Overview
Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city after Nairobi and it offers travelers an exotic taste ofthe African tropics steeped in centuries of seafaring history. This cosmopolitan tourist hub is actually an island connected by bridges and ferries to the Kenyan coast. Stretching for miles along the mainland to the north and south, Mombasa’s beach resorts preside over palm-studded strands fringed by shimmering coral reefs.
Tourists from all walks of life flock here to enjoy the many things to do – from dolphin spotting trips on traditional dhows and deep-sea fishing,diving, snorkeling at the wrecks and reefs plus basking on the sun-splashed shores. But in the city, on the bustling island, a world of history and culture awaits.
Thanks to its legacy as the largest port in East Africa, Mombasa is a cultural melting pot. The British, Asians, Arabs, Omanis, Indians and Chinese immigrants have enriched the city’s architecture in terms of cuisine, places of worship like mosques, churches and temples which grace the city’s streets.
In the Old Town where fragrant spices waft from local markets, you can step back in time and explore the ancient buildings. Beyond the city, wildlife parks, villages and ancient ruins make up the wealth of water-based fun.
Mombasa Excursions
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Fort Jesus
Built in 1593 to 1596 by the Portuguese, Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mombasa’s top tourist attractions. Italian architect Cairati designed the structure, which is one of the world’s finest examples of 16th-century Portuguese military architecture.
The design is the shape of a man and the name of ‘Jesus’ was given purely for religious reference. The fort changed hands nine times between 1631 and 1875 before finally resting with the British.
Although partially ruined, Fort Jesus houses a museum which was built over the former barracks for the garrison. Exhibits include a vast collection of ceramics and pottery reflecting the various cultures that traded along the coast.
Fort Jesus has many battlements and ruined buildings within the compound including Omani house that was built in the late 18th centuryand  houses Omani jewelry that is rich in displays of Swahili life. Another thing that is worth mentioning isThe Passage of Arches which was cut through the coral; to give access to the sea.
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Haller Park
Haller Park Mombasa is a hit with animal lovers. Formerly called Bamburi Nature Trail, this inspirational project began in 1971 when Dr. René Haller transformed the abandoned limestone quarries here into a thriving nature reserve.
Dr. Haller increased the mineral content of the soil, planted trees, added a fish farmand created a wildlife park where each animal has a function within the flourishing ecosystem. Wildlife found here include giraffes, Cape buffalos, zebras, waterbucksand hippos. One highlight here is the feeding of a giraffebut be sure to check the times before visiting.
The park was also home to a famous interspecies couple that became an Internet sensation after the 130-year-old tortoise ‘Mzee Kobe’ adopted Owen which is an orphaned hippo.
Birds are also abundant in the park. More than 160 species have been introduced to the area including weaver birds, cranes, pelicans and storks.
Walking and cycling paths wind through the groves of casuarina besides a reptile park, a palm garden, a butterfly pavilion crocodile pens all of which are some of the other attractions to write home about.
If you want to see more wildlife, Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary is just but a 15-minutes’ drive from Haller Park. Here, you can enjoy close encounters with giraffes as well as ostriches, elands, oryxes and many species of birds. It is also one of the most popular picnic sites in Mombasa conveniently situated along Mombasa – Malindi road.
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Mombasa Marine National Park
One of the busiest of Kenya’s offshore reserves, Mombasa Marine National Park protects mangroves, seagrass beds, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. Diving and snorkeling are popular things to doespecially north of Mombasa; from Mtwapa Creek south to the entrance of Likoni.
Seahorses, stingrays, and eels are among the marine creatures inhabiting the reserve and MV Dania is a popular wreck dive here. If you prefer to stay dry however, you can view the diverse marine life from a glass-bottom boat.
Note that popular beaches of Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu all provide access to this marine park.
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North Coast Beaches
Beaches on the north side of Mombasa are a little livelier than the south coast. Palm-lined shores, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, plus a profusion of water sports, resorts and entertainment venues provide plenty of tourist action. The resorts are also closer to Mombasa International airport and Mombasa City.
Traveling north from Mombasa, Nyali Beach is the first stop. Shops and hotels line the beach here and the soft white sand makes this place a pleasant beach for strolling.
Further north, Bamburi Beach is also a tourist hub with a wide range of accommodations from luxury resorts to beach bungalows.
Like many Mombasa beaches, one of the most popular things to do in Bamburi Beach is to ride camels along the shore.
Shanzu Beach is one of the top places to visit in Mtwapa which is about 15 kilometers north of Mombasa. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and glass-bottom boat trips are all popular things to do at Shanzu Beach.
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Old Town
On the south-eastern side of Mombasa Island, the Old Town is reminiscent of the days when the Portuguese ruled this important port. The town’s inhabitants are mostly of Arab, Asianand European origin while the architecture of buildings here reflects ancient cultures of these races.
Ornately carved doors and balconies adorn the old buildings that jostle cheek to jowl along the narrow streets. History buffs can easily spend a couple of hours here; strolling along the atmospheric alleys and shopping for antiques, fragrant oils, spices and souvenirs. If you’re looking for places to eat in Mombasa, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés in this area.
The Portuguese-built Fort Jesus, one of Mombasa’s top tourist attractions, overlooks the harbor fromOld Town Mombasa.
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South Coast Beaches
The coastline which lies south of Mombasa is a world of natural beauty. Turquoise seas lap the sun-bleached beaches where tourists sprawl under rustling palms. Rainforests with abundant wildlife and birds skirt this idyllic stretch of the coast while coral reefs protect the swimming areas from offshore swells. No wonder the south coast beaches are among the most popular places to hang out in Mombasa.
Diani Beachhere is one of the most famous and popular beaches this side ofMombasa. It is also the most developed area south of Mombasa but apart from its popularity, it still offers beautiful beachscapes. European package tourists flock here to enjoy the busy lineup of water sports which includewindsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kitesurfing, diving,water-skiing and parasailing. It is worth adding that Diani Beach also offers a vibrant nightlife in the name of discotheques.
If you’re looking for something a little more peaceful however, Tiwi Beach which is 17 kilometers south of Likoni Ferry is a pleasant choice. Sunbathers and snorkelers will find some picture postcard views here. Tiwi Beach is also one of the most romantic places to visit around Mombasa.
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Mombasa Tusks
If you are on a sightseeing tour of the city, you cannot miss to seeing this famous landmark. The Mombasa Tusks were built to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Mombasa in 1952. Constructed of aluminum, the tusks mark the entrance to the heart of town where you’ll find most of the banks, shops, and markets therein Mombasa.
They make an Instagram-worthy photo but you’ll have to negotiate the traffic on this busy road first to capture both sides. You’ll also notice that the intersecting tusks form the letter “M” which stands for Mombasa; along Moi Avenue.
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Mamba Village Centre
Mamba Village Centre in Nyali is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm. Here, you can learn about the life cycle and behavior of these fascinating amphibians. Kids love the chance to hold a baby croc and another highlight for many visitors is watching the crocodiles fight for tasty morsels during their time of feeding.
Mamba Village Centre also offers horseback riding and a botanical garden with an aquarium.
Orchids and aquatic plants are the specialty here but the gardens also display carnivorous species.
Carnivores will love this restaurant which is located along Links Road in Nyali and note that the restaurant specializes in game meat such as crocodile, ostrich and zebra.
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Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre
Could it be that you are in search of a place to buy somespecialty things in Mombasa for the disabled alongside souvenirs and the like? At Bombolulu Workshops, you can shop and help disabled Kenyans at the same time.
This non-profit organization is a project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya with four sheltered workshops, a cultural center and a restaurant.
At the cultural center, you can enjoy tribal dance performances and explore traditional homesteads found throughout Kenya.
If shopping is high on your agenda, you can visit the workshops and purchase handcrafted souvenirs which include jewelry, textiles, wood carvings and leather crafts. Proceeds help to sustain the center’s work.
After touring the grounds, stop by the restaurant to sample Kenyan-inspired cuisine along Workshop Road – Bombolulu.
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Mombasa Go-Kart
Mombasa Go-Kart is a hit with speedsters and kids of all ages. Zoom around the smooth concrete track in go-karts, bounce around on the off-road buggies or learn to dig in a Bobcat excavator.
After all the excitement, you can enjoy a snack at the family-friendly restaurant with computer games, a large playgroundand a big flat screen TV which readily shows sporting events. The Go-Kart track is floodlit at night and is located at Bamburi Beach – Mombasa.
Where to Stay in Mombasa for Sightseeing
For first-time visitors to Mombasa, the best area to stay is along the northern beaches which are namelyNyali, Mombasa, Bamburi, and Shanzu. From here, you can snorkel the coral reefs of Mombasa Marine National Park which fringes this stretch of the coast. Haller Park Nature Reserve is nearby too. Also, Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus are just but a stone’s throw away. Here are some highly rated hotels in these areas:
Luxury Hotels:-
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- SarovaWhitesands Beach Resort &Â Spa, with four swimming pools and tennis courts.
- For a peaceful beachfront escape farther north on Shanzu Beach, the whitewashed Serena Beach Resort & Spafits the bill, with special family rooms and a free breakfast.
- Offering great value on Mombasa Beach, north of Nyali Beach is the Voyager Beach Resort which features multiple pools, water sports, and a kids’ club.
Standard Hotels:-
- –  On Bamburi Beach, Severin Sea Lodge offers excellent value. Its thatched bungalows and two lovely swimming pools peek out from palm-studded gardens.
- –Also value-packed is the nearby Travellers Beach Hotel & Club, with warm and friendly service.
- –Built into coral cliffs along Nyali Beach, the rooms of Bahari Beach Hoteltreats guests to gorgeous views with wide glass doors that slide open to balconies or terraces.
Budget Hotels:-
- Overlooking Tudor Creek, CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites, with Swahili accents, sits almost equidistant from Nyali Beach and Fort Jesus, a convenient location for those who want access to both attractions.
- Boasting a sweeping Bamburi beachfront location, Kenya Bay Beach Hoteloffers excellent value.
- Another worthwhile option is Kahama Hotel Bamburi Beach with its bright spacious rooms and is only a few minutes’ walk from the white-sand shores.
Day Trips from Mombasa
Wasini Island
Generally reached by the use of a dhow, Wasini Island is popular for day trips while you are in Mombasa. Dolphins regularly cruise these waters while passengers can stop to snorkel and dive the coral reefs along the way.
The island itself is tiny – only five square kilometers. Sightseeing opportunities include visiting Wasini Village, strolling around the coastal scrub where ancient Swahili ruins lie, exploring the exposed coral gardens and dining on fresh seafood.
The village of Shimoni is the launching point for Wasini Island tours and was once the headquarters of the Imperial British East Africa Company. Here, you can explore the Shimoni Caves which are thought to have been holding bays for slaves before onward shipment to the Arab world.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park lies on the southern part of Wasini Island and is a popular spot for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin spotting – usually from the decks of a traditional dhow. The park encompasses four small islands surrounded by a fish-rich coral reef.
Dolphins frolic in the Shimoni Channel as humpback whales swim these waters between August and October. Other marine life includes moray eels, angelfish, groupers, snappers, and green sea turtles.
Deep-sea fishing is fantastic in the southern part of this park towards Pemba channel.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve is about 33 kilometers south of Mombasa and itoffers a peaceful getaway from busy beach resorts.
Woodlands, waterfalls, lily-topped ponds, savanna, and a rain forest all provide one home for a rich diversity of plants and animals. Among the rare plants found here are the endangered species of cycads and orchids. The park also protects one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Kenyaalong with leopards, sable antelopes, and abundant birdlife.
Guided forest walks are recommended besides the option to cool off in the swimming hole or at the scenic Sheldrick Falls on the Machenmwana River.
Gede Ruins
Nestled in a lush rainforest, Gedi was one of the ancient Arab towns along the East African Coast and was probably rebuilt between the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, you can tour the ruins where the Great Mosque, the Palace, coral-stone houses, and pillar tombs have been unearthed.
The houses in Gedi display a traditional Swahili style and some have ancient drawings on their plaster walls. Ming Chinese porcelain and glass as well as glazed earthenware from Persia indicate trade links as well as a taste for luxury by those who prospered here. These items including Spanish scissors and Swahili cultural artifactsare on display in the on-site museum.