Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus is the coral-stone fort at the edge of Mombasa Old Town. The Portuguese began it in 1593. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site run by the National Museums of Kenya. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours. A citizen adult ticket is KSh 550 from 7 May 2026.
Checked 19 October 2026. Fees effective 7 May 2026 under Legal Notice No. 79 of 2025.
Facts used on the tour
Giovanni Battista Cairati planned the fort for the Portuguese crown. The later history on the site runs through Omani and British periods, which is what the museum rooms are for. The ramparts face the harbour channel. The entrance used by visitors is on the Old Town side. Published visitor hours are 8:30 to 17:30. Confirm them on the day.
The ticket table is on Fort Jesus entrance fee. The walking pairing is the Old Town and Fort Jesus tour. Old Town itself is the next page, Old Town, and it is not the same ticket.
Questions
Who operates Fort Jesus?
The National Museums of Kenya.
How long should I allow?
90 minutes to 2 hours inside the fort, before any Old Town walk.
What is the citizen adult fee?
KSh 550 from 7 May 2026.
Fort Jesus entrance fee
Mombasa Old Town