The number of sea travellers arriving and departing from the Mombasa port has doubled over the past years as more tourists favour African cruises.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Statistical Abstract for 2024, sea arrivals were 2,842 in 2023 compared to 1,034 travellers in 2022. On the other hand, departures by sea rose from 636 travellers in 2022 to 1,260 travellers in 2023.
The surge in sea travellers came after the significant decrease witnessed during the Covid-19 period, where departures by sea dipped as low as 43 passengers in 2020.
Most sea travellers come from American and European countries.
In 2023, KNBS notes that 726 passengers arrived from America, while 323 passengers departed for America. Sea travellers from Europe were 2,089, while departures for Europe were 925 passengers in the same year.
Arrivals from Asia and other African countries were few, with Kenya receiving 11 and four passengers, respectively. Departures from the two continents were also low, standing at only five and two travellers.
Behind the numbers
June Chepkemei, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO, says that the increased arrival and departure of sea travellers from Kenya can be attributed to the enhanced safety of the Indian Ocean Waters over the years.
“The unveiling of a cruise port in Mombasa has also been a plus for us we are now able to handle larger cruise ships,” she says, adding, “Tourists docking at Mombasa are also given a one day long excursion to national parks and other attractions within the Kenyan coast and it’s environs.”
Emerging markets
KTB also notes that over the years, it has also observed interest from sea travellers from Asian and African countries, adding that it is looking to expand its target market beyond American and European countries.
“Our aim is to get more cruises as possible away from the current sources being mainly America and Europe. To do this we are partnering with key stakeholders in the tourism industry to tailor packages for cruise travellers that will entice them to make stops at the port of Mombasa and undertake tours. Additionally, customer care is crucial for us. We are looking to enhance customer experiences at the port as well as continuous improvement of infrastructure.”
Ms Chepkemei adds that the port of Mombasa can “handle over 140,000 passengers annually, putting us in the right position to tap into this rising demand for sea travel.
In 2019, the global cruise industry had nearly 30 million passengers, creating 1.8 million jobs and contributing $154 billion (Sh19 trillion) to the world economy. As a destination, we believe we are on the right track to leveraging this opportunity.”
Changing consumer taste
David Iteyo, the CEO of Crowned Eagle Safaris, says that the increased uptake of sea travel is underpinned by a desire for new experiences.
“For a long time, many people have used air, road, and rail for their travels. So, there is a shift where many people are looking for new experiences,” he says, adding, that most of the inquiries he is getting from clients are for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
“Many of the people looking to take up sea travel are couples, particularly honeymooners. A significant proportion is also single travellers seeking to be away for some time. Most of our clients are the high-end luxury travellers. However, with the increased uptake of sea travel, we have started coming up with packages for mid-level clients where we allow them to pay in instalments because cruises can be expensive,” Mr Iteyo tells the Business Daily.
Cruise ships trip cost
He says that a cruise can cost at least $4,000 (Sh515,000).
Mr Iteyo says that most tourists coming into the country dock at Mombasa and only seek to explore the coastal region.
“We are now also trying to get them to go on safaris into the inner parts of the country, especially those who have some time to spare,” he says.
For cruise ship neophytes, Mr Iteyo says, all one needs to do is ensure that their documents in order. “For instance, a Yellow Fever certificate is essential. You will also need your passport, and visa for the countries that you will be docking at.”