Things to Do in Mombasa, Kenya

Things to Do in Mombasa

Before we go into them, let’s start with a little background information. It is an Island on the Indian Ocean and the capital of the wider Mombasa county. It consists of several other nearby smaller islands. Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest metropolitan area after Nairobi and is located along the eastern coast of Kenya. Mombasa was at first referred to as “Manbasa” – meaning an Island of war. This was because the island was the center stage for countless wars of occupation by the early settlers (Arabs, Portuguese, Locals, and the British).

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The native people on the island are the Mijikenda and the Swahili. The Mijikenda are black, while the Swahili are brown. This is a result of intermarriages between the early settlers (Portuguese, Arabs, Omanis, Indians, and Chinese) in the island and the natives. The intermarriages left behind a unique blend of culture and a legacy. It also includes unique architecture (temples, mosques), towns, and cuisines. Because of her natural beauty, cultural diversity, and rich history as a center of trade, Mombasa has grown into one of East Africa’s economic hubs with an international airport and one of the busiest ports in Africa. Mombasa links several landlocked countries in East Africa to the Indian Ocean, including mainland Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mombasa offers tourists a chance to experienctravelers returnseafaring traditions, coral reefs, water sports, seafood, architectural wonders, amazing hotels, and palm tree/white sand beaches. There is so much to see and experience that travelers’s multiple times only to discover something they didn’t know existed. We shall discuss the details in the following chapters. But first, you might want to read an article about the tourist attractions in Kinshasa, Congo, or the things to do in Zanzibar. We even have a comprehensive article about the tourist attractions in Kenya as a country.

Tourist Attractions in Mombasa

Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus is without doubt one of the top tourist attractions in Mombasa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596. The Fort is a well-preserved military fortification – A reminder of the great battles of the 16th Century involving the Portuguese, Arabs, British, and the local population. An Italian architect known as Cairati designed it in the shape of a man. Some parts are now ruined, but much of it remains intact.

The museum is built in the main barracks of the garrison. If you visit this facility, prepare to see weapons (Cannons) that were used by the Portuguese to defend the Island during the 16th century, as you catch beautiful views of the Indian Ocean, the blue waters, and the surrounding areas. You will also see some of the items that were traded by the Portuguese, Arabs, and British. Fort Jesus is an excellent spot for taking photos.

Visit the Old Town

If you want to understand more about the kind of life lived by the Portuguese traders at the time, you should pay a visit to the Old Town of Mombasa. This town will give you an idea of how things were when the Portuguese ruled the Island. You will be amazed by the old building and its architectural designs with cool balconies and doors of rare designs. It is not only Portuguese architecture that is prevalent in the old. Arabs, Europeans, and Asians also occupied the town at different points, leaving behind houses and mosques. You should crown your day in the old town by visiting one of the souvenir shops to buy antiques or fragrant oils for friends and other loved ones.

Mombasa Tusks

This is one of the most visited and famous monumental structures in Mombasa. It was built to remember a special visit by Queen Elizabeth in 1952. The structure is locally referred to as “PembeMbili,” meaning two tusks in the Swahili language. The tusks are built at the entrance of the main city center to form the letter M (standing for Mombasa). It is one place you can’t leave without taking some photos for your collection. The area after the Tusks is noticeably busy with several banks and large shopping centers.

Check out the Ship traffic at Mama Ngina Drive

If you’re free in one of the evenings and wondering where to go for relaxation as you watch the sun go down, then Mama Ngina Drive is one place to consider. The park is scenic and allows you to watch all the different types of ships that dock in Mombasa. Many of the residents go to Mama Ngina to pass the time and count the number of ships entering and leaving the country. If you go during the right time of the year, the ship traffic can be overwhelming. The place gets crowded sometimes, but there is security. If you get hungry while at the park, you can visit one of the restaurants in the area for soft drinks and tasty seafood.

Swimming with dolphins and on different beaches

The north coast beaches are easy to recommend because they are located close to the airport and the city itself. The beaches include Shanzu, Bamburi, and Nyali. These beautiful beaches are characterized by clear waters and beautiful green palm trees. You can do several water sports in the area, including diving and deep-sea fishing.

If you’re not into swimming or water sports, take a relaxed walk along the beach. Enjoy the cool breeze, blue waters, and soft white sand.

Mombasa, Kenya, has many exciting tourist attractions. After exploring the North Coast beaches, visit the South Coast. Popular options include Diani and Tiwi beaches. The South Coast features a stunning coastline with rainforests, wildlife, and colorful coral reefs. It also offers wider swimming areas.

Visitors can enjoy kite surfing, sailing, diving, water skiing, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Diani Beach is a favorite among tourists. It is well developed and ranked among the best beaches in the world. Tiwi Beach is quieter and ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling.

All these beaches offer excellent hotels, bars, and restaurants. Fresh and delicious seafood is widely available.

Walk along the beautiful nature trails

The different islands that make up Mombasa are blessed with amazing flora and fauna. Apart from the beautiful scenery and natural vegetation along the beaches, tourists can also spot creatures like monkeys, reptiles, and birds. The nature trails close to the Malindi – Mombasa highway is excellent for those who want to experience the beautiful landscape and scenery in the island.

Cruise on a dhow or Ride on a Ferry

These uniquely designed boats are common in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. In Mombasa, you will find them furnished with luxuries. You can hire one to explore the ocean as you watch the sun set, as you wait to eat and dine under the moonlight.

Depending on the kind of boat you hire, you might have extra space and even carry some of your supplies. If you are interested in ferries, then the one to use is the one that takes residents from the island of Mombasa to the southern coast. It’s had crowds of people because the fares are low, but you will have an opportunity to mingle with the locals and other tourists while enjoying free entertainment. Don’t forget to take snacks and drinks, regardless of whether you choose to use a ferry or a dhow.

Mamba Village Centre

If you are fascinated by Africa’s famous reptiles or just want to see what they look like, then you should visit the Mamba Village Centre. Mamba Village Centre is one of the Top tourist attractions in Mombasa.The largest crocodile farms in Africa. It also hosts ostriches and turtles. The Guides will share with you detailed information about the reptiles, their feeding habits, and their behavior. The best time to visit is when the crocodiles are being fed on pieces of meat. You will love watching them struggle to get the largest pieces. Crown the day by visiting the nearby restaurant for tasty game meat (zebra, crocodile, and ostrich). Other activities organized at the Centre include horseback riding and visiting the botanical gardens to spot aquatic plants, orchids, and monkeys.

Mombasa Marine National Park

This had to be a separate attraction of its own, considering the number of visitors it receives. The vast park protects coral reefs, sandy beaches, mangroves, and seagrasses. The park allows visitors to watch sea creatures moving in the ocean through a large glass boat if they can’t dive or get themselves wet. Those who choose to dive under the water will encounter eels, stingrays, sea horses, and underwater vegetation at a closer distance. Divers should check out some of the shipwrecks, like MV Dania.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

This reserve is not found in Mombasa, but still worth visiting, especially if you want to see some of Africa’s famous animals without going too far away from the magical ocean shores. The Reserve is found 33 kilometers away from Mombasa town and consists of savanna, woodlands, ponds, waterfalls, and tropical rainforest. This park has one of the highest populations of elephants in the country, but visitors can also spot antelopes and leopards. It is possible to register for guided nature walks in the forest to see rare and endangered species of plants like orchids and cycads. After seeing enough of the reserve, you can cool off by either swimming or having a picnic close to the Machenmwana River and the Sheldrick Falls.

Bombolulu Cultural Centre and Workshop

This cultural Centre began as a project to take care of the physically disabled. The Cultural Centre and 4 workshops. Now the Centre helps showcase the cultural heritage of the different tribes in Kenya. This is through great artworks – wood carvings, necklaces, and wristbands. While there, you will also get an idea about how the tribes in Kenya lived in the olden days, their dress code, and the tools they used for hunting. You can go and attend a cultural performance or check out the handicrafts, jewelry, leather crafts, wood carving, and clothing at the workshop. Since this is a charity organization, visiting is one way of showing support and helping the community. You can also support the project by buying one of the products on sale or eating at their restaurant.

Ngomongo Village Park

If you are not satisfied with the cultural exhibitions at the Bombolulu Cultural Center, you should check out the Ngomongo Villages Park. This park consists of several tribal homesteads showing a typical homestead of the different tribes (in the past). Each homestead is led by a Top tourist attractions in Mombasa Kenyatribal representative who stays in the hut. Each homestead has a hut, a cultivated garden, domestic animals (cattle, goats, sheep), and wild animals (crocodiles in a pond).

You will find all the different domestic and hunting tools that were used by the particular tribe. A local witch doctor is also on site with all the fetishes and charms. All in all, the Centre attempts to depict the kind of life that the local tribes lived before Western ideas penetrated the communities. The Centre is arguably one of the best places to go to for a true cultural experience in Kenya. If you are not satisfied with this cultural tour, then I don’t know what else to recommend.

Haller park

Haller Park is one of the many amazing tourist attractions in Mombasa that will impress any nature lover. The park was named after Dr. Haller Rene, who turned abandoned limestone quarries into a natural reserve in 1971. The mineral content of the soil was increased, trees were planted, and a fish farm was established in the beginning. Now the park is home to hippos, turtles, waterbucks, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo. Over 160 bird species can be spotted at the park, including weaver birds, pelicans, storks, and cranes. The park is a favorite for tourists who love animals. But they can also take nature walks through the palm gardens or the nature trails leading to a butterfly haven. Giraffe feeding is also a popular activity. Haller Park is a true birders’ paradise.

Check out the ruins of Gede

Gede is an ancient town built when Arabs ruled the coast, around the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The town is now in ruins. But it provides an opportunity to learn about the kind of life lived by the Arabs centuries ago. During your tour of the ruins, you will see a great mosque. Also, a palace, tombs, and several houses made of coral stones. There are Swahili-style houses with old drawings on the walls. Visitors to Gede can also see Chinese and Persian architectural works, which indicate they had a taste for high-end things. More of the artifacts are displayed in a museum on the island.

Kipepeo Butterfly Project

Kipepeo means butterfly. This facility is found in a forest near the entrance to the Gede Ruins. The communities living in the area were offered an opportunity to breed unique species of butterflies at the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. The project gives farmers caterpillars, which are then fed on leaves from the forest. Once they change into pupae, they are sold back to the project. Once they reach maturity, the butterflies are sent to centers of display across the globe. The Kipepeo Butterfly Project has helped raise the incomes of members of the community living in the area.

The Akamba Wood Carvers

It’s the best place to start if you’re interested in artifacts. Located near Mombasa airport, it features some of the city’s most talented local artists. You’ll find beautiful home décor, unique gifts, and impressive wood carvings of animals and people.

City Mall Nyali is ideal for trendy fashion from around the world. It also hosts some of the best Chinese and Indian restaurants in the area. For household shopping, A1 Supermarket stands out. It offers a wide range of locally produced foodstuffs and fresh fruits.

Other popular shopping spots include Marikiti Market for local souvenirs and artwork. Nakumatt Nyali is one of the most visited supermarkets on the island. For authentic Khangas and Kikoys, head to Biashara Street.

Visit the Theatre or Casinos:

For the best local movies or current international blockbusters, you should visit a cinema theatre or one of the movie houses. Do not forget to take a family member or one of your local friends along. The most modern movie theatres are at City Mall and Nyali Cinemax. Golden Key Casino is the best place for gaming in Mombasa. The Casino overlooks the Indian Ocean, offering 3-card poker, blackjack, bonus card poker, Pontoon, and roulette, just to mention a few. After trying out your favorite games, you can visit the restaurant for tasty local and international cuisines.