Tourist Attractions to See in Mombasa, Kenya
Kenya

28 Famous Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Mombasa

Mustafa Natalwala 3743 Views

Mombasa is a city in Kenya. It is situated on the southeastern coast of the country facing the Indian Ocean. Some of the most fun things to do in Mombasa include exploring forests, coastal wilderness, marine life, wildlife safari, underwater adventure, cultural experiences, Kenyan history, pristine beaches, and happening nightlife.

The city is the capital of Mombasa County. The history of the city goes back to 900 A.D. and beyond. Though there aren’t any Mombasa tourist attractions concerning the early history. It became a major trading port by the 12th century and was later taken under Arab rule. Some of the best places to visit in Mombasa town concerning ancient history hail from Arab rule. The oldest stone mosque in the region dates back to the 1300s but is not intact. But, you can visit Madhry Mosque, which was built in 1570. It is one of the oldest Mombasa attractions still in use.

Though history is not the most popular reason to visit Mombasa. Most people come here for nature and adventure. Some of the best activities to do in Mombasa include wildlife safari, scuba diving, nature trails, snorkeling, dolphin spotting, camping, cave exploration, and so on. The city is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and ocean terrain. The places to go in Mombasa for nature exploration include forests, savannahs, river basins, marshlands, mangroves, mountains, and grasslands.

You can also check out the coastal tourist places in Mombasa for nature, adventure, entertainment, and leisure. The city has beautiful beaches, islands, coastal forests, cliffs, corals, and more. These are must-visit places in Mombasa. Aside from water sports, these places are also fun places to visit in Mombasa for nightlife. There are also several spots in the city for nightlife as well including clubs, pubs, bars, and lounges.

If you are looking for interesting things to see in Mombasa, you should also check out Kenyan-themed clubs. You can enjoy traditional decor, food, drinks, music, and performances. People can also experience culture during Mombasa sightseeing in a more traditional sense at the city’s museums and cultural centers. You get to learn about local traditions, religion, arts, handicrafts, food, dance, music, instruments, equipment, and more. These places also have cultural experiences, which are some of the best things to do in Mombasa.

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Top 28 Tourist Places to Visit in Mombasa

1. Fort Jesus

This fort was built between 1593 and 1596. It is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the best places to visit in Mombasa town to explore the history of colonial conquest. The fort was built by Portuguese forces and faced several challenges for capture. It is also one of the best things to do in Mombasa if you are interested in naval and siege warfare. The now-ruined fortress tells the story of colonial warfare, regional history, and the lives of soldiers. You will need about 2 hours to tour this fort.

I suggest you should book a Mombasa City Tour that covers a visit to Fort Jesus and Haller Park. Also, you can try the Sound and Light Show at Fort Jesus.

Fort Jesus

2. Haller Park

This zoo is among the top Mombasa tourist attractions. It is built in an abandoned limestone quarry. This park has more than 160 species of birds and animals. You will see tortoises, zebras, giraffes, hippos, buffalos, ostrich, and more. It is one of the most fun things to do in Mombasa town for family tourists and animal lovers. You will need an hour to tour this park.

I suggest you should try a Mombasa City Tour that covers a visit to Haller Park and Fort Jesus.

Haller Park

3. Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve

This marine national park is popular for its scenic beauty and various activities to do in Mombasa. You will find wonderful beaches and pristine ocean views. It is also popular among Mombasa attractions for snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, water skiing, fishing, and so on. Under the ocean, you will see a variety of fishes, amphibians, corals, and more. You will need 2 to 3 hours from Mombasa travel to tour this national park.

Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve

4. North Coast Beaches

The north side of the city has some of the best beaches in Mombasa. People come here for water activities, beach leisure, resorts, shacks, bars, clubs, entertainment venues, and more. These beaches are also some of the most beautiful things to see in Mombasa. The most popular Mombasa beaches here include Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring any of the beach.

North Coast Beaches

5. Mombasa Old Town

The old town area is the historical and cultural hotpot of Mombasa sightseeing. You will see old buildings reflecting native African, Arab, Asian, and European cultures. Aside from sightseeing, some of the best things to do in the old town of Mombasa include shopping and dining. You need at least an hour to explore this area.

You should book a Mombasa City Tour and it also covers a visit to the Mombasa Old Town.

Mombasa Old Town

6. South Coast Beaches

The southern beaches are considered among the most romantic places to visit in Mombasa town. The palm-lined sands and the turquoise ocean has a wonderful vibe to it. You can also enjoy several outdoor activities to do in Mombasa at these beaches including surfing, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and so on. Some of the best Mombasa beaches to visit on the South Coast include Diani and Tiwi. You will need about a few hours to spend at any of the beaches.

South Coast Beaches

7. Mombasa Tusks

This monument was built in 1952 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the city. It is one of the most well-known places to go in Mombasa. The tusks create the letter “M” and is one of the most photographed spots in the city. You won’t need more than a few minutes for this monument.

Mombasa Tusks

8. Mamba Village Centre

This is the largest crocodile farm in East Africa. It is one of the most fun places to visit in Mombasa for families. You can see and learn about crocodiles. Children can also hold and take pictures with infant crocodiles. You can also see them jump, run, fight and squabble during feeding time. You will need about an hour to tour this place.

Mamba Village Centre

9. Bombolulu Coast Workshop and Cultural Centre

This not-for-profit organization supports Kenyan culture and physically disabled people. The complex has handicraft workshops, a cultural center, and a restaurant. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Mombasa if you like exploring the regional culture. You can see the process for making jewelry, leather crafts, textile art, paintings, woodcarvings, and more. You also get to experience local cuisine and dance performances at this place. You will need about an hour or so to explore this center.

Bombolulu Coast Workshop and Cultural Centre

10. Mandhry Mosque

Built-in 1570, this mosque is the oldest one in the city. It is one of the most important historical Mombasa tourist sites. The structure is an excellent example of Swahili architecture with Arabic elements. You will need about 20 minutes to tour this mosque when you visit Mombasa.

Mandhry Mosque

11. Tsavo National Park

This is one of the largest national parks in Kenya and has a vibrant ecosystem. Wildlife safari is one of the top things to do in Mombasa and this is the best place to enjoy it. You will see lions, elephants, leopards, zebras, crocodiles, snakes, birds, hippos, and more. Most tours of this national park also include cultural experiences such as local cuisine, dance performances, village visits, and so on. This is one of the most fun places to visit in Mombasa for a day trip. Tsavo National Park is quite large so you need 2 to 3 days to explore the entire place.

I suggest you should book a Day Trip to Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa.

Tsavo National Park

12. Shimba Hills National Reserve

This coastal forest is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mombasa. It is known for having the highest density of African elephants in Kenya. The park also has several other animals including big cats, reptiles, mammals, and birds. This nature reserve is also a must-visit place in Mombasa for a night safari. It is a unique experience filled with fear and excitement. You will need at least a day from Mombasa travel to explore this park.

I suggest you should book a Day Trip to Shimba Hills National Reserve in advance.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

13. Dhow Boat Cruise

Dhow is a traditional boat and it comes in varying sizes. There are several different types of dhow boat cruises in Mombasa. Some tours take you through the city for lunch or dinner with cultural performances. On the other hand, some tours include a visit to tourist places in Mombasa. You can also take nature reserves and island tours. It is one of the fun things to do in Mombasa and takes at least an hour of your time.

I suggest you should try a Dinner Dhow Cruise in Mombasa.

Dhow Boat Cruise

14. Wasini Island

This island is known for its natural beauty, rich ecosystem, and adventurous activities to do in Mombasa. You can reach this island via Dhow cruise or ferry boats. There are several hotels and resorts on the island for leisure and entertainment. You can also enjoy trails, camping, and hikes to explore the island’s natural wonders. It is also one of the best places to visit in Mombasa for water activities like scuba, snorkeling, surfing, parasailing, and so on. The island is also home to fishing villages and historical Mombasa attractions. This island is one of the top sights to spot dolphins galloping through the Indian Ocean. You need at least a day to explore the different wonders of this island.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Wasini Island in advance.

Wasini Island

15. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

Unlike other nature retreats, this place allows you to get closer to wildlife. This coastal nature reserve is home to giraffes, oryx, waterbucks, ostriches, and more. It is one of the most interesting Mombasa tourist attractions for families. The sanctuary gives you educational tours concerning nature and animals. You can also come here for top things to do in Mombasa such as wildlife safari, bike tours, hiking, camping, and more. People can also interact with giraffes at this sanctuary. You need 2 to 3 hours to tour this sanctuary when you visit Mombasa.

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

16. Mama Ngina Waterfront

This waterfront is perfect for a leisurely stroll at sunset. You can look out into the ocean to see the boats and people engaged in various activities. This waterfront has a really calm vibe. It is one of the most romantic places to visit in Mombasa town and you can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes strolling by the sea.

Mama Ngina Waterfront

17. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary has several cultural and nature exploration experiences. You can go for a wildlife safari, bird watching, camping, hiking, walking safari, and so on. The sight of Mt. Kilimanjaro from this sanctuary is one of the most beautiful things to see in Mombasa. The place also has cultural experiences including regional cuisine, music, and performances. The sanctuary also has a museum dedicated to various battles of WWI. You will need 4 to 5 hours from Mombasa travel to explore this place.

I suggest you should try a 2 Days Trip to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

18. Maasai Market

This market is held on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You will find a variety of things on sale. It is one of the best things to do in the old town of Mombasa. You can shop for local items and handicrafts like clothes, woodcrafts, paintings, jewelry, decorative, etc. People can also buy local produce, and spices and enjoy street food in this market. You need an hour to explore this market when you visit Mombasa.

19. Mombasa Nightlife Venues

Once you are done with the day with Mombasa sightseeing, you should head to the nightlife venues in the city. You can also find some amazing bars, clubs, and shacks at the beaches. You can enjoy drinks, food, music, and dancing. The city also has some interesting themed venues where you can see live traditional performances. You can easily spend a couple of hours at any of these places.

20. Ngomongo Village Park

This village is one of the best places to go in Mombasa for cultural experiences. The village consists of several huts of different sizes. Some of these are houses and others are public buildings. The houses have gardens and domestic animals. You can how the tribal folks live in villages and live in harmony with nature. One of the best things to do in Mombasa is to visit a witch doctor in this village for some treatment and charms. You will need 2 hours to explore this village.

21. Arabuko Sokoke National Forest

This beautiful forest is home to small mammals, birds, amphibians, and butterflies. It is the largest coastal forest in East Africa and is especially popular for birdwatching. It is one of the most fun places to visit in Mombasa for picnics, camping, and nature trails as well. You will need at least an hour to tour this forest.

Arabuko Sokoke National Forest

22. Ruins of Gedi

This historical site dates back to the 15th century and was built under Arab rule. The village lies in ruins now but it gives an insight into the life of the time. It is one of the most interesting historical Mombasa tourist sites. The ruins include houses, mosques, palace, tombs, and more. The ruins also give insight into early Swahili architecture. You will need about 2 hours to tour this place.

Ruins of Gedi

23. Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church

This church was built in 1889 and is a good example of colonial architecture in Kenya. It exhibits features of several European architectural styles. You can partake in service projects at this church to serve the community. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to tour this church.

Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church

24. Diani Beach Art Gallery

This art gallery is dedicated to Kenyan and African artworks. You will see paintings, masks, textile art, woodcraft, art installations, fine art, sculptures, and more. It is one of the most popular tourist places in Mombasa for art admirers.

25. Centre For Heritage Development In Africa

This center is dedicated to the preservation of African culture and heritage. It is one of the most insightful tourist places in Mombasa. You can learn about the history of Africa and the evolution of culture, traditions, art, religion, and more. You will need 30 minutes to tour this place.

26. Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve

This marine park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mombasa for people who wish to explore the beauty of the world underneath the ocean surface. You can see fishes, corals, turtles, dolphins, and more. You can also go for boat tours, scuba diving, snorkeling, and other water activities. It will take you at least 2 hours to experience this place.

I suggest you should try to book a Day Trip to Ksite Marine Park.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve

27. Watamu Marine National Park

This marine park is best known for its boat tours. People can explore corals in a glass-bottom boat, go for kayaking or canoe ride, dive into the ocean, and spot dolphins. These are some of the best outdoor activities to do in Mombasa. You need 2 to 3 hours to experience this place.

I suggest you should book a Day Trip to Watamu Marine Park in advance.

Watamu Marine National Park

28. Sudi Island

This mangrove forest island is part of Watamu Marine Park. You can explore the mangrove forests through nature trails and boat rides. You also get to explore coastal villages and beaches on this island. It is among the must-visit places in Mombasa for nature lovers. You will need 2 hours to explore this island.

I suggest you should book a Day Tour to Sudi Island from Mombasa.

If you are looking for more things to do in Mombasa check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities that you can enjoy in and around the city.

Things to do in Mombasa

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Mombasa

  1. Fort Jesus
  2. Ruins of Gede
  3. Leven House
  4. Bombolulu Coast Workshop and Cultural Center
  5. Mombasa Memorial Cathedral
  6. National Museums of Kenya Rabai Museum
  7. Mandhry Mosque
  8. Mombasa Lighthouse
  9. Holy Ghost Cathedral
  10. Gombeshwar Temple
  11. Mombasa Old Town
  12. Nogomongo Village Park
  13. Diani Beach Art Gallery
  14. Centre for Heritage Development

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Mombasa

  1. Shimba Hills National Reserve
  2. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
  3. Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary
  4. Arabuko Kokoke National Reserve
  5. Tudor Creek
  6. Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve
  7. Tsavo National Park
  8. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
  9. Kisite Marine Park
  10. Watamu Marine Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Mombasa

  1. Haller Park
  2. Mamba Village Center
  3. Wild Water Amusement Park
  4. Mombasa Butterfly House
  5. Golden Key Casino
  6. Butterfly Pavillion
  7. Dhow Cruise

Shopping in Mombasa

  1. Kongowea Market
  2. Mombasa Mall
  3. Maasai market
  4. Mombasa Old Town
  5. Biashara Street
  6. Mwembe Tayari Road
  7. Nyali City Mall
  8. Bombolulu Workshop & Cultural Center
  9. Digo Road Market
  10. Diani Shopping Center
  11. Marikiti Market
  12. A1 Supermarket

Beaches & Island in Mombasa

  1. Diani Beach
  2. Nyali Beach
  3. Mombasa Island
  4. Mombasa Beach
  5. Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach
  6. Shelly Beach
  7. Mtwapa Beach
  8. Salama Beach
  9. Bumburi Beach
  10. Tudor Beach
  11. Shanzu Beach
  12. Tiwi Beach
  13. Wasini Island
  14. Pirates Beach
  15. Sudi Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Mombasa

  1. Wildlife Safari
  2. Hiking
  3. Camping
  4. Dhow Cruise
  5. Boat Cruise
  6. Scuba Diving
  7. Snorkeling
  8. Surfing
  9. Paragliding
  10. Kite Surfing
  11. Water Skiing
  12. Trekking
  13. Bird watching
  14. Windsurfing
  15. Sailing

Sightseeing in Mombasa

  1. Mombasa Tusks
  2. New Nyali Bridge
  3. Likoni Floating Bridge
  4. Mama Ngina Waterfront
  5. Makupa Beach

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Mombasa

  1. Arturo’s
  2. Imani Dhow
  3. Blue Room
  4. Pavillions
  5. Galaxy Chinese
  6. Cafesserie
  7. La Marina
  8. Sea Heaven
  9. Misono
  10. Forodhani
  11. The Moorings
  12. Eataly
  13. The Recoda
  14. La Veranda
  15. Shehnai
  16. Mashua
  17. Tamarind Dhow
  18. Thalassa
  19. Roberto’s

Where to Stay in Mombasa?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Mombasa. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Mombasa.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
  2. Neptune Beach Resort
  3. Voyager Beach Resort
  4. Serena Beach Resort & Spa
  5. Bamburi Beach Hotel
  6. PrideInn Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa
  7. PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa
  8. EnglishPoint Marina
  9. Travellers Beach Hotel & Club
  10. Tamarind Village Apartments

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Severin Sea Lodge
  2. Nyali Sun Africa Beach Hotel & Spa
  3. Baobab Holiday Resort
  4. PrideInn Hotel Nyali
  5. PrideInn Hotel Mombasa
  6. Mombasa Beach Hotel
  7. Royal Court Hotel
  8. The Reef Hotel Mombasa
  9. Nyali Beach Holiday Resort
  10. Bliss Resorts

Budget Hotels

  1. Nightingale Apartments
  2. Kahama Hotel Mombasa
  3. Cowrie Shell Beach Apartments
  4. Jacyjoka
  5. CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites
  6. Mombasa Continental Resort
  7. Sunset Paradise Holiday Homes By Blodriff
  8. Mei Place Apartments
  9. Moffat Court Boutique Hotel
  10. City Centre Hotel & Restaurant

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Mombasa

How to Reach Mombasa?

By Air

You can visit Mombasa via Moi International Airport. You can get direct flights to this airport from Bucharest, Frankfurt, Warsaw, Sofia, Nairobi, Zanzibar, Dubai, Moroni, Rome, Milan, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Prague, and a few more cities in Africa. You can get buses and cabs to reach Mombasa town from the airport.

By Road

You can get a direct train for Mombasa travel from Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and several other cities in Kenya. You can also get buses to reach Mombasa from several cities and towns in the country.

If you plan to visit Mombasa by road, you should head for routes A14, A109, or B8.

By Water

Despite being a port city, there are no water routes to reach Mombasa by ferry. The port is only for commercial ships. But you can get ferries to get to islands near the coast from the city.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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