Plizio Visual Lab
Makupa Causeway
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Makupa Causeway is a massive, deeply historic land bridge connecting the bustling Mombasa Island to the Kenyan mainland. Constructed in 1929 by the British colonial administration, the causeway replaced an earlier, highly inadequate pontoon bridge, fundamentally revolutionizing the logistics of the entire region. The massive engineering feat successfully carried the critical Uganda Railway line, the primary road highway, and the massive water pipelines supplying the island. For nearly a century, it was the absolute, congested bottleneck for all overland freight entering or exiting the colossal Port of Mombasa. Recently, acknowledging the severe ecological damage the solid causeway caused to the surrounding tidal creeks, the government undertook a massive infrastructure project to replace it with a modern, highly elevated bridge, restoring natural ocean flows.
- Location: Kenya
- Nearby: Nyali (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 25 | 15 | 62 | 129 | 217 | 74 | 36 | 29 | 38 | 98 | 104 | 69 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Makupa Causeway is a historic public road and railway link constructed in 1929, fully open to pedestrians and vehicles. You can walk across it at any time to enjoy sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and Mombasa Island's shoreline.
Typical hours
As a public road, the causeway is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no admission fee. There are no timed entry restrictions; you can arrive and leave freely at any hour.
Photography
Photography is freely allowed from the causeway, but please do not stop or park on the railway tracks. The best shots are taken from the middle of the causeway, looking along the shoreline in either direction.
Time needed
A visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to walk across the causeway and take photos. If you plan to explore the surrounding mangrove areas, allocate an additional 20 minutes.
Combine with
Combine your visit with Mombasa's Old Town and Fort Jesus, both about 3 kilometres away. The causeway itself links the island to the mainland and provides easy access to Nyali Beach and the mangrove forests.
Getting there
Reach the causeway by taxi, matatu (minibus), or rental car from Mombasa city centre. It is the main traffic artery between the island and the mainland, with clear signage and frequent public transport options.
Insider tip
Visit the causeway early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and capture dramatic light over the water. Make sure to bring water and sunscreen, as there is no shade whatsoever on the causeway.
Geography
Facts
- A massive artificial land bridge connecting Mombasa Island to the western mainland.
- Constructed in 1929 by the British colonial government to replace a pontoon bridge.
- Carried the highly critical Uganda Railway line and the primary national highway.
- Acted as the absolute chokepoint for all overland freight entering the Port of Mombasa.
- The solid structure caused massive, long-term ecological damage to the local tidal creeks.
- A massive modern bridge was recently completed to replace the solid earth causeway.
- The new bridge design aims to restore the ancient, highly critical tidal ocean flows.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Makupa Causeway (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Makupa Causeway?
A vital transport link connecting Mombasa Island to the mainland.
Why is it historical?
It was built in 1929 to allow for a railway link and later a road.
Are there traffic jams there?
Yes, it is known for heavy traffic as it is the main entry point to the island.
Is the causeway under renovation?
It was recently replaced by a new bridge to improve water flow in the harbor.
Is pedestrian access allowed?
Yes, there are walkways for pedestrians, but traffic can be very loud and dusty.
Makupa Causeway: where is it located?
Makupa Causeway is located in Kenya.
Makupa Causeway: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Makupa Causeway: why is it worth visiting?
The Makupa Causeway is a massive, deeply historic land bridge connecting the bustling Mombasa Island to the Kenyan mainland.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Kenya →
Nearby cities
Mombasa
Mombasa is the oldest and second-largest city in Kenya, located on the Indian Ocean coast.
Nyali
An affluent residential and resort area in Mombasa featuring pristine beaches and modern amenities.
Sonseca
A town in the province of Toledo, renowned for its marzipan production and furniture industry.
Kwale
Kwale is a hilltop town near the coast, serving as the headquarters for Kwale County.
Mariakani
Mariakani is a transit and industrial town straddling the border between Kilifi and Kwale counties.
Diani Galu Kinondo
A paradisiacal coastal stretch south of Mombasa featuring dazzling white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
🗺️
Gasi
Gasi is a charming coastal village in Kenya, known for its pristine beaches and direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Kilifi
Kilifi is a picturesque resort town on the Kenyan coast, known for its beautiful estuary, white sandy beaches, and ancient ruins.
Madridejos
A town in the heart of La Mancha, Spain, known for its saffron production, Manchego cheese, and a beautifully preserved 17th-century wind…
Fuensalida
Fuensalida is a town in the province of Toledo, famous for its long-standing tradition in shoemaking.
🗺️
Funzi Island
A remote island characterized by vast mangroves, shifting sandbars, and untouched nature in southern Kenya.
Illescas
A historic town between Madrid and Toledo, famous for five masterpieces by El Greco exhibited in the Sanctuary of Charity.
Ocaña
Ocaña, in the province of Toledo, impresses with its monumental Plaza Mayor and rich historical heritage.
Seseña
Seseña is a town in the province of Toledo, known for its mix of historic charm and modern development.
Wasini Island
A peaceful car-free island known for its Swahili culture, coral gardens, and fresh seafood.
History & landmarks
Mombasa Tusks
Two giant crossed aluminum tusks spanning Moi Avenue in Mombasa.
Mombasa Terminus (SGR)
The modern terminus station of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Mombasa with iconic architecture.
Kilifi Bridge
One of the longest bridges in Kenya, spanning the Kilifi Creek and connecting Mtwapa to Malindi.
Consuegra
An iconic La Mancha village famous for its twelve white windmills and medieval castle lining the Calderico Hill ridge.
Aranjuez
The royal summer residence on the Tagus river, a UNESCO World Heritage site with magnificent gardens and palaces.
More places
Port of Mombasa
The largest seaport in East Africa, a major trade hub for Kenya and neighboring countries.
Krapf Memorial
A memorial site in Mombasa dedicated to the German missionary Dr.
Pwani Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Mombasa, with architectural remains dating back to the 14th century.
Fort Jesus Mombasa
An impressive old fortress that takes children into the past on an exploration tour.
Mombasa Oil Refinery (KPRL)
A major facility that formerly refined crude oil for the East African market, now serving as a storage facility.
Mombasa Apparel EPZ
A large clothing manufacturing factory in Mombasa, producing mainly for export to the US under AGOA.
Base Titanium Loading Facility Likoni
A specialized port facility for exporting mineral sands mined in Kwale.
🗺️
Bamburi Cement Factory
One of the largest cement plants in East Africa, supplying building materials for the region.