There are numerous issues to do in Mombasa – an island alongside the Swahili coast. Mombasa is residence to some gorgeous seashores, an incredible tradition, and quite a few vacationer points of interest that enchantment to many tastes.
It’s one of the vital lovely cities in Kenya; full of locations to go to, buildings, and vacationer websites that date again to the 1500s. It’s additionally the gateway to neighboring seashore locations like Watamu and Diani.
I’ve been to Mombasa a number of instances for holidays, and town has all the time been a appeal – it’s one in every of my favourite locations to go to in Kenya.
So that you can benefit from your journey, I’ve ready this information for the most effective issues to do in Mombasa.
15 Greatest Issues To Do in Mombasa
Mombasa has a lot extra on provide to discover than its wealthy historical past and tradition. It additionally boasts magnificent seashores, wildlife points of interest, and vibrant nightlife.
Let’s discover the 15 finest issues to do in Mombasa, Kenya.
1. Be part of the Previous City Strolling Tour
Exploring Mombasa Previous City is one of the best ways to start out your journey alongside the coast. It provides you a glimpse of how completely different cultures have lived harmoniously on the island for ages.
You’ll spot previous buildings alongside the slim alleys reflecting the inhabitants’ wealthy heritage – locals, Arabs, Asians, and Europeans. With fantastic curved doorways and exquisite balconies, the previous homes symbolize wealthy historical past and structure.
In the course of the stroll, you’ll see the Previous Put up Workplace, Africa Lodge, and extra attention-grabbing websites. Ensure you stroll alongside the primary avenue (Ndia Kuu).
You don’t want a information to discover Mombasa Previous City. Nonetheless, if you wish to see the previous suburb with educated locals, be a part of this thrilling tour.
2. Discover Nyali Seashore (One of many Greatest Locations to Go to in Mombasa)
I used to be born and raised within the Kenyan hinterland, the place the sundown is ever lovely. Now I reside near Laikipia Plateau, and never per week goes by with out me seeing free-roaming wildlife. What I don’t expertise usually is sandy seashores and the sound of breaking waves.
In case you’re like me and love the ocean, there’s no higher place for a coastal expertise than Nyali Seashore. The seashore is near Mombasa and presents a serene atmosphere for rest. In addition to strolling alongside the seashore, you may go online, swimming, and sunbathing at Nyali Seashore.
The seashore is clear, much less crowded, and scenic. It additionally hosts a number of seashore resorts and resorts, eating places, and bars for extra enjoyment.
3. Have a Road Meals Expertise
The Swahili delicacies is a stupendous mix of various cultures that reside alongside the Kenyan coast. It contains native, Arabic, European, and Indian influences. Journeys to Mombasa are made all the higher whenever you pattern the native Swahili meals.
A typical Swahili dish consists of rice and varied spices, like cloves and coriander. The rice is ready with completely different substances resembling fish, rooster, and beef to make the dish scrumptious.
In case you like making an attempt native cuisines, go to an area restaurant in Mombasa or be a part of this meals tour for a outstanding meals expertise. Ensure you attempt pilau (spiced rice) or wali wa nazi (rice cooked in coconut milk).
I significantly love consuming on the Mombasa Dishes. They serve scrumptious Swahili meals at reasonably priced costs (beginning at $5). Different good eating places in Mombasa embody Barka, Forodhani, and Char-Choma.
4. Study to Prepare dinner a Swahili Meal
It’s one factor to eat an area meal, however one other expertise completely to arrange one for your self. In case you’d prefer to get busy within the kitchen and cook dinner your favourite Swahili dish, be a part of this cooking expertise.
You’ll go to an area market to buy substances and put together the dish. That is additionally a terrific alternative to be taught concerning the Swahili tradition out of your native information.
5. Go to Fort Jesus Museum
A guided tour of Fort Jesus Museum is very advisable. The museum is positioned within the Previous City and was constructed between 1593 and 1596 as a Portuguese fort to protect the Previous Port of Mombasa.
Gaspar Rodrigues used the designs of Giovanni Battista Cairati to construct the fort underneath the orders of King Felipe II of Castille.
The Sultan of Mombasa captured the fort round 1631. Since then, Fort Jesus would change arms between the Portuguese, Omani Arabs, and the British.
In 1962, it turned a museum, and in 2011, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Since then, Fort Jesus has grow to be probably the most well-known vacationer attraction in Mombasa.
Whereas there, make sure to additionally go to the Mombasa Butterfly Home.
6. Discover a Native Market
Kongowea Market is positioned a brief drive from Mombasa city. The market is greater than merely a spot to purchase reasonably priced garments, home items, groceries, and fruits. It’s a gathering level, an unofficial cultural heart, and the house of scrumptious meals.
A strolling tour of Kongowea Market is without doubt one of the finest actions in Mombasa. It permits you to have interaction with locals and study their lifestyle. You can too store for recent vegetables and fruit and check your bargaining expertise.
7. Chill out on the Mama Ngina Waterfront
There are numerous enjoyable issues to do in Mombasa, however nothing provides me extra pleasure than enjoyable by the seaside at Mama Ngina Waterfront. The ocean breeze, freshly fried cassava crisps, tugboats pulling ships, and sights of fantastically lit ferries within the night – as soon as skilled, these items reside ceaselessly in a single’s thoughts.
Mama Ngina Waterfront is a public park that overlooks Kilindini Harbour. It’s a stupendous place to loosen up and unwind and is without doubt one of the most reasonably priced locations to go to in Mombasa.
If I have been to suggest only one place to go to in Mombasa, it will be this breathtaking waterfront. While there, journey on one of many Likoni ferries to see the enchanting fantastic thing about the coast within the night.
8. Go Diving and Snorkeling
One of the best seashores, historic websites, markets, and different vacationer websites in Mombasa are simply accessible. For this reason town’s a sensible choice for vacationers seeking to do some sightseeing.
Mombasa can be an incredible diving vacation spot in Kenya, due to Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park and Reserve. The park is residence to numerous marine points of interest, together with coral reefs, sea urchins, many various fish species, turtles, and migratory birds.
In case you intend to go diving in Mombasa, the most effective dive websites embody the MV Dania and the MV Globe Star wrecks. Diving journeys will be organized out of your lodge or by means of a good operator like Peponi Divers.
In addition to viewing marine life and diving in Mombasa Marine Park, you may have interaction in different actions like swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing. The park will be accessed by boat from completely different factors alongside the coast, together with Nyali Seashore and Serena Seashore.
9. Be part of a Scenic Bike Tour
Mombasa is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Kenya due to its relaxed environment, pristine seashores, and wealthy tradition. You possibly can discover town with a motorcar, by boat, or on foot.
Nonetheless, in the event you’d prefer to get a special perspective and check out a technique of touring that’s positive to get you nearer to native life, take into account biking.
A biking tour is a handy approach of sightseeing and is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Mombasa for journey seekers. It takes you alongside quiet again roads, by means of Swahili villages, and amidst breathtaking surroundings.
It’s additionally a chance to flee metropolis crowds, busy roads, and the consolation of your seashore mattress for an genuine expertise.
10. Stroll Amongst Giraffes at Nguuni
Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is without doubt one of the few locations in Mombasa the place you may join with nature and think about wildlife. Located within the Nguu Tatu Hills, the sanctuary is a paradise hidden away in a wilderness close to the Indian Ocean.
You possibly can immerse your self in nature by taking a stroll, picnicking, or happening a recreation drive. The sanctuary is residence to ostriches, giraffes, oryx, elands, waterbuck, and over 250 hen species.
Different actions at Nguuni embody bike using, tenting, and watching the sundown paint the sky above the Nguu Tatu Hills with a chilly beer.
The sanctuary is about 10 minutes from Bamburi and 35 minutes from Mombasa metropolis. To get there, you may be a part of today tour, rent a automobile, or hail an Uber taxi. Take a look at the sanctuary’s web site for the newest entrance charges and working hours.
11. Get pleasure from a Uncommon Wildlife Expertise
Just like the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary, Haller Park (Bamburi Nature Path) was as soon as a wasteland, now changed into a various and distinctive ecosystem.
Right now, the park is residence to a wildlife sanctuary, animal orphanage, reptile park, fish farm, butterfly pavilion, botanical backyard, and forest path.
It’s an excellent place to go to for nature lovers and vacationers on the lookout for a special expertise in Mombasa. You possibly can count on to see monkeys, tortoises, waterbucks, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, elands, and loads of hen species.
12. Go-Karting (One of many Greatest Issues to Do in Mombasa)
One in every of my favourite locations to go to in Mombasa is the favored Mombasa Go-Kart. Whereas I don’t all the time race, watching pals compete whereas I take pleasure in a chilly Tusker is a good sight.
In case you love exhilarating adventures, ensure to go to the Mombasa Go-Kart. Their observe is nicely designed, the go-karts are of top of the range, and the workers may be very useful.
In addition to karting, there are different enjoyable actions to do right here together with paintballing, archery, zip-lining, mini golf, and bowling. The middle additionally has a family-friendly restaurant and a bar.
In case you’re questioning the place to remain close to the Mombasa Go-Kart, I like to recommend the Cowrie Shell. It’s my favourite Airbnb in Shanzu due to its homely environment and proximity to the seashore.
13. Have Enjoyable on the Wild Waters Kenya
In case you’re on the lookout for extra enjoyable actions in Mombasa, there’s no higher place than Wild Waters Kenya. The water park (positioned in Nyali) presents thrilling leisure to people, teams, and households.
Their full-day actions embody swimming and taking a plunge down water slides. You can too float and chill in a pool or hand around in their meals courts or bar.
The completely different slides and play areas are for everybody. Children can have enjoyable within the child’s pool, on the household slide, and play station. The thrilling spiral slide (my favourite) is nice for adults searching for to unleash their adventurous spirit.
There are a number of good locations to remain near Wild Waters Kenya. They embody Airbnbs and resorts just like the Nyali Seashore Vacation Resort.
14. Go to the Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Middle
In case you’re nonetheless on the lookout for extra issues to do in Mombasa, Bombolulu Workshops is the place to be. Opened in 1969, the middle goals to empower and help folks with disabilities. It consists of a workshop for producing handmade gadgets and a cultural heart.
Go to Bombolulu Workshops and be taught extra about Swahili tradition. You’ll additionally see how folks with completely different talents make the most of their items and creativity to make cool gadgets.
To help the mission, be sure you purchase their handmade gadgets resembling jewellery, wooden carvings, baggage, and textiles. The middle is positioned about 40 minutes from Mombasa city, alongside Nyali highway. It’s simply accessible by matatus (minibusses), taxis, and tuk-tuks.
15. Celebration on the Moonshine Seashore Bar
Mombasa is residence to a number of the finest nightlife spots in Kenya. In case you have a spare night after your Mombasa tour, an evening out within the metropolis or its outskirts is to not be missed.
In case you’re on the lookout for a bar the place you may hang around and luxuriate in your favourite drink, attempt the Moonshine Seashore Bar.
Positioned alongside Mount Kenya highway in Nyali, the bar is without doubt one of the coolest spots in Mombasa. It’s located straight on the seashore and serves every part from native beers to premium cocktails.
In case you choose a much less thumping atmosphere, go to the Bistro Restaurant and Pool Bar. Right here you may take pleasure in scrumptious meals and drinks whereas being entertained by reside music. It’s positioned within the Reef Lodge (a pleasant place to remain in Nyali).
Different Issues to Do in Mombasa
Listed here are different thrilling issues to do and locations to go to in Mombasa.
Take a Picture With the Mombasa Tusks
Positioned over Moi Avenue, Mombasa Tusks are M-shaped large elephant tusks produced from aluminum.
The tusks have been first put in in 1952 to commemorate a go to by Queen Elizabeth II to Mombasa. After the enlargement of the highway into two lanes in 1956, new tusks have been constructed.
Another excuse for the brand new tusks was to commemorate Princess Margaret’s go to to town that yr. Right now, these tusks are well-known vacationer points of interest in Mombasa.
Day Journey to Tsavo Nationwide Parks
In addition to historic websites and seashores, there are different points of interest close to Mombasa, together with nationwide parks and reserves. These wildlife parks are residence to a few of Kenya’s rarest species of natural world.
If you need an genuine safari expertise in Mombasa, take a day journey to Tsavo Nationwide Parks.
Tsavo East Nationwide Park is residence to the massive 5 (the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), Lugard Falls, and varied hen species. However, Tsavo West is known for wildlife viewing and points of interest resembling Mzima Springs.
Though I attended faculty in Kenya and examine Krapf, I didn’t know there was a memorial park in his title till I visited Mombasa.
There are a number of lodging choices in these parks. In case you’re visiting Tsavo West, Severin Safari Camp is the most effective place to remain. Guests to Tsavo East can sleep and dine on the Voi Wildlife Lodge.
See the Krapf Memorial Park
Positioned at Mkomani in Nyali, Krapf Memorial Park commemorates the lifetime of Johann Ludwig Krapf. He was a German explorer, missionary, and linguist well-known for pioneering Christianity in Kenya and making the primary Swahili dictionary.
Throughout the pillar are additionally the graves of his spouse, second daughter, and two different trustworthy who died in Mombasa.
In case you love historical past, go to the memorial park to be taught extra about Krapf and his works in Kenya. Don’t overlook to write down your title on the customer’s e book – a cactus tree. Dr. Krapf can be credited for being the first European to see Mount Kenya.
Take a Journey to Watamu
None of my holidays in Mombasa are full with out a fast journey to Watamu. This small city is considerably of a hidden jewel and a must-visit for any traveler hungry for white sand seashores.
In addition to enjoyable at Watamu Seashore, my favourite actions right here embody visiting Mida Creek and the Ruins of Gedi. Watamu can be a pleasant place for watersports actions and nature experiences.
You possibly can discover the seashore city from Hemingways Watamu and eat on the Crab Shack Dabaso.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Mombasa
Whether or not you want historical past, tradition, journey, meals, or wildlife, there are many issues to do in Mombasa. To piece all of it collectively, right here’s the last word Mombasa itinerary from sooner or later to 1 week.
1 Day in Mombasa Itinerary
Begin your morning by exploring the Previous City on foot and visiting Fort Jesus Museum. From there, head to Mombasa Dishes for lunch earlier than taking a photograph of the Mombasa Tusks. Go to Moonshine Seashore Bar for night drinks.
I recommend staying alongside Nyali Seashore.
2-3 Days in Mombasa Itinerary
Day 1: In case you’re staying in Nyali, begin your day with a cup of espresso at Cafesserie earlier than heading to Mombasa city. Be part of a day journey that features visiting Mombasa Previous City, Fort Jesus, and Mombasa Tusks. End your day by visiting Mama Ngina Waterfront.
Day 2: I recommend spending your second-day viewing wildlife and enjoyable in nature both at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary or Haller Park. Within the afternoon, go to Bombolulu Workshops and move by the Krapf Memorial Park.
Day 3: Swing by Jahazi Espresso Home for breakfast. Then, choose an journey that pursuits you, resembling go-karting, diving, biking, or water sliding. Finish your journey to Mombasa with a pleasant dinner on the Tamarind Dhow.
1 Week in Mombasa Itinerary
Day 1: Spend your first-day exploring historic websites in Mombasa. Stroll alongside the alleys of the Previous City, go to Fort Jesus, after which head to Mombasa Tusks for a photograph. Cease by Jahazi Espresso Home and end your day enjoyable on the Mama Ngina Waterfront.
Day 2: Be part of this thrilling Swahili avenue meals expertise. You can too discover the Kongowea Market or discover ways to put together a Swahili dish.
Day 3: Interact in thrilling adventures. You’ve the choices of go-karting, diving, taking water slides, or biking alongside village paths.
Day 4: Have a wildlife and nature expertise on the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary or Haller Park. Spend your night partying in probably the greatest bars in Mombasa.
Day 5: Take a brief break from the seashore by becoming a member of a day journey to Tsavo Nationwide Parks.
Day 6: Begin your day with breakfast at Cafesserie, then head over to Bombolulu Workshops. From there go see the Krapf Memorial Park and end the day with dinner at Char-Choma Restaurant.
Day 7: Spend your final day enjoyable on the seashore in Nyali, Bamburi, or Shanzu. Take a dinner cruise within the night or go partying at Moonshine Seashore Bar.
In case you’re questioning the place to remain throughout your 7-days in Mombasa, I like to recommend the Reef Lodge, Nyali, or an Airbnb in Bamburi.
The place to Keep in Mombasa
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Mombasa for vacationers.
Tudor – Greatest for First Time Guests and Historical past Lovers
Tudor neighborhood fits you if you wish to discover Mombasa Previous City and different historic websites, or are eager to remain near the Airport and Railway Station. It’s handy for first-time guests, historical past lovers, and expatriates.
Take a look at this cool house in Tudor Creek or discover different good locations to remain.
Nyali – Greatest for Households, Enjoyable Actions and Seashores
Nyali is without doubt one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Mombasa. It hosts a number of luxurious seashore resorts, nightlife spots, purchasing malls, and vacationer points of interest. Nyali can be safe, attracting households and vacationers on the lookout for enjoyable and the most effective seashores in Mombasa.
There are numerous lodging choices in Nyali, like seashore resorts, Airbnbs, and resorts. Take a look at the Reef Lodge or this cozy beachfront cottage.
Bamburi – Greatest for Nature and Nightlife
Bamburi is one other secure and prime neighborhood in Mombasa. It has a number of resorts and residences and is widespread with home and worldwide vacationers. It’s additionally residence to Haller Park, Bamburi Seashore, and is near the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary.
Take a look at this designer studio in Bamburi.
Shanzu – Greatest for Adventures and Meals
In case you love journey and good meals, the Shanzu neighborhood is the most effective place to base your self. It’s residence to the Mombasa Go-Kart and the Char-Choma Restaurant. Shanzu additionally has a number of good beachfront resorts and residences.
I like to recommend staying in this house which overlooks the Indian Ocean or on the PrideInn Flamingo Seashore Resort & Spa.
Greatest Eating places in Mombasa
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Mombasa.
Jahazi Espresso Home
Jahazi Espresso Home isn’t solely a daily restaurant positioned on the fringe of Mombasa Previous City. It’s a bit of historical past, artwork, and a jewel whose lovely type and decorations are impressed by a dhow (Jahazi).
The whole lot about this restaurant is fantastic – meals, ambiance, and repair. It delivers an unswervingly excessive customary of meals, nice espresso, tea, snacks, and scrumptious Swahili meals. In case you love a mixture of historical past, class, and good meals, don’t miss Jahazi Espresso Home off Ndia Kuu highway.
Mombasa Dishes
In case you’re exploring the Previous City and wish to go to an reasonably priced native restaurant, go to Mombasa Dishes. The restaurant serves mouth-watering Swahili dishes and a wide range of different meals, together with seafood and pizzas.
Additionally they have cold and hot drinks like espresso, tea, recent juices, mocktails, and mojitos.
My favourite meal at Mombasa Dishes is the rooster biryani. The prawns cocktail can be gentle and refreshing after strolling within the scorching solar alongside town streets.
Cafesserie
Cafesserie is a traditional cafe and is good for a morning espresso or relaxed night dinner. The place has all the time been my favourite eatery in Nyali as a result of its quiet atmosphere, wonderful meals, and pleasant workers.
In addition to continental cuisines, they’ve good espresso and freshly baked pastries. I really like their burgers and pizzas, plus the recent juices and lemonade.
In case you’re staying within the Nyali neighborhood, I guess you’ll discover this place fantastic. The Cafe is positioned on the bottom ground of Metropolis Mall, Nyali.
Char-Choma Restaurant
Char-Choma Restaurant is taken into account probably the greatest beachfront eating places in Mombasa. I haven’t been there but, however Char-Choma feels like a spot value trying out based mostly on Google critiques.
The restaurant has a swimming pool and child’s playground; accommodating all guests – younger and previous. Their meals (African and worldwide cuisines) can be stated to be scrumptious and their drinks are refreshing.
I can’t wait to hang around at Char-Choma for dinner and drinks overlooking the seashore.
Tamarind Mombasa – Dhow and Restaurant
In case you’re after a mix of journey and fantastic eating, I like to recommend having a meals expertise at Tamarind Mombasa. In addition to barbeque and different worldwide cuisines, Tamarind additionally serves a number of the finest seafood in Mombasa.
It consists of the Tamarind Restaurant and the Tamarind Dhow. The latter is my favourite. You possibly can go on a cruise onboard one in every of their dhows (Nawalilkher or Babulkher) for dinner, night time cocktails, and dancing.
To e book a dhow cruise journey, you may contact Tamarind Group or be a part of a tour aboard the Nawalilkher.
Issues To Do in Mombasa: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Mombasa.
Mombasa is known for its lovely seashores, good resorts, good local weather, wealthy historical past, and proximity to Diani and Watamu seashores.
Mombasa island will be visited year-round, however if you wish to keep away from crowds, June by means of September is the most effective time to go.
Mombasa has many widespread vacationer points of interest, together with Fort Jesus Museum, Nyali Seashore, and Mombasa Previous City, making it nicely value a go to.
You want no less than two days in Mombasa to go to town’s previous city, discover its idyllic seashores, and expertise the Swahili tradition.
There are many transport means inside Mombasa. You possibly can hail a ride-sharing taxi like Uber, hop onto a matatu, or flag down a tuk-tuk or a motorcycle.
The quickest technique of transport from Nairobi to Mombasa is by flight. You can too journey the Madaraka Categorical practice or use long-distance buses.
The gap between Mombasa and Nairobi is about 485 km. Driving from Nairobi to Mombasa takes about 8 hours.
Now You Know What to Do in Mombasa
Mombasa is a pleasant coastal metropolis with many reasonably priced and free locations to go to. It’s straightforward to get round, and there are quite a few locations to remain.
I hope this text has given you concepts about the place to go on this nice metropolis.
Don’t overlook to pattern the road meals, go to Bombolulu Workshops and possibly journey the Likoni Ferry within the night.
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