
Mombasa's 289 active listings and selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 244.0% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Mombasa?
In Mombasa, the headline Airbnb metrics are $3,542 in average annual revenue,26.2% occupancy, $60 ADR, and $16 in RevPAR, and guests book about 15 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Mombasa?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Mombasa is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Mombasa is typically December, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Mombasa across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,303+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $694 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $332 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $140, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Mombasa
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Mombasa?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Mombasa STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Mombasa:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 62%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 42% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 24%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 13% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Mombasa
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Mombasa?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Mombasa involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Mombasa typically peaks in December and dips lowest during September. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $119+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $76 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $44 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $27 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Mombasa
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Mombasa?
RevPAR in Mombasa is currently $16. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $6 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $11 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $20 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $34 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Mombasa
RevPAR Insights for Mombasa
- The average RevPAR in Mombasa is $16. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($34) and bottom 25% ($6) is $28, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Dec and bottoms out in May, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Mombasa benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $11, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $20+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Mombasa?
Mombasa's peak Airbnb season falls in December, August, November, while the softest stretch is April, May, September. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (December, August, November)
- Revenue averages $748 per month
- Occupancy rates average 36.7%
- Daily rates average $65
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $521 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 27.1%
- Daily rates hold near $62
Low Season (April, May, September)
- Revenue drops to average $408 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 25.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $59
Seasonality Insights for Mombasa
- Airbnb seasonality in Mombasa is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Mombasa's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $983, occupancy reaching 40.6%, and ADRs peaking at $74.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $321, occupancy could drop to 19.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $58.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Mombasa need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Mombasa, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Mombasa?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Mombasa, Mombasa County, Kenya point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Mombasa to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Mombasa?
Location within Mombasa matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Nyali | A popular beach resort area known for its scenic coastline, luxury hotels, and vibrant nightlife. Ideal for tourists looking to enjoy the beach life and various water sports. | Nyali Beach, Wild Waters, Nyali Cinemax, Mombasa Marine National Park, Bamburi Beach |
| Diani Beach | Renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Diani Beach attracts both tourists and expats, making it a prime location for Airbnb investments. | Diani Beach, Vuma Caves, Colobus Conservation, Diani Sea Resort, The Diani Chale Marine National Park |
| Mombasa Old Town | Steeped in history and culture, Mombasa Old Town offers a unique experience with its narrow streets and Swahili architecture. Great for guests interested in cultural heritage. | Fort Jesus, Old Port of Mombasa, Mombasa Tusks, Swahili Culture Museum, Market Street |
| Shanzu | A growing tourist destination featuring beautiful beaches and resorts, Shanzu attracts both local and international visitors looking for a quieter place to stay. | Shanzu Beach, Bamburi Beach, Mombasa Marine National Park, Kongo River, Pirates Beach |
| Bamburi | Famous for its stunning beaches and family-friendly resorts, Bamburi is ideal for vacation rentals catering to families and groups. | Bamburi Beach, Haller Park, Mombasa Marine National Park, Mombasa Butterfly House, Nairobi Railway Museum |
| Kilifi | Located north of Mombasa, Kilifi offers pristine beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for travelers seeking tranquility away from the bustling city. | Kilifi Creek, Gold Rock Beach, Mnarani Ruins, Kilifi Boatyard, Takaungu Beach |
| Likoni | A lesser-known area offering a more local experience, Likoni has access to beautiful beaches and is perfect for guests wanting to escape the tourist crowds. | Likoni Ferry, Maboko Island, Kivukoni Beach, Tudor Creek, Mtongwe Beach |
| Malindi | A coastal town north of Mombasa, known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural history, making it an attractive destination for international tourists. | Malindi Marine National Park, Gedi Ruins, Malindi Beach, Lamu Island, Arabuko Sokoke Forest |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Mombasa offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Mombasa?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Mombasa
- The Mombasa Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 96.5% of the 289 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Mombasa, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (91%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique, hotel/boutique (combined 1.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Mombasa Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Mombasa
- The dominant room capacity in Mombasa is 1 bedroom listings, making up 45.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 71.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Mombasa, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 23.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Mombasa.
Mombasa Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Mombasa
- The most common guest capacity trend in Mombasa vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (43.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Mombasa STR market, accounting for 64.0% of listings.
- A significant 44.2% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Mombasa.
- 24.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Mombasa.
- On average, properties in Mombasa are equipped to host 3.8 guests.
How Do Listings in Mombasa Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Mombasa can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Mombasa
- At 29.7 photos per listing on average, Mombasa hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 26.6% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Mombasa averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Mombasa?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Mombasa
- Essential amenities in Mombasa that guests expect include: Wifi, TV, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, Iron, Cooking basics are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Mombasa: Wifi, TV, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or Iron to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Mombasa to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Mombasa?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Mombasa, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WaterfrontHigh opportunity | 5.5% | $11,057 | $3,101 | 256.5% |
Cable TVHigh opportunity | 2.1% | $11,229 | $3,379 | 232.3% |
Pool | 51.2% | $5,362 | $1,632 | 228.6% |
SafeHigh opportunity | 3.8% | $10,100 | $3,282 | 207.7% |
Sun loungersHigh opportunity | 9.7% | $9,008 | $2,955 | 204.8% |
Air conditioning | 53.3% | $5,109 | $1,754 | 191.3% |
Kitchen | 95.8% | $3,638 | $1,311 | 177.5% |
Outdoor furniture | 19.0% | $7,135 | $2,697 | 164.6% |
Washer | 28.4% | $6,360 | $2,425 | 162.3% |
HammockHigh opportunity | 1.7% | $8,618 | $3,452 | 149.6% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Mombasa
- Waterfront tops the revenue impact list with a 256.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $11,057 vs. $3,101 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Waterfront, Cable TV, Safe — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Kitchen — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making it table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Waterfront — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Mombasa.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Mombasa STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Mombasa. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsMombasa Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Mombasa
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Mombasa consists of predominantly international visitors (68%), with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
- Domestic travelers account for 32.0% of guests.
- Key international markets include Kenya (32%) and United States (17.9%).
- Top languages spoken are English (48.3%) followed by French (10.4%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United States.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Mombasa?
Listings in Mombasa average 4.61 out of 5 overall, with about 20.1 reviews per active listing and 10.4% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Mombasa
- An average rating of 4.61 places Mombasa in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.8), while Value (4.6) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 10.4% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
- With only 10.4% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Mombasa Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Mombasa
- The most common availability pattern in Mombasa falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 78.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 96.9% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Mombasa (39.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 3.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Mombasa?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Mombasa
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Mombasa is 15 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 19 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in May (average 7 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (16 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (11 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (15 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Mombasa.
- During May, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (7 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 16 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Mombasa averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Mombasa?
Guests in Mombasa stay about 4.5 nights on average, generating roughly 3,440 reservations and 11.9 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Mombasa
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Mombasa
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- 11.9 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Dec (5.1 nights) and shorten in Apr (3.4 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 2:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Mombasa Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
220 listings
76.1% of total
2 Nights
24 listings
8.3% of total
3 Nights
4 listings
1.4% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
0.3% of total
30+ Nights
40 listings
13.8% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Mombasa is 1 Night, adopted by 76.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (84.4%) of the Mombasa Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (13.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Mombasa, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 76.1% of Mombasa hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 13.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Mombasa.
Mombasa Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
6 listings
2.1% of total
Flexible
142 listings
49.1% of total
Moderate
63 listings
21.8% of total
Firm
64 listings
22.1% of total
Strict
14 listings
4.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Mombasa
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Mombasa is Flexible, used by 49.1% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 70.9% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Mombasa may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (4.8%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 49.1% market standard in Mombasa.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 4.8% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Mombasa.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Mombasa?
Cleaning fees in Mombasa are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Mombasa
- Only 30.1% of listings charge a cleaning fee, suggesting that most hosts in Mombasa bundle cleaning costs into the nightly rate.
- The average cleaning fee of $8 is close to the median ($9), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 3.6% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Mombasa median of $9. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Mombasa Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Mombasabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Your Coastal Oasis!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Beachfront Penthouse:Pool+Tub+AC+Ensuite
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Best Luxurious Nyali Penthouse
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Saba House on the creek
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Family suite 3bedroom Nyali pavillion suites
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Mimah’s 3bedroom Beachfroont apt
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Mombasa?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Mombasa based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pwani Luxury | 7 | $44,816 | 317 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Aly | 1 | $36,875 | 71 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Araa Homes | 3 | $32,211 | 13 | 4.27/5.0 |
| Pwani Luxury | 1 | $31,614 | 49 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Jane | 4 | $30,576 | 170 | 4.56/5.0 |
| Halima | 2 | $29,498 | 28 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Leah | 4 | $28,573 | 94 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Emily | 4 | $28,246 | 40 | 4.65/5.0 |
| Rosalyn | 2 | $26,772 | 103 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Randy | 4 | $25,903 | 116 | 4.68/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Mombasa.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Mombasa?
Mombasa has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Mombasa
- Only 27.3% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting a relatively young or casual market where quality improvements can pay outsized dividends.
- 9.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 59.5% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 26.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Mombasa averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Mombasa's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Mombasa Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Dabaso ward, Mombasa has 11 percentage points lower occupancy and about $131 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matemwe | 21 | $2,299 | $239.11 | 30% |
| Ramisi ward | 13 | $2,024 | $225.89 | 32% |
| Dabaso ward | 104 | $1,925 | $191.52 | 37% |
| Kigomane | 22 | $1,831 | $180.78 | 37% |
| Mnarani ward | 30 | $1,828 | $231.42 | 30% |
| Tiwi ward | 17 | $1,563 | $195.07 | 29% |
| Kiwengwa | 98 | $1,389 | $182.21 | 32% |
| Kinondo ward | 176 | $1,249 | $186.04 | 30% |
| Ukunda ward | 300 | $1,134 | $141.01 | 31% |
| Kibarani ward | 16 | $1,079 | $122.17 | 26% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Mombasa
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Mombasa.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mombasa?
Mombasa hosts earn about $3,542 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $60 and RevPAR of $16. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Mombasa, Mombasa County, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Mombasa market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mombasa?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mombasa is 26.2%. December is the strongest month and May is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Mombasa?
Listings in Mombasa average $60 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Mombasa?
Mombasa currently has about 289 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Mombasa?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Mombasa as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.3% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Mombasa?
RevPAR in Mombasa is about $16. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Mombasa?
Occupancy of 26.2% means Mombasa is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $3,542, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Mombasa?
The average booking lead time in Mombasa is about 15 days — a relatively short booking window, meaning most guests decide within a few weeks of their trip — dynamic pricing can capture late demand. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Mombasa?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Mombasa include Nyali, Diani Beach, Mombasa Old Town. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Mombasa?
entire_home listings make up 96.5% of the active supply in Mombasa. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Mombasa compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Matemwe posts $27,584 in average annual revenue with 30.2% occupancy, compared to Mombasa's $3,542 and 26.2%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Mombasa?
The average Airbnb stay length in Mombasa is about 4.5 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Mombasa?
Airbnb listings in Mombasa average 4.61 out of 5 overall. About 10.4% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Mombasa?
Waterfront and Cable TV are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Mombasa. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Mombasa?
Yes. About 30.1% of active Airbnb listings in Mombasa charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $8. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Mombasa?
At 27.3%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.