Likoni Ferry Mombasa : Likoni ferry crossing, likoni ferry kenya

Likoni Ferry is one of the busiest ferries that I have ever been on, the Likoni Ferry is the main ferry that is used by locals and visitors as it connects Mombasa town to other islands along the Kenyan coast. I boarded this ferry as I was heading to Diani Beach in Kenya for my beach vacation and in this article I will share my experience on the ferry and more about the Likoni Ferry.

My experience on the Likoni Ferry

My journey to Diani started in Nairobi city where I boarded the SGR Kenya train from Nairobi to Mombasa, the train ride takes about 5 hours so I left Nairobi at 8:00 am and arrived in Mombasa at 2:00 pm. It was sunny in Mombasa, a bit hot but I loved the arrival because I felt like I was already in the mood for vacation.

I ordered a private cab at the railway station to my accommodation/hotel. My cab driver was a woman and I loved that. The drive to Mombasa town was a great introduction for me to Mombasa, we drove towards the town as the cab driver told me about her home and played Kenyan music in the car. A perfect ride and a great introduction to Mombasa.

We got to the Likoni Ferry just in time for the next shift, the ferry crosses every few minutes and takes only a certain number of people. Security operatives are available at the Likoni Ferry to control the movements of people and vehicles. Once the number of people and cars board the ferry, they close the gates and then you have to wait for the next opening and shift. The Likoni Ferry operates for 24 hours everyday so ferry crossing is available day and night.

The Likoni Ferry in Mombasa, Kenya

I crossed the ferry with the car and then my driver dropped me off at ACK Guest House Mombasa which was my hotel for the first night. Since I was heading to Diani beach later, I booked the guest house for my first night because I wanted to experience Mombasa more before heading to the beach. ACK Guest House was a lovely budget hotel situated 5 minutes away from the Likoni Ferry.

I rested on the first night, then the next morning I had breakfast at the hotel and then headed to Mombasa town. I decided to go for another experience of crossing the Likoni Ferry just to experience it in a slow manner as a traveler. I really wanted to see how the locals go about their day in Mombasa and also spend time on the Likoni Ferry without rushing.

I left ACK Guest House at 11:00 am and took a walk to the Likoni Ferry. The Likoni Ferry is less busy at this time because most of the people have left the island to head for their corporate jobs early in the morning. The ferry however still had quite a number of locals planning to cross over, I headed towards the departure gate which has an enclosure, you stand here and wait for security to open the gates then you start to board the ferry.

Photo taken while I was waiting with the locals for the gate to be opened for boarding

It was a clear sunny day, a bit loud but that’s the thrill of being in one place with many people boarding a ferry. The sunny day, the clear blue sky, the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean all made this experience delightful for me.

Clear blue waters and a clear blue sky with white clouds

Beautiful sunny day in Mombasa, Kenya

There is a lot of activity going on as you board the ferry, cars are getting on, people are walking towards the ferry, some carrying produce and others carrying items. Once everyone for that shift boards, then the ferry sets off. It takes about 5 minutes to cross over to the other side so its pretty quick. Once the Likono Ferry arrives, you wait for security to allow you to step off and then they start preparing for the next shift.

People boarding a blue ferry on a sunny day

People boarding the Likoni Ferry

I got off the Likoni Ferry and then spent some time on the shores. I watched large ships on the water as they sailed towards Mombasa Port which is one of Kenya’s busiest ports. I took a walk through a nearby local market that is next to the Likoni Ferry crossing station, its a busy market with tuk-tuks(motorized three wheeled vehicle used for transportation in Mombasa) and its a loud environment as sellers use their voices to convince clients to come purchase their products. The market stalls were selling a number of items which include fresh fruits, Kenyan street food snacks like cassava chips, clothes, shoes and household items.

I took a stroll through Mombasa town, enjoyed seeing the ancient buildings of the coastal town and then stopped by Likoni Mall which is one of the best places to shop in Mombasa. It has Naivas supermarket, I was thirsty so I picked a bottle of water and a snack here then headed back for the ferry crossing.

People walking out of a ferry on a sunny day

People getting off the ferry on arrival to the other side

I really got an experience on the Likoni Ferry because I crossed it once again then walked back to ACK Guest House Mombasa for a late lunch.The next day, I headed to Swahili Beach Resort in Diani for my beach vacation.

Photo taken while I was on the Likoni Ferry

Where is the Likoni Ferry located?

The Likoni ferry is located in Mombasa which is one of Kenya’s major cities. It is operated and managed by the Kerry Ferry Services (KFS).

How long is the Likoni Ferry crossing?

The likoni ferry crossing is very short, once it sets off, it takes about 5- 8 minutes to cross over to the other side. It is a very quick ferry crossing, the crossing is approximately 500 meters.

Does Likoni Ferry operate for 24 hours?

Yes, the Likoni ferry operates for 24 hours so it is available and operates both day and night.

Is the Likoni Ferry free?

The Likoni ferry is free only for pedestrians on foot. Vehicles have to pay a toll fee.

Is Likoni Ferry safe?

The Likoni ferry is considered safe however there have been some incidents of water accidents in the past. It is advisable to wait for the next shift and not run towards the ferry. If at all, you are late and miss the shift, simply wait for the next shift and avoid running towards the ferry.

Here are more photos I took while on the ferry below;