Best places and attractions to visit in Mombasa Kenya.

There are lots of things to do in Mombasa. Let’s start with a little background knowledge before we get into them. Located in the Indian Ocean, Mombasa is the capital of the larger Mombasa County, which also includes a number of other neighboring smaller islands. Located on Kenya’s east coast, Mombasa is the country’s second-biggest urban area after Nairobi. Initially, Mombasa was known as “Manbasa,” which translates to “an island of war.” This was due to the fact that the island served as the epicenter for innumerable conflicts involving early settlers (Arabs, Portuguese, Locals, and British).

The Mijikenda and Swahili are the indigenous population of the island. The early inhabitants on the island, including Portuguese, Arabs, Omani, Indian, and Chinese, mixed with the locals to create the Mijikenda, who are black, and the Swahili, who are brown. A distinct blend of cultures and a legacy of distinctive towns, cuisines, and architecture (temples, mosques) were all left behind by the intermarriages. Mombasa has developed into one of East Africa’s commercial engines, with an international airport and one of the busiest ports in Africa, thanks to her natural beauty, cultural diversity, and long history as a trading hub. Mombasa connects the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Uganda, and numerous landlocked East African nations to the Indian Ocean.

Tourists can enjoy the rich maritime traditions, coral reefs, water sports, seafood, stunning hotels, architectural marvels, and white sand/palm tree beaches of Mombasa. Travelers often return home after visiting other locations just to learn about new experiences and sights. The specifics will be covered in the upcoming chapters. However, before you do anything else, you might want to read an essay about the tourist attractions in Zanzibar or Kinshasa, Congo. Even a thorough post about Kenya’s tourist sites is available here.

Tourist Attractions in Mombasa.

Fort Jesus:

Among Mombasa’s most popular tourist destinations is Fort Jesus. This attraction was built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage monument. A reminder of the major conflicts that took place in the 16th century between the Portuguese, Arabs, British, and the local populace, the Fort is a well-preserved military fortress. It was created in the form of a man by Cairati, an Italian architect. While much of it is still intact, several pieces are now destroyed. A museum is housed in the garrison’s main barracks. When you visit this site, be ready to see the Portuguese cannons that were used to protect the island in the sixteenth century while you take in the stunning views of the surrounding area, the Indian Ocean, and the turquoise waters. Additionally, a few of the goods that the Portuguese, Arabs, and British traded will be on display. Fort Jesus is a great location for pictures.

Visit the Old Town:

You should at one time visit Mombasa’s Old Town if you would like to learn more about the lifestyle that the Portuguese traders had at that time. You can get a sense of the way things were in this town during the Portuguese occupation of the island. The architectural designs of the antique buildings, which include unique entrances and stylish balconies, will astound you. The old buildings feature a variety of architectural styles, not just Portuguese. Mosques and homes were left in the town by Arabs, Europeans, and Asian occupants who came and went at different times. The perfect way to end your day in the old town is to stop by one of the gift stores and pick up some antiques or scented oils for your loved ones.

Mombasa Tusks:

One of Mombasa’s most well-known and frequently visited colossal constructions is Mombasa Tusks. This attraction was constructed as a memorial to Queen Elizabeth’s memorable 1952 visit. Locals call the building “PembeMbili,” which translates to “two tusks” in Swahili. At the gateway to the major city center, the tusks are constructed to resemble the letter M, which stands for Mombasa. You simply must take pictures there for your archives before leaving. There are numerous banks and sizable commercial malls in the notably busy area after the Tusks.

Check out the Ship traffic at Mama Ngina Drive:

Mama Ngina Drive is a place to think about if you have some free time in the evening and are wondering where to go to unwind as the sun sets. You may observe the many ship kinds that dock in Mombasa at the picturesque park. In order to kill time and keep track of how many ships are coming into and going out of the nation, a large number of the locals visit Mama Ngina. When visiting at the appropriate time of year, the volume of ships can be quite dense. The location occasionally sees large crowds, however security is in place. If you get hungry while at the park, you may grab some delicious sea cuisine and soft beverages at one of the nearby eateries.

Swimming with dolphins and in the different beaches:

Given their proximity to both the airport and the city, the beaches on the north coast are highly recommended. Shanzu, Bamburi, and Nyali are some of the beaches. The crystal-clear waters and gorgeous green palm palms that adorn these stunning beaches. The location offers a variety of water sports, such as deep sea fishing and diving. You can simply take a stroll along the beaches to take in the cool wind, blue waves, and white sand if you are not into swimming or any other water sports. Once you’ve visited every beach on the north coast, you may also check out beaches like Diani and Tiwi on the south coast. The stunning shoreline and lush vegetation seen on the beaches in the south are complemented by wider swimming areas, vibrant coral reefs, and a rainforest. Activities include windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, diving, water skiing, and snorkeling. Travelers love Diani Beach because it’s regarded as one of the best in the world and is comparatively well-developed. You could find Tiwi beach more fascinating if you enjoy snorking and sunbathing. There are excellent hotels, pubs, and restaurants serving delicious seafood at each of these beaches. The island of Wasini is a great place for those looking for an even more daring adventure. Here is where visitors can swim with dolphins. You must utilize a ship or large boat to get there. See our posts about traveling to Dar es salaam for more information about the beaches.

Walk along the beautiful nature trails: Amazing vegetation and animals can be found on the various islands that comprise Mombasa. Along with the stunning environment and native flora found along the beaches, visitors can also see animals including birds, reptiles, and monkeys. For individuals who like to take in the stunning beauty and landscape of the island, the nature paths near the Mombasa–Malindi highway are highly recommended.

Cruise on a dhow or Ride on a ferry: The Red and Indian Seas are home to many of these unusually built boats. You can find them luxuriously equipped in Mombasa. When you watch the sun set and wait to eat beneath the moonlight, you can rent one to explore the water. Considering the rivalry among dhow suppliers, hiring the boats doesn’t cost too much. If you wish to cut expenses, you can sail in a group. You may be able to carry part of your supplies and have more space, depending on the type of boat you rent. If you are interested in taking a ferry, the one that transports people from the island of Mombasa to the southern coast is the one you should take.
Because the prices are cheap, you will find lots of people there and you can also enjoy free entertainment and socialize with other visitors and residents. Whether you opt to take a dhow or a ferry, don’t forget to pack snacks and beverages.

Ride on Tuk- Tuk ride: Though offering something new, they are comparable to those in most Asian countries. If you’d like, the journey can take you directly to the ocean after passing through the main streets on the islands. You will enjoy yourself even though they are not the most comfortable.

Mamba Village centre: Go to the Mamba Village Center if you are captivated by Africa’s well-known reptiles or if you just want to see what they look like. Among Africa’s biggest crocodile farms is Mamba Village Center. Turtles and ostriches are also housed there. The guides will provide you with comprehensive details regarding the reptiles’ behaviors, eating patterns, and other characteristics. When the crocodiles are being fed meat chunks is the ideal time to visit. Observing their effort to obtain the largest chunks will be entertaining. To top off the day, head to the adjacent restaurant for some delectable game meat, such as ostrich, crocodile, and zebra. Horseback riding and visiting the botanical gardens to see aquatic plants, orchids, and monkeys are two more activities offered at the center.

Mombasa Marine National Park: Given the volume of traffic it receives, this has to be a stand-alone attraction. The large park safeguards sea grasses, mangroves, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. If guests are unable to dive or get wet, they can observe marine life in the ocean from the comfort of a spacious glass boat at the park. If they decide to go underwater, they can get a closer look at sea horses, stingrays, eels, and underwater flora. Divers ought to investigate some of the shipwreaks, such as the MV Dania.

Shimba Hills National Reserve: Although this reserve is not near Mombasa, it is nevertheless worthwhile to visit, particularly if you want to see some of the continent’s most well-known species without venturing too far from the enchanted coastlines. The Reserve, which is 33 kilometers from Mombasa town, is made up of tropical rain forest, ponds, waterfalls, forests, and grassland. In addition to antelopes and leopards, this park boasts one of the largest populations of elephants in the nation. To witness uncommon and endangered plant species like cycads and orchids, sign up for guided nature walks through the forest. When you’ve had enough of the reserve, you may swim or have a picnic along the Sheldrick Falls and the Machenmwana River to cool off.

Mombasa Go-Kart: This is among the greatest places to go kids to have fun and enjoyment. The facility provides kids with a variety of exciting activities, such as computer games and go-kart racing on a concrete track. They also provide educational and recreational opportunities, such as jumping on boggles. Parents can watch competitions on a large screen or cheer on their kids from the various playgrounds to keep themselves entertained. You can grab snacks and soft drinks at the main restaurant if the kids are hungry.

Bombolulu Cultural Centre and Workshop: The initial goal of this cultural center was to provide care for people with physical disabilities. The Cultural Center and its four workshops. These days, the Center contributes to the exhibition of Kenya’s diverse tribes’ cultural history by means of exquisite wood carvings, necklaces, and wristbands. You will also gain an understanding of the ancient lifestyle, dress code, and hunting implements of the Kenyan tribes during your visit. Visit the workshop to view the apparel, jewelry, leather crafts, wood carvings, and handicrafts, or go to see a cultural performance. Giving a visit is one method to support and assist the community, as this is a charitable organization. By purchasing one of the things on sale or dining at their restaurant, you can further support the effort.

Ngomongo Village Park: You should visit Ngomongo Villages Park if the cultural exhibits at the Bombolulu Cultural Center don’t satisfy you. This park is made up of multiple tribal homesteads that depict typical homesteads from the various tribes (from the past). A tribal delegate who resides in the hut leads each homestead.

Every homestead features a hut, a well-kept garden, domestic animals (sheep, goats, and cattle), and wild animals (pond-dwelling crocodiles). All of the various household and hunting implements utilized by that specific tribe are located there. There’s also a native witch-doctor on site, complete with fetishes and charms. Overall, the Center makes an effort to portray the way of life that the indigenous tribes had before to the introduction of western concepts into their communities. Arguably, The Center is among the greatest locations in Kenya to visit for an authentic cultural encounter. I’m not sure what else I can suggest if this cultural trip doesn’t satisfy you.

Arabuko-Sokoke National Forest: Arabuko-Sokoke, the largest coastal forest that remains in East Africa, is endowed with an amazing array of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and amphibians. There are more than 260 bird species known to exist in the forest, including the endangered Clarke’s weaver and the spotted ground thrush. Rare creatures including the golden-rumped elephant shrew, Ader’s duiker, and bushy-tailed mongoose can also be found in the forest. The Arabuko-Sokoke National Forest is a great location for outdoor treks, picnics, and bird watching. Keepers of birds: take notice.

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary: Adjacent to Nguuni Tatu Hills is a wildlife reserve. Those who enjoy the outdoors, wildlife, and birdwatching will find this sanctuary to be highly gratifying. You may anticipate seeing ostriches, giraffes, elands, oryx, and other antelope species. The evening is the ideal time to visit. You may fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the location just before sunset. Hopefully, birders are paying attention once more.

Visit Kilifi: Situated on the banks of Kilifi Creek, this resort is remote. It was previously only accessible by ferry, but once a bridge was built, it became visible from the main islands. The Mnarani Ruins are the main draws here. Speaking Swahili since the early fourteenth century, this was a long-standing local colony. There is a giant baobab tree on the island that is reputed to be the biggest on the whole Kenyan coast. In addition, Kalifi Resort features a renowned golf club that plays host to some of the most prestigious local competitions.

Visit the Religious sights: You may want to take some time for introspection and meditation with your creator after spending some time exploring this large seaside town. Mombasa is a very multicultural city with religious places catering to every kind of religion. Jesus Healing Sanctuary is a fantastic destination for Christians to visit. For volunteers and guests, the sanctuary plans bible lessons and community service projects. Sundays are the ideal day to go to church. In addition to the Anglican Mombasa Memorial Cathedral, which is situated in the city’s downtown, there is the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Cathedral.
If you are curious about the history of the island, you might also be interested in visiting the ancient Hindu temple near the train station. The temple is home to hundreds-year-old idols and unusual stone carvings. Another popular spot for Muslims and tourists interested in the historical structures on the island is the old Mandhry Mosque, which dates back to 1570. If you practice Hinduism or have an interest in religious sculpture and architecture, you should definitely visit the Lord Shiva Hindu temple. The magnificent murals and representations of characters from Hindu mythology (the Ramayana and Mahabharata) make the Swaminarayan Temple even more magnificent.

Visit the local Night Clubs: According to audiophiles, music can help one forget about their age and escape the stresses of everyday life. You can go shake your legs to some of the best local hits in the nation while in Mombasa, even if you won’t be bringing your fancy system with you. Modern clubs that play hits from throughout the world will make you feel comfortable. Le Club at Continental Resort is the ideal location. You don’t have to worry about meals because music plays till the early morning hours. To get started, simply head over to the restaurant area. A few other well-known nightclubs in the neighborhood that are worth mentioning are Sheba, Bella Vista, Bobs, Casablanca Club, Bliss Lounge, and The Lounge.

Sample the local Cuisines: You won’t know where to start because of the sheer abundance of local cuisine. Any of the nearby eateries or lodging establishments sell the cuisine. Evenings on Makadara Road are the ideal time to purchase regional cuisine from the street vendors. Nyama choma, chapatti, minced beef, pilau, and meatballs are a few of the popular cuisines available. You can have them with milkshakes, fruits, coconut water, or maize porridge. It’s a great option for anyone on a tight budget because of the very reasonable pricing. Seafood and coastal dishes are great options if you want to try something new that you wouldn’t normally eat.
You might not think of an octopus as the first item on your menu, but give it a try; you might be pleasantly surprised.

Visit the Theatre or Casinos: You should go to a movie theater or one of the movie houses to see the best local films or the newest foreign blockbusters. Remember to bring along a member of your family or an acquaintance from the area. The most contemporary movie theaters can be found at Nyali Cinemax and City Mall. In Mombasa, Golden Key Casino is the greatest venue to play games. The casino, which has a view of the Indian Ocean, offers a variety of games, including roulette, blackjack, bonus card poker, and pontoon. You can visit the restaurant for delectable local and international cuisines after playing your favorite games.

Kipepeo Butterfly Project: Kipepeo, which translates to “butterfly,” is the name of a facility located in a forest close to the Gede Ruins entrance. The project provides farmers with caterpillars to be fed on forest leaves, and when the caterpillars develop into pupae, they are sold back to the project. When the butterflies reach maturity, they are sent to butterfly centers around the world. The Kipepeo Butterfly Project has contributed to the increase in the incomes of the local communities.

Haller park.

On the Kenyan coast, at Bamburi, Mombasa, there’s a nature park called Haller Park. It is the conversion of a wasteland used for quarrying into an ecological region. Both residents and visitors can enjoy the variety of animal and plant species found in Haller Park, which doubles as a recreation area.

Mombasa Marine Nairobi park.

It is a popular beach due to its snorkeling and diving opportunities. different activities include boat rides, recreational fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, and seeing different animals both on land and underwater. The beach is situated close to tourist destinations. The Mombasa Marine National Park is home to a variety of marine species, including crabs, starfish, stone fish, cucumbers, sea urchins, corals, turtles, sea grasses, and migratory birds like crab plovers. It is the most popular marine park in Kenya and features coral reefs in its waters.

North coast Beaches.

You may enjoy activities like scuba diving and snorkeling at the North Coast beach, which is also well-known for its nightclubs, restaurants, and contemporary hotels. Riding a camel is another popular pastime here. In Mombasa, head to the beach for some tranquility and relaxation.

Old town.
Mombasa’s old town, which spans 180 acres and features tapering streets and historic buildings, offers a window into the diverse cultural backgrounds of the city’s Arab Portuguese, Asian, and British residents.

Mombasa Tusks.
Mombasa yachting club was the site of the monument honoring Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the city. The tusks, also known as Mapemba ya Ndovu, are located over Moi Avenue, a key thoroughfare in Mombasa, Kenya. Though their location near Uhuru Park, a public recreation area, made the tusks virtually an attraction, the plan was to remove them when the queen returned home.

Mamba village Centre.
The largest crocodile farm in Africa is located in the center of Mamba Village. The most well-known crocodile there is Big Daddy, who is also the oldest at the farm at over a century old. In addition to these attractions, the farm has an aquarium, fish farm, snake park, and museum, all of which draw in more visitors.

Sun Africa Beach Resort Mombasa.
You may experience the finest private beach at sun Africa Beach Resort Mombasa, along with the immaculate luxury and white sand of Mombasa. of the most well-liked travel spots in East Africa. The only boutique hotel on the north coast, Sun Africa Beach Resort, is the ideal opulent getaway from Mombasa’s vibrant atmosphere.

Packing list when visiting Mombasa.

Identification and other Travel documents:
A passport is usually needed while traveling internationally. When traveling, a passport is a requirement. At the airport, you can also be requested to present your certificate of yellow fever vaccination. Your passport will be required by all hotels to verify your identity and that you are the one who made the reservation.

Hard cash:

Hard cash is defined as actual cash in dollars and, if feasible, Kenyan shillings. This is crucial in the event that you need to make transactions without a credit card reader. Cash may also be required for unforeseen emergencies including tip payment. Hard cash is essential if you are traveling to Mombasa from another East African nation. Make sure you exchange part of it at the airport, border crossings, or any of the forex offices for local Kenyan shillings.

Swimming Costumes, beach sandals and other light clothing:
Mombasa experiences moderate daytime temperatures, but be prepared for chilly evenings and mornings. In light of this, we highly recommend that you arrive prepared with warm clothes. You should bring swimwear for the beach as you will be in an area that offers some of the best water activities. In order to prevent blisters on your feet throughout the hot day, beach sandals are essential. The chilly evenings are better suited for closed-toe footwear.

Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen: These things will assist in protecting you from the sun’s rays as you unwind at the beach. If you are not acclimated to the tropical climate, spending an excessive amount of time in the sun without taking precautions could result in sunburns or more severe reactions.

A camera and binocular: On the wonderful island of Mombasa, you will undoubtedly come across a lot of intriguing objects, people, and locations. To record the moments and show your pals back home, you’ll need a high-quality camera. When strolling along the nature trails and at the beach, a binocular will come in helpful. From the comfort of your hotel room, you can also utilize your binoculars to survey the water. Make sure your valuables are securely stored in a bag, especially if you’re strolling through places you don’t think are safe, like the suburbs of a city.