Mombasa, Kenya, offers a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Here are some of the best things to do in Mombasa:
- Visit Fort Jesus: This 16th-century Portuguese fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers insight into the region’s colonial history.
- Relax at the Beaches: Mombasa is renowned for its beautiful beaches such as Diani Beach and Nyali Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and beachside dining.
- Explore Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets of Mombasa’s Old Town, characterized by Swahili architecture, historic buildings, markets, and vibrant culture.
- Take a Dhow Cruise: Experience a traditional dhow cruise along the coast of Mombasa, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean and opportunities for snorkeling or diving.
- Visit Haller Park: Formerly known as Bamburi Nature Trail, Haller Park is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
- Discover Mamba Village: This crocodile farm offers guided tours and the chance to see Nile crocodiles up close. There are also botanical gardens and a restaurant on-site.
- Experience Swahili Cuisine: Sample authentic Swahili dishes at local restaurants or food markets, including delicious seafood dishes, biryani, and chapati.
- Go on Safari: Mombasa serves as a gateway to various safari destinations, including Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, where you can spot a diverse range of wildlife.
- Visit Gedi Ruins: Explore the ruins of an ancient Swahili town dating back to the 12th century, located in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest.
- Shop at Marikiti Market: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Mombasa’s largest open-air market, offering fresh produce, spices, souvenirs, and local crafts.
- Attend a Cultural Show: Enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and cultural shows that showcase the diversity of Kenyan culture.
- Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving: Explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life off the coast of Mombasa through snorkeling or scuba diving excursions.
Remember to respect local customs and traditions while exploring Mombasa and its surroundings.
Mombasa is Kenya’s main tourist destination. It is on the eastern coastline of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean which has made it a popular destination for its beaches. Mombasa offers a diverse marine life, world-class hotels and friendly atmosphere. There is a tropical climate all year and it is a great destination filled with activities for all ages.
Mombasa is one of the oldest cities in sub-Saharan Africa, and its precise date of founding remains unknown. The first accounts of Mombasa date back to the 12th century, when the Arab geographer Al Idrisi mentioned it as a prosperous trading post in his writings. Pre-colonial Mombasa was a prosperous city state in a region of East Africa known as the Swahili Coast, which also included other city states such as Zanzibar and Kilwa Kisiwani, and a main centre for trade between Africa and the Arab World, with trade routes even going as far as India and China. At different points in history, Mombasa would be ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and British. The city’s culture today still exhibits that of its pasts. Historical ruins like Fort Jesus and the Old Town are attractions that display the history in Mombasa.
The central part of the city, Mvita, is an island in a river delta, accessed by bridges and from the south by ferries operating around the clock. It is a very cosmopolitan city, and you can see a group of Muslims wearing niqab (here known as “bui bui”) and Giryama people wearing almost nothing at the same time and place.
Together with Nairobi, it is the only place in the country that has a status as both city and county.
