There are numerous issues to do in Mombasa – an island alongside the Swahili coast. Mombasa is dwelling to some beautiful seashores, an incredible tradition, and quite a few vacationer points of interest that enchantment to many tastes.
It’s one of the vital stunning cities in Kenya; crammed with 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 occasions for holidays, and the town has at all times been a allure – it’s one in all my favourite locations to go to in Kenya.
So that you can take advantage of 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 supply 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 greatest issues to do in Mombasa, Kenya.
1. Be a part of the Previous City Strolling Tour
Exploring Mombasa Previous City is the easiest way to begin your journey alongside the coast. It offers you a glimpse of how completely different cultures have lived harmoniously on the island for ages.
You’ll spot outdated buildings alongside the slender alleys reflecting the inhabitants’ wealthy heritage – locals, Arabs, Asians, and Europeans. With wonderful curved doorways and exquisite balconies, the outdated homes symbolize wealthy historical past and structure.
Through the stroll, you’ll see the Previous Put up Workplace, Africa Resort, and extra fascinating websites. Ensure you stroll alongside the principle avenue (Ndia Kuu).
You don’t want a information to discover Mombasa Previous City. Nonetheless, if you wish to see the outdated suburb with educated locals, be part of this thrilling tour.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 stunning. Now I dwell near Laikipia Plateau, and never every 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.
Should 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 gives a serene surroundings for rest. Moreover strolling alongside the seashore, you possibly can log on, swimming, and sunbathing at Nyali Seashore.
The seashore is clear, much less crowded, and scenic. It additionally hosts a number of seashore resorts and inns, eating places, and bars for extra enjoyment.
3. Have a Avenue Meals Expertise
The Swahili delicacies is a ravishing mix of various cultures that dwell alongside the Kenyan coast. It contains native, Arabic, European, and Indian influences. Journeys to Mombasa are made all the higher while 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 elements corresponding to fish, rooster, and beef to make the dish scrumptious.
Should you like making an attempt native cuisines, go to an area restaurant in Mombasa or be part of this meals tour for a exceptional meals expertise. Ensure you strive 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 inexpensive costs (beginning at $5). Different good eating places in Mombasa embrace 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 solely to arrange one for your self. Should you’d wish to get busy within the kitchen and prepare dinner your favourite Swahili dish, be part of this cooking expertise.
You’ll go to an area market to buy elements and put together the dish. That is additionally an incredible alternative to study in regards to the Swahili tradition out of your native information.
5. Go to Fort Jesus Museum
A guided tour of Fort Jesus Museum is extremely really helpful. The museum is situated 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 palms between the Portuguese, Omani Arabs, and the British.
In 1962, it turned a museum, and in 2011, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Since then, Fort Jesus has develop into probably the most well-known vacationer attraction in Mombasa.
Whereas there, be sure you additionally go to the Mombasa Butterfly Home.
6. Discover a Native Market
Kongowea Market is situated a brief drive from Mombasa city. The market is greater than merely a spot to purchase inexpensive garments, home goods, 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 among the greatest actions in Mombasa. It means that you can have interaction with locals and find out about their lifestyle. It’s also possible to store for contemporary vegatables and fruits and take a look at your bargaining expertise.
7. Loosen up on the Mama Ngina Waterfront
There are numerous enjoyable issues to do in Mombasa, however nothing offers 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, this stuff dwell eternally in a single’s thoughts.
Mama Ngina Waterfront is a public park that overlooks Kilindini Harbour. It’s a ravishing place to chill out and unwind and is among the most inexpensive locations to go to in Mombasa.
If I have been to advocate 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 great thing about the coast within the night.
8. Go Diving and Snorkeling
The very best seashores, historic websites, markets, and different vacationer websites in Mombasa are simply accessible. Because of this the town’s a good selection for vacationers seeking to do some sightseeing.
Mombasa can also be an incredible diving vacation spot in Kenya, due to Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park and Reserve. The park is dwelling to varied marine points of interest, together with coral reefs, sea urchins, many various fish species, turtles, and migratory birds.
Should you intend to go diving in Mombasa, the most effective dive websites embrace the MV Dania and the MV Globe Star wrecks. Diving journeys could be organized out of your lodge or via a good operator like Peponi Divers.
Moreover viewing marine life and diving in Mombasa Marine Park, you possibly can have interaction in different actions like swimming, snorkeling, and windsurfing. The park could be accessed by boat from completely different factors alongside the coast, together with Nyali Seashore and Serena Seashore.
9. Be a part of a Scenic Bike Tour
Mombasa is among the greatest locations to go to in Kenya due to its relaxed environment, pristine seashores, and wealthy tradition. You’ll be able to discover the town with a motorcar, by boat, or on foot.
Nonetheless, in the event you’d wish to get a unique perspective and take a look at a way of touring that’s positive to get you nearer to native life, think about biking.
A biking tour is a handy approach of sightseeing and is among the greatest issues to do in Mombasa for journey seekers. It takes you alongside quiet again roads, via 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 among the few locations in Mombasa the place you possibly can join with nature and look at wildlife. Located within the Nguu Tatu Hills, the sanctuary is a paradise hidden away in a wilderness close to the Indian Ocean.
You’ll be able to immerse your self in nature by taking a stroll, picnicking, or occurring a recreation drive. The sanctuary is dwelling to ostriches, giraffes, oryx, elands, waterbuck, and over 250 chook species.
Different actions at Nguuni embrace bike driving, 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 possibly can be part of this present day tour, rent a car, 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
Much like the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary, Haller Park (Bamburi Nature Path) was as soon as a wasteland, now became a various and distinctive ecosystem.
Immediately, the park is dwelling 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 in search of a unique expertise in Mombasa. You’ll be able to anticipate to see monkeys, tortoises, waterbucks, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, elands, and loads of chook species.
12. Go-Karting (One of many Greatest Issues to Do in Mombasa)
Considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Mombasa is the favored Mombasa Go-Kart. Whereas I don’t at all times race, watching mates compete whereas I get pleasure from a chilly Tusker is a superb sight.
Should you love exhilarating adventures, be sure to go to the Mombasa Go-Kart. Their monitor is effectively designed, the go-karts are of top of the range, and the workers may be very useful.
Moreover 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.
Should 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
Should you’re in search of extra enjoyable actions in Mombasa, there’s no higher place than Wild Waters Kenya. The water park (situated in Nyali) gives thrilling leisure to people, teams, and households.
Their full-day actions embrace swimming and taking a plunge down water slides. It’s also possible to 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 embrace Airbnbs and inns just like the Nyali Seashore Vacation Resort.
14. Go to the Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Middle
Should you’re nonetheless in search of extra issues to do in Mombasa, Bombolulu Workshops is the place to be. Opened in 1969, the middle goals to empower and help individuals with disabilities. It consists of a workshop for producing handmade objects and a cultural heart.
Go to Bombolulu Workshops and study extra about Swahili tradition. You’ll additionally see how individuals with completely different talents make the most of their presents and creativity to make cool objects.
To help the undertaking, be sure to purchase their handmade objects corresponding to jewellery, wooden carvings, baggage, and textiles. The middle is situated about 40 minutes from Mombasa city, alongside Nyali highway. It’s simply accessible by matatus (minibusses), taxis, and tuk-tuks.
15. Get together on the Moonshine Seashore Bar
Mombasa is dwelling to a number of the greatest nightlife spots in Kenya. You probably have a spare night after your Mombasa tour, an evening out within the metropolis or its outskirts is to not be missed.
Should you’re in search of a bar the place you possibly can hang around and luxuriate in your favourite drink, strive the Moonshine Seashore Bar.
Positioned alongside Mount Kenya highway in Nyali, the bar is among the coolest spots in Mombasa. It’s located straight on the seashore and serves all the pieces from native beers to premium cocktails.
Should you want a much less thumping surroundings, go to the Bistro Restaurant and Pool Bar. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from scrumptious meals and drinks whereas being entertained by dwell music. It’s situated within the Reef Resort (a pleasant place to remain in Nyali).
Different Issues to Do in Mombasa
Listed below 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 big elephant tusks comprised of 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.
One more reason for the brand new tusks was to commemorate Princess Margaret’s go to to the town that 12 months. Immediately, these tusks are well-known vacationer points of interest in Mombasa.
Day Journey to Tsavo Nationwide Parks
Moreover historic websites and seashores, there are different points of interest close to Mombasa, together with nationwide parks and reserves. These wildlife parks are dwelling to a few of Kenya’s rarest species of natural world.
If you would like an genuine safari expertise in Mombasa, take a day journey to Tsavo Nationwide Parks.
Tsavo East Nationwide Park is dwelling to the massive 5 (the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), Lugard Falls, and varied chook species. Alternatively, Tsavo West is known for wildlife viewing and points of interest corresponding to Mzima Springs.
Though I attended college 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. Should 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 devoted who died in Mombasa.
Should you love historical past, go to the memorial park to study extra about Krapf and his works in Kenya. Don’t neglect to put in writing your title on the customer’s e-book – a cactus tree. Dr. Krapf can also be credited for being the first European to see Mount Kenya.
Take a Journey to Watamu
None of my holidays in Mombasa are full and not using 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.
Moreover enjoyable at Watamu Seashore, my favourite actions right here embrace visiting Mida Creek and the Ruins of Gedi. Watamu can also be a pleasant place for watersports actions and nature experiences.
You’ll be able to 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 final word Mombasa itinerary from someday 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: Should you’re staying in Nyali, begin your day with a cup of espresso at Cafesserie earlier than heading to Mombasa city. Be a 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 cross by the Krapf Memorial Park.
Day 3: Swing by Jahazi Espresso Home for breakfast. Then, choose an journey that pursuits you, corresponding to 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 a part of this thrilling Swahili avenue meals expertise. It’s also possible to discover the Kongowea Market or discover ways to put together a Swahili dish.
Day 3: Interact in thrilling adventures. You could have 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 the most effective 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.
Should you’re questioning the place to remain throughout your 7-days in Mombasa, I like to recommend the Reef Resort, Nyali, or an Airbnb in Bamburi.
The place to Keep in Mombasa
These are a couple of 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 condominium in Tudor Creek or discover different good locations to remain.
Nyali – Greatest for Households, Enjoyable Actions and Seashores
Nyali is among the most prestigious neighborhoods in Mombasa. It hosts a number of luxurious seashore resorts, nightlife spots, buying malls, and vacationer points of interest. Nyali can also be safe, attracting households and vacationers in search of enjoyable and the most effective seashores in Mombasa.
There are numerous lodging choices in Nyali, like seashore resorts, Airbnbs, and inns. Take a look at the Reef Resort 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 inns and residences and is standard with home and worldwide vacationers. It’s additionally dwelling 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
Should you love journey and good meals, the Shanzu neighborhood is the most effective place to base your self. It’s dwelling to the Mombasa Go-Kart and the Char-Choma Restaurant. Shanzu additionally has a number of good beachfront inns and residences.
I like to recommend staying in this condominium 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 situated on the fringe of Mombasa Previous City. It’s a chunk of historical past, artwork, and a jewel whose stunning fashion and decorations are impressed by a dhow (Jahazi).
Every part about this restaurant is great – meals, ambiance, and repair. It delivers an unswervingly excessive normal of meals, nice espresso, tea, snacks, and scrumptious Swahili meals. Should you love a mixture of historical past, magnificence, and good meals, don’t miss Jahazi Espresso Home off Ndia Kuu highway.
Mombasa Dishes
Should you’re exploring the Previous City and wish to go to an inexpensive 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 warm drinks like espresso, tea, contemporary juices, mocktails, and mojitos.
My favourite meal at Mombasa Dishes is the rooster biryani. The prawns cocktail can also be gentle and refreshing after strolling within the sizzling solar alongside the town streets.
Cafesserie
Cafesserie is a basic cafe and is right for a morning espresso or relaxed night dinner. The place has at all times been my favourite eatery in Nyali resulting from its quiet surroundings, wonderful meals, and pleasant workers.
Moreover continental cuisines, they’ve good espresso and freshly baked pastries. I really like their burgers and pizzas, plus the contemporary juices and lemonade.
Should you’re staying within the Nyali neighborhood, I guess you’ll discover this place great. The Cafe is situated on the bottom flooring of Metropolis Mall, Nyali.
Char-Choma Restaurant
Char-Choma Restaurant is taken into account the most effective beachfront eating places in Mombasa. I haven’t been there but, however Char-Choma feels like a spot price trying out primarily based on Google opinions.
The restaurant has a swimming pool and child’s playground; accommodating all guests – younger and outdated. Their meals (African and worldwide cuisines) can also be mentioned 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
Should you’re after a combination of journey and wonderful eating, I like to recommend having a meals expertise at Tamarind Mombasa. Moreover barbeque and different worldwide cuisines, Tamarind additionally serves a number of the greatest seafood in Mombasa.
It consists of the Tamarind Restaurant and the Tamarind Dhow. The latter is my favourite. You’ll be able to go on a cruise onboard one in all their dhows (Nawalilkher or Babulkher) for dinner, evening cocktails, and dancing.
To e-book a dhow cruise journey, you possibly can contact Tamarind Group or be part of a tour aboard the Nawalilkher.
Issues To Do in Mombasa: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Mombasa.
Mombasa is known for its stunning seashores, good inns, good local weather, wealthy historical past, and proximity to Diani and Watamu seashores.
Mombasa island could be visited year-round, however if you wish to keep away from crowds, June via September is the most effective time to go.
Mombasa has many standard vacationer points of interest, together with Fort Jesus Museum, Nyali Seashore, and Mombasa Previous City, making it effectively price a go to.
You want a minimum of two days in Mombasa to go to the town’s outdated city, discover its idyllic seashores, and expertise the Swahili tradition.
There are many transport means inside Mombasa. You’ll be able to 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. It’s also possible to journey the Madaraka Categorical practice or use long-distance buses.
The space 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 inexpensive 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 neglect to pattern the road meals, go to Bombolulu Workshops and possibly journey the Likoni Ferry within the night.
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