List of Things to Do in Mombasa, Kenya

Welcome to Mombasa, Kenya’s oldest and second-largest city after Nairobi. Located on the coastline of the Indian Ocean, Mombasa offers pristine sandy beaches, deep historical and cultural heritage, and many other attractions that most travelers on Kenyan safari cannot resist.

Mombasa is approximately 485 kilometers from Nairobi. Highway, rail, and air travel connect the island to other cities in Kenya. Moi International Airport in Mombasa is suitable for both domestic and foreign travelers. Mombasa seaport is also an entry and exit point that serves the region.

The city of Mombasa is actually located on an island connected to the mainland to the north by the Nyali Bridge, to the south by the Likoni Ferry, and to the west by the Makupa Causeway. Its main inhabitants are the Mijikenda and Swahili and Kenyan Arabs. Other communities include the Akamba and Taita Bantus.

Mombasa has remained an influential city due to its historical context and great attractions. Tourists can take advantage of architectural wonders, marine life, private and public sandy beaches, wildlife, and hobbies like snorkeling and windsurfing. Here is a list of top things to do in Mombasa.

Visit the historic Mombasa Old Town

Old Town is an area located on the East side of Mombasa Island next to Tudor Creek. It is well known for its ancient buildings, well-preserved Swahili architecture, narrow streets, and bustling markets. The town reminds of the days when Arabs ruled and exerted a heavy influence in the region.

Mombasa’s old town dates back to the 12th century when it was an important trading center for Arab and Indian merchants. It is best explored by foot with an experienced guide, as the streets are too narrow to accommodate large vehicles. Tuk-tuk is the main mode of transport.

On arriving, plenty of activities await you. There are a bunch of curio shops selling antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs. Various restaurants also dot the streets and you can feast on authentic Swahili cuisine that includes biryanis, chicken tikka, pilau, and various drinks.

Tour the Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus is undoubtedly Mombasa’s most popular tourist attraction for foreign and local travelers. The fort, located next to the Mombasa Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved history of Renaissance architecture and military fortification. 

Fort Jesus was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese to secure the port of Mombasa as well as the Portuguese communities that lived in the region. It has since changed hands many times throughout its history, coming under Arab, Swahili, and British control.

Some of the historical structures still standing in the fort include Oman House, which belonged to the Sultan who governed the East African coast. Others are an open water cistern built by the Portuguese for harvesting rainwater, and a 76-foot deep well sunk by the Arabs.

Go to Haller Park

Haller Park is the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa. Formerly known as Bamburi Nature Trail, the park boasts a variety of reptiles and mammals including giraffes, cape buffalo, zebras, hippos, and waterbucks. It’s also home to over 160 bird species including cranes, pelicans, and storks.

The park also has tranquil nature trails surrounded by beautiful palm gardens. Some of the walking and cycling paths that weave through Casuarina groves lead to a beautiful butterfly haven. Like the Giraffe Center Nairobi, feeding these gentle giants is also a popular activity. 

The animal sanctuary was named after Dr. Haller Rene who turned abandoned limestone quarries into a flourishing natural reserve. Haller began by improving the mineral content of the soil, planting trees, and establishing a fish farm. 

Various educational videos are shown with an emphasis on the history and continuous improvement of the park. You’ll also not miss updates on Owen and Mzee, the orphaned baby hippo and 130-year-old giant turtle whose remarkable friendship touched millions around the world.

Visit Mombasa Marine National Park

The Mombasa Marine National Park is known for coral reefs, sandy beaches, and beautiful flora and fauna. Visitors are allowed to dive and see a variety of sea creatures such as dolphins, seagrasses, stonefish, starfish, crabs, turtles, octopus, jellyfish, and sea cucumber among others.

Divers can extend their adventure to check out some of the shipwrecks like MV Dania. Those who cannot dive or get into the water take their tour through a large glass boat that reveals everything in the water underneath its transparent floors.

Other fun activities at the park include boat rides, snorkeling, windsurfing, water skiing, sunbathing, and birdwatching. Mombasa Marine Park is accessible from Shanze, Bamburi, and Nyali which are all popular beaches in Mombasa.

Visit the Mamba Village

The Largest crocodile farm in East Africa is one of the must-see attractions of Mombasa. Mamba village has over 10,000 crocodiles. The farm sits right next to Wild Waters – a Family Entertainment Park that boasts a range of fun and exhilarating activities for everyone. 

A tour of the farm begins with a video presentation that reveals the life and behavior of the reptiles. This will be followed by a walk on the farm as you watch blood-thirsty crocodiles leaping and jumping in the air as they fight to grab a bite of meat. The feeding is scheduled every day at 1700 hrs.

Beyond crocodile viewing, visitors can also enjoy a camel or horse ride in the same compound. You can also take a walk through the botanical gardens before enjoying a wide range of seafood drinks and crocodile meat available at the Mamba Restaurant. Indeed it’s a beautiful place to spend your day.

Go see the Mombasa Tusks

The Mombasa Tusks, locally referred to as ‘Mampembe ya Ndovu’ are a symbolic representation of the Mombasa city. Local and foreign tourists commonly take photos near the tusks as a remembrance of their visit to this most popular coastal city in East Africa.

Mombasa Tusks were constructed in 1952 by the British colonial administration to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to the city. Made of wood and canvas, they were erected on the Kilindini Road (currently Moi Avenue), which led to the Queen’s residence at the Mombasa Yachting Club. Coincidentally the tusks also spell the letter “M” for Mombasa city.

Over time, Mombasa tusks have undergone several changes due to the expansion of the road. Initially, there were just two, but another set was erected due to the additional lane. Several organizations including the US Marines help in renovating the now-weather-resistant aluminum monument.

Visit Bombolulu Workshops

Bombolulu Workshops are a rehabilitation project sponsored by the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK). Located along the Mombasa-Malindi road, these workshops feature housing units for artisans and a cultural center with 8 traditional homesteads. 

The center trains men and women with various disabilities in producing crafts such as jewelry, hand-printed textiles, wood carvings, and leather items, which are sold locally or exported to help them overcome their physical limitations and empower them economically.

Bombolulu workshops have grown to be a reliable supplier making them a trading partner of OpenEntry (USA) and a member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT). You can also visit their new boutique in Diani Beach Shopping Center to buy beautiful and unique products.

Tour Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

The Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is a great place to relax and unwind with friends and family, completely cutting off from the city hustle and bustle. You’ll view animals such as Giraffes, Oryx, Waterbuck, and Ostrich as they roam through their natural habitat.

Located in the Nguu Tatu Hills, Nguuni is home to over 250 different bird species. You can just watch and listen as they sing and nest peacefully across the woodlands and wetlands. Early morning nature walks are your best bet for a full birding experience.

Various picnic spots are also located in the park. If you are not into game drives, you can bring along your bike for a cycle ride through the sanctuary. Camping and private bookings for events are also allowed as long as you adhere to the park rules and carry your own camping gear and equipment.

Best time to visit Mombasa

Kenya is a year-round tourism destination. The country sits on the equator and there are no real summer or winter seasons. However, Mombasa experiences rainy seasons that can interfere with your travel movements and other outdoor activities.

April and May are the long wet season in Mombasa while short rains begin in November and last until the end of December. So, the best time to visit Mombasa is from June to October. Temperatures are pleasant, the weather is warm and dry and most skies above are clear blue.

Coincidently, this is also the best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve for great wildebeest migration. December to April are also dry months but the temperatures in Mombasa are usually very high. However, for scuba divers and snorkelers, it’s the best time to explore Mobasa’s marine life.

What to pack for Mombasa trip

Mombasa can get humid, warm, and sunny during the peak season. Here are important things to pack.

• Light, loose-fitting clothes preferably cotton or linen.
• Pack at least two swimsuits, a cover-up, and a beach towel.
• Comfortable shoes and sandals
• Light jacket or sweater for evenings.
• Pack plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF
• A good pair of sunglasses for protection from the sun.
• A hat will help keep you cool and protect your face from the sun.
• Pack your usual toiletries and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Bring a camera and probably a travel adapter for charging your devices.
• If you’re planning on doing any wildlife watching, binoculars can be helpful.
• Even if you have a credit card, carry some cash for taxis, markets, and smaller shops
• Carry a first-aid kit with basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any medications that you may need.

Final Thought

Mombasa is a beautiful coastal city in Kenya with a rich history. In addition to white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, the city has plenty of things to see and do. Mombasa Old Town, Fort Jesus, Haller Park, Marine National Park, Mamba Village, Mombasa Tusks, Bombolulu Workshops, and Nguuni Nature Sanctuary are among the best places to visit.