Going on a trip to Mombasa and want to know the best things to do in Mombasa? We have you covered. Below we have listed the best attractions in Mombasa.
Mombasa city is an island in the Kenyan coastline which is 483km or 300 miles from the capital city Nairobi.
Driving from Mombasa to Nairobi city takes an average of 8 hours.
A flight will take you 1 hour while Standard Gauge Railway will take 4 hours.
Mombasa has got plenty historical sites, the old Town with narrow streets with Arab architecture.
The best part is that it’s easy to learn this historic and beautiful city by visiting the most interesting things to do in Mombasa, Kenya.
Mombasa is an exciting city to just wander. Most of the attraction sites are within walking distance from each other. For instance the best way to tour the old Town is to talk a walk through the narrow streets, taste the best Swahili coffee and dishes along the ocean front line.
There are also some fascinating Mombasa tourist attractions just within the city for you to explore. Mamba village, Haller Park, Wild Waters and much more listed below.
Visiting Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus is a UNESCO world heritage site, this is one site you can’t miss to visit. Located at the water’s edge, Fort Jesus which was built in the 16th century has got gun turrets, battlements, and underground passages.
A visit to Fort Jesus makes you relive a moment in history.
This fort is a testament to the historical struggle for control of the Kenyan coast between the Shirazi Arabs and the Portuguese army.
“Fort Jesus has an amazing history – and the view of the bay with Arabic shows gently bobbing the Indian Ocean allows romantic reflection and fabulous photographs”
Visiting Fort Jesus is one of the things to do in Mombasa
The Mombasa Tusks
The famous Mombasa Tusks are located along Moi Avenue next to the Uhuru Gardens.
The famous landmark was built in 1952 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Mombasa.
Moi Avenue was the main entry street to the heart of town. The Tusks intersect to form the letter “M” for Mombasa. This adds it to the bucket list of things to do in Mombasa.
Mamba Village
Being one of the largest crocodile farms in East Africa, mamba village has never failed to impress.
Visiting the farm will give you an amazing experience as you learn the life cycle and behavior of these great reptiles.
Among the things to do in Mombasa includes getting close to the reptiles and understanding their behaviors.
You also get to ride on horseback riding and a botanical garden with aquarium.
The best highlights of a tour to Mamba Village is watching the the crocodiles fight during feeding time.
There’s also a restaurant serving game meat such as crocodile, ostrich and zebra.
Jumba la Mtwana
Jumba la Mtwana which translates to “the house of slaves” consists of the ruins that are the remains of a historical town, deserted more than 500 years ago.
Jumba la Mtwana stands along baobab forest that looks to the beach. Although many of the structures are no more, the town boasts of a mosque, a tomb, and houses.
The names of the houses are House of the Cylinder, House of the Kitchen, House of the Many Doors and Mosque by the Sea.
The House of Many Doors is believed to be a guest house that hosted traders from across the Indian Ocean who sailed in dhows propelled by monsoon winds and they would board at the house waiting for the winds to favor them.
A small gallery holds a collection of artifacts such as silver jewelry, boat-making tools, Chinese ceramics, and an Arabic oud guitar.
Sperm whale
Outside the hall is a large skeleton of a sperm whale, a reminder of trade in ambergris, a secretion in the intestines of the sperm whale used to manufacture perfume.
Trees hang over the ruins, giving it a cool ambiance, ideal for picnics.
Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple
The temple gives you a chance to learn about the Hindu religion. The temple welcomes everyone to walk around but at most respect is required.
Wild Waters, Mombasa
If you are thinking of a nice place to visit to have lots of fun, particularly for family entertainment, then you should consider a day or two at Wild Waters Mombasa. Set within Kenya’s tropical sunshine, Wild Waters offers many things to do for maximum excitement. From splashing in the water park to taking an unforgettable Waterslide I can guarantee you won’t go wrong.
Wild Waters Mombasa Kenya also offers a unique Raindance Disco Arena, a Gaming Arcade, Bumper Cars, and several theme rides.
Wild Waters is a complete entertainment facility equipped at maximizing your amusement. The park leaves no stone untouched, with a Food Court, a Bar, and a Coffee Shop that caters to all your needs.
Do Some Mombasa Water Sports
Whenever you think of visiting Mombasa, the first thing in your bucket list must be water sports. The reason why water activities in Mombasa are so popular is that the conditions here are just perfect. The water is calm and clear and the landscape is just stunning! Plus in Mombasa, watersports are not that expensive compared to the experiences.
Some of the most popular water adventure sports in Mombasa include parasailing, jet-skiing, boat rides, snorkeling, and diving.
In terms of places to go to Mombasa for water sports, just pop to your nearest beach and you will see a range of little beach huts where you can arrange whatever activities you are interested in.
Try Snorkelling And Diving
As mentioned above, Mombasa is just amazing for a range of water sports amog them snorkeling and diving. Whenever you visit Mombasa, you can ofcourse do this by yourself or join the available day trip where you will be taken to some of the best places in Mombasa for spotting marine life.
One of the most popular snorkeling and diving tours is a trip to Mombasa Marine Park or Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, you sail on the Indian Ocean in a motorized dive boat or a glass-bottom boat, giving you an uninterrupted view of the life that teems below the surface.
If the tide is low, you will walk across the receded beach waters of the solidified coral rocks before sailing off to the open water to snorkel above the coral reef and beds of seagrass.
Other activities include glass bottom boat ride, swimming and relaxing on the beach.
Most tours include return transfers from your hotel as well as lunch and make for a fantastic Mombasa family trip.
Mombasa Marine National Park
If you enjoy animal encounters, another of Mombasa’s points of interest to visit in Mombasa Marine National Park, one of the largest aquariums in Kenya. This is one of the best places to see in Mombasa if you are visiting with kids.
At Mombasa Marine National Park, there are different aquatic species across the 10km squared national reserve. The park is characterized by coral reefs, sandy beaches, palm trees, Azure Ocean and marine life.
The kids will love seeing the different marine life species such as; marine species including crabs, starfish, stonefish, cucumbers sea urchins, corals, turtles, seagrasses and interesting migratory birds including crab plovers.
This is a great attraction for the family.
You can also read our full guide to Mombasa here or find our guide to where to stay in Mombasa here.
