Mombasa is the second-largest city of Kenya and offers the travelers an exotic taste of African tropic which is steeped in centuries of history. There are a number of amazing tourist places and locations and the following are 21 things to do in mombasa.
Haller Park
Haller Park of Mombasa is a great visit for all the animal lovers. This park was formerly called Bamburi Nature Trail.
Haller Park was a project of Dr. René Haller that began in 1971 when he gave the abandoned limestone quarries a facelift to a thriving nature reserve.
This place is one of the busiest offshore reserves of Kenya and happens to be a major tourist attraction among all the travelers. The Mombasa Marine National Park protects seagrass beds, mangroves, sandy beaches, and the coral reef.
Snorkeling
Skiing, snorkeling, parasailing, and windsurfing are the highlights of mombasa’s beaches and are rated as the most exciting things to do in Mombasa.
Deep Sea Diving
Dive deep to explore one of the world’s richest scuba diving sites. It is an entirely new experience. The reefs of the sea in Mombasa are habitat to several species of fish that are usually stalked by lurking undersea predators.
Mombasa’s Old Town
Visit Mombasa’s old town, one of the most sought-after places of Mombasa for the tourists is the Old Town which is nothing but a reminiscent of the days when the Portuguese had their rule in the city.
It is also just a walking distance from Fort Jesus is Mombasa Old Town.which was built by the portuguese. This Old Town harbors the Old Port of Mombasa, where traditional sailing boats (dhows) from India, Persia, Arabia, and Somalia once docked.
The inhabitants of this town are mostly Asian, Arab, and European origin and the beautiful architecture truly reflects their respective culture.
Visit Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus is Mombasa’s most popular tourist attraction and is located along the coastline. It is a fine example of Portuguese architecture.
Fort Jesus was the only fort maintained by the Portuguese on the Swahili Coast, and is recognised as a testament to the first successful attempt by a Western power to establish influence over the Indian Ocean trade. Cairato, the designer of the fort, was inspired by Italian architect Pietro Cataneo, while the master builder was Gaspar Rodrigues.
Every Friday to Sunday evening, there’s a Sound and Light Show at Fort Jesus… You’ll be transported back in time, about 400 years, on a sensational journey that resurrects the Legacy and History of Fort Jesus & Mombasa!.
Visit Diani
South of Mombasa, Diani Beach has long been a popular spot for European beach-goers and there are many beach resorts to choose from.
Diani Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mombasa. It’s also the most developed area south of Mombasa and has beautiful beachscapes despite being so busy.
An assortment of stylish hotels offering tremendous accommodation services along Diani Beach will offer you brilliant services. Southern Palms Beach Resort is among the best hotels found in this area.
Shelly Beach
The south coast beaches of Mombasa are also home to rainforests with abundant wildlife and birds. Shelly Beach is known to be the closest beach to Mombasa on the south coast, further followed by Tiwi Beach and Diani Beach respectively.
Mamba Village
Mamba Village is situated in Nyali and happens to be East Africa’s largest crocodile farm. Get to learn about these fascinating reptiles. In addition, take a horseback ride and enjoy the amazing botanical garden and its aquarium.
Mamba village hosts daily tours of the tourists along with the farm and a separate playground for the kids to enjoy when they fall prey to boredom.
Nyali
Nyali is known for its many high-class hotels and residential houses, modern standards, and long white sand beaches making it a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists.
The first stop of the north coast beaches of Mombasa is Nyali Beach which is then followed by Bamburi and Shanzu.
You can go swimming, sun-bathing, or walking in Shelly Beach, Shanzu Beach, Nyali Beach.
Visiting the Wild Waters is among the top fun things to do in Nyali, Mombasa. The park is in Nyali, Opposite the Mombasa Golf Club, and just a few kilometers from Mombasa Town.
Nyali is also great for shopping
For an exclusive shopping experience with a wide selection of famous brands like Converse, Woolworth’s and the likes of Levi’s for the latest and trending fashions, City Mall Nyali is the place to be.
Tamarind
Tamarind Mombasa is a great place to unwind and enjoy a drink or two. With its enviable location, it is definitely a great venue to soak up some rays as well as escape from the hustle and bustle of the traffic on Nyali Bridge.
Mombasa Marine National Park
Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve is the best destination to visit if you enjoy the best water activities in Mombasa. It is Kenya’s most popular marine reserve offering water sports in Mombasa.
Mombasa Marine National Park is a highly visited site in Kenya and an important tourist spot, as well as home to some of the country’s most unique flora and fauna. It also protects important habitats, including mangroves, seagrass beds, sandy beaches, and coral reefs.
Bamburi Beach
Bamburi is a commercial, industrial and local electoral, administrative and a tourist and residential area on the Kenyan north-coast which extends from the coastline on the Indian ocean to the surrounding middle and low-income settlements on the mainland. Administratively, Bamburi is in the Kisauni sub-county of Mombasa and has tourist and beach-front facilities, which include international and local hotels and parks such as Serena International Beach Hotel, Sai Rock Hotel, Kahamas H otel, Haller Park and Butterfly Pavilion.
The beautiful convolvulus or bindweed flowers together with the coconut trees lining Bamburi Beach shores make it the perfect getaway for a memorable holiday or a weekend gateaway.
Cultural Tours
Mombasa is a perfect blend of Arabia, India, Africa and its rich culture can be intoxicating.
One of the biggest festivals is the Mombasa Carnival and is organized by the Ministry of Tourism. This event takes place in the month of November every year and is all about amazing music, dances, and costumes represented by different cultures.
Go On An African Safari
Mombasa is a great place from which to go on a Kenyan safari. Close by are the Tsavo East and Tsavo West National park. There is also amboseli National park known for its elephants.
Swahili Dishes
Among the fun things to do in Mombasa would be to sample Swahili dishes.
Mombasa has a rich culinary heritage, making it a special destination for food lovers. For local and Swahili dishes like pilau, Biriani, Mishkaki, and Nyama Choma, head to The Recoda Restaurant Mombasa, located near the famous elephant tusks. You can also sample these foods late in the evening on mombasa’s streets.
Visit Maasai Market
Do you feel like going for a little shopping? If so then head on to Mombasa’s Masai Market which entertains a lot of offerings for all the tourists and travelers. Here, you will find a variety of beautiful local artifacts and souvenir.
Visit Gede Ruins
Gede Ruins are one of the most mysterious yet attractive places of Kenya. Gede Ruins are the relics of one of the Arab-African settlements found along the East-African coast. A 12th century Swahili village, which inhabited about 2,500 people and was abandoned mysteriously in the 16th century.
Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park was established in 1968, Watamu Marine National Park is Kenya’s first and probably the most beautiful marine park. The reserve which boasts a rich marine life, white sand beaches, and clear waters, is visited by large numbers of tourists and locals.
Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
Situated along the Nguu Tatu Hills, and just a ten minute drive from Bamburi, Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of African wildlife and makes for a beautiful place to both explore and relax with friends and family.
Mama Ngina’s Drive
Mama Ngina drive is a 1.2 mile (2500-step) route located next to Likoni ferry. It offers scenic view of the indian ocean and cool temperatures away from the Mombasa Island heat.
Butterfly House
Located in the grounds of Fort Jesus, Mombasa Butterfly house is a Butterfly conservatory housing different species of Butterflies.
One of the best live butterfly exhibits in Africa, Mombasa Butterfly House presents you with a paradise of tropical butterflies and unforgettable experience.
