There are lots of issues to do in Mombasa – an island alongside the Swahili coast. Mombasa is dwelling to some beautiful seashores, a tremendous tradition, and quite a few vacationer sights that enchantment to many tastes.
It’s one of the crucial stunning cities in Kenya; stuffed 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 all the time been a appeal – it’s one among my favourite locations to go to in Kenya.
So that you can take advantage of your journey, I’ve ready this information for one of the best 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 sights, and vibrant nightlife.
Let’s discover the 15 greatest issues to do in Mombasa, Kenya.
1. Be a part of the Outdated City Strolling Tour
Exploring Mombasa Old Town is one of the best ways to begin your journey alongside the coast. It offers you a glimpse of how totally 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 tremendous curved doorways and delightful balconies, the previous homes symbolize wealthy historical past and structure.
In the course of the stroll, you’ll see the Old Post Office, Africa Hotel, and extra fascinating websites. Ensure you stroll alongside the primary avenue (Ndia Kuu).
You don’t want a information to discover Mombasa Old Town. Nevertheless, if you wish to see the previous suburb with educated locals, join this exciting tour.
2. Discover Nyali Seaside (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 reside 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.
If you happen to’re like me and love the ocean, there’s no higher place for a coastal expertise than Nyali Beach. The seashore is near Mombasa and presents a serene surroundings for leisure. In addition to strolling alongside the seashore, you may log on, swimming, and sunbathing at Nyali Seaside.
The seashore is clear, much less crowded, and scenic. It additionally hosts a number of beach resorts and hotels, eating places, and bars for extra enjoyment.
3. Have a Avenue Meals Expertise
The Swahili delicacies is an attractive mix of various cultures that reside alongside the Kenyan coast. It consists of native, Arabic, European, and Indian influences. Journeys to Mombasa are made all the higher once 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 totally different elements comparable to fish, hen, and beef to make the dish scrumptious.
If you happen to like making an attempt native cuisines, go to a neighborhood restaurant in Mombasa or join this food tour for a exceptional 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 embrace Barka, Forodhani, and Char-Choma.
4. Be taught to Cook dinner a Swahili Meal
It’s one factor to eat a neighborhood meal, however one other expertise solely to organize one for your self. If you happen to’d prefer to get busy within the kitchen and prepare dinner your favourite Swahili dish, join this cooking experience.
You’ll go to a neighborhood market to buy elements and put together the dish. That is additionally an awesome 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 Old Town and was constructed between 1593 and 1596 as a Portuguese fort to protect the Outdated Port of Mombasa.
Gaspar Rodrigues used the designs of Giovanni Battista Cairati to construct the fort beneath 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 grew to become a museum, and in 2011, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, Fort Jesus has grow to be essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction in Mombasa.
Whereas there, you should definitely additionally go to the Mombasa Butterfly House.
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 reasonably priced garments, home goods, groceries, and fruits. It’s a gathering level, an unofficial cultural heart, and the house of scrumptious meals.
A walking tour of Kongowea Market is likely one of the greatest actions in Mombasa. It permits you to have interaction with locals and study their lifestyle. You can too store for contemporary fruit and veggies and take a look at your bargaining expertise.
7. Loosen up on the Mama Ngina Waterfront
There are lots of 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, these items reside ceaselessly in a single’s thoughts.
Mama Ngina Waterfront is a public park that overlooks Kilindini Harbour. It’s an attractive place to loosen up and unwind and is likely one of the most reasonably priced locations to go to in Mombasa.
If I had been to advocate only one place to go to in Mombasa, it might be this breathtaking waterfront. While there, experience on one of many Likoni ferries to see the enchanting fantastic thing about the coast within the night.
8. Go Diving and Snorkeling
The most effective seashores, historic websites, markets, and different vacationer websites in Mombasa are simply accessible. For this reason the town’s a good selection for vacationers trying to do some sightseeing.
Mombasa can also be a tremendous diving vacation spot in Kenya, because of Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve. The park is dwelling to numerous marine sights, together with coral reefs, sea urchins, many various fish species, turtles, and migratory birds.
If you happen to intend to go diving in Mombasa, one of the best dive websites embrace the MV Dania and the MV Globe Star wrecks. Diving journeys might be organized out of your resort or by 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 might be accessed by boat from totally different factors alongside the coast, together with Nyali Beach and Serena Beach.
9. Be a part of a Scenic Bike Tour
Mombasa is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Kenya due to its relaxed ambiance, pristine seashores, and wealthy tradition. You’ll be able to discover the town with a motor vehicle, by boat, or on foot.
Nevertheless, for those who’d prefer to get a distinct perspective and take a look at a way of touring that’s certain to get you nearer to native life, take into account biking.
A cycling tour is a handy method of sightseeing and is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Mombasa for journey seekers. It takes you alongside quiet again roads, by Swahili villages, and amidst breathtaking surroundings.
It’s additionally a possibility 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 likely one of the few locations in Mombasa the place you may join with nature and consider 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 happening a recreation drive. The sanctuary is dwelling to ostriches, giraffes, oryx, elands, waterbuck, and over 250 chook species.
Different actions at Nguuni embrace 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 join this day tour, rent a automobile, or hail an Uber taxi. Try the sanctuary’s website 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 Trail) was as soon as a wasteland, now become 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 a great place to go to for nature lovers and vacationers in search of a distinct 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)
Certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Mombasa is the favored Mombasa Go-Kart. Whereas I don’t all the time race, watching mates compete whereas I take pleasure in a chilly Tusker is a good sight.
If you happen to love exhilarating adventures, make sure that to go to the Mombasa Go-Kart. Their observe is nicely designed, the go-karts are of top of the range, and the workers could 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.
If you happen to’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 ambiance and proximity to the seashore.
13. Have Enjoyable on the Wild Waters Kenya
If you happen to’re in search of extra enjoyable actions in Mombasa, there’s no higher place than Wild Waters Kenya. The water park (situated in Nyali) presents thrilling leisure to people, teams, and households.
Their full-day actions embrace 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 totally 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 motels just like the Nyali Beach Holiday Resort.
14. Go to the Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Middle
If you happen to’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 assist individuals with disabilities. It consists of a workshop for producing handmade gadgets and a cultural heart.
Go to Bombolulu Workshops and study extra about Swahili tradition. You’ll additionally see how individuals with totally different skills make the most of their presents and creativity to make cool gadgets.
To assist the challenge, be sure to purchase their handmade gadgets comparable to jewellery, wooden carvings, baggage, and textiles. The middle is situated about 40 minutes from Mombasa city, alongside Nyali street. It’s simply accessible by matatus (minibusses), taxis, and tuk-tuks.
15. Get together on the Moonshine Seaside Bar
Mombasa is dwelling to among the greatest 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.
If you happen to’re in search of a bar the place you may hang around and luxuriate in your favourite drink, attempt the Moonshine Beach Bar.
Positioned alongside Mount Kenya street in Nyali, the bar is likely one of the coolest spots in Mombasa. It’s located immediately on the seashore and serves the whole lot from native beers to premium cocktails.
If you happen to choose a much less thumping surroundings, 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 situated within the Reef Hotel (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 constructed from aluminum.
The tusks had been first put in in 1952 to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II to Mombasa. After the growth of the street into two lanes in 1956, new tusks had been constructed.
One more reason for the brand new tusks was to commemorate Princess Margaret’s go to to the town that yr. Immediately, these tusks are well-known vacationer sights in Mombasa.
Day Journey to Tsavo Nationwide Parks
In addition to historic websites and seashores, there are different sights 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 trip to Tsavo National Parks.
Tsavo East National Park is dwelling to the massive 5 (the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), Lugard Falls, and varied chook species. However, Tsavo West is known for wildlife viewing and sights comparable to Mzima Springs.
Though I attended faculty in Kenya and examine Krapf, I didn’t know there was a memorial park in his identify till I visited Mombasa.
There are a number of lodging choices in these parks. If you happen to’re visiting Tsavo West, Severin Safari Camp is one of the best 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.
If you happen to love historical past, go to the memorial park to study extra about Krapf and his works in Kenya. Don’t overlook to put in writing your identify 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 with no 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 Beach, 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 in the future to 1 week.
1 Day in Mombasa Itinerary
Begin your morning by exploring the Old Town 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 Beach Bar for night drinks.
I counsel staying along Nyali Beach.
2-3 Days in Mombasa Itinerary
Day 1: If you happen to’re staying in Nyali, begin your day with a cup of espresso at Cafesserie earlier than heading to Mombasa city. Join a day trip that features visiting Mombasa Outdated City, Fort Jesus, and Mombasa Tusks. End your day by visiting Mama Ngina Waterfront.
Day 2: I counsel 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 Coffee House for breakfast. Then, decide an journey that pursuits you, comparable 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 Outdated 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 street food experience. You can too discover the Kongowea Market or learn to put together a Swahili dish.
Day 3: Have interaction in thrilling adventures. You could have the choices of go-karting, diving, taking water slides, or cycling along 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 trip to Tsavo National 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 Beach Bar.
If you happen to’re questioning the place to remain throughout your 7-days in Mombasa, I like to recommend the Reef Hotel, Nyali, or an Airbnb in Bamburi.
The place to Keep in Mombasa
These are a number of of one of the best 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 Old Town 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.
Try this cool apartment in Tudor Creek or discover different nice places to stay.
Nyali – Greatest for Households, Enjoyable Actions and Seashores
Nyali is likely one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Mombasa. It hosts a number of luxurious seashore resorts, nightlife spots, procuring malls, and vacationer sights. Nyali can also be safe, attracting households and vacationers in search of enjoyable and one of the best seashores in Mombasa.
There are lots of lodging choices in Nyali, like seashore resorts, Airbnbs, and motels. Try the Reef Hotel 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 motels and residences and is fashionable with home and worldwide vacationers. It’s additionally dwelling to Haller Park, Bamburi Seaside, and is near the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary.
Try this designer studio in Bamburi.
Shanzu – Greatest for Adventures and Meals
If you happen to love journey and good meals, the Shanzu neighborhood is one of the best 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 motels and residences.
I like to recommend staying in this apartment which overlooks the Indian Ocean or on the PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa.
Greatest Eating places in Mombasa
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Mombasa.
Jahazi Espresso Home
Jahazi Coffee House isn’t solely an everyday restaurant situated on the fringe of Mombasa Old Town. It’s a bit of historical past, artwork, and a jewel whose stunning fashion and decorations are impressed by a dhow (Jahazi).
The whole lot about this restaurant is great – meals, ambiance, and repair. It delivers an unswervingly excessive commonplace of meals, nice espresso, tea, snacks, and scrumptious Swahili meals. If you happen to love a mixture of historical past, class, and good meals, don’t miss Jahazi Espresso Home off Ndia Kuu road.
Mombasa Dishes
If you happen to’re exploring the Old Town and need to go to an reasonably priced native restaurant, go to Mombasa Dishes. The restaurant serves mouth-watering Swahili dishes and quite a lot of different meals, together with seafood and pizzas.
In addition they have cold and warm drinks like espresso, tea, contemporary juices, mocktails, and mojitos.
My favourite meal at Mombasa Dishes is the chicken biryani. The prawns cocktail can also be mild and refreshing after strolling within the scorching solar alongside the town streets.
Cafesserie
Cafesserie is a basic 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 consequence of its quiet surroundings, superb 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 contemporary juices and lemonade.
If you happen to’re staying in the Nyali neighborhood, I guess you’ll discover this place great. The Cafe is situated on the bottom flooring of City 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 value trying out based mostly on Google reviews.
The restaurant has a swimming pool and child’s playground; accommodating all guests – younger and previous. Their meals (African and worldwide cuisines) can also 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
If you happen to’re after a combination of journey and tremendous eating, I like to recommend having a meals expertise at Tamarind Mombasa. In addition to barbeque and different worldwide cuisines, Tamarind additionally serves among 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 among their dhows (Nawalilkher or Babulkher) for dinner, evening cocktails, and dancing.
To e-book a dhow cruise journey, you may contact Tamarind Group or join 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 stunning seashores, good motels, good local weather, wealthy historical past, and proximity to Diani and Watamu seashores.
Mombasa island might be visited year-round, however if you wish to keep away from crowds, June by September is one of the best time to go.
Mombasa has many fashionable vacationer sights, together with Fort Jesus Museum, Nyali Seaside, and Mombasa Outdated City, making it nicely value a go to.
You want not less than two days in Mombasa to go to the town’s previous 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 bike.
The quickest technique of transport from Nairobi to Mombasa is by flight. You can too experience 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 simple 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 experience the Likoni Ferry within the night.
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