Mombasa is a coastal city of Kenya along the Indian Ocean. The city is known as the white and blue city in Kenya. It is the country’s oldest and second-largest city, second largest city after Nairobi, offering travelers with exotic taste of the African tropics with a backdrop of centuries of seafaring history.
The cosmopolitan tourist destination is an island linked to the main land by Mombasa course way, bridges and ferries to the Kenyan coastline that stretches for miles along the mainland to the north and south coasts. The town beach resorts overlook the palm-populated shoreline adorned by shimmering coral reefs.
Tourists from across the world flock here to enjoy unending activities limited by travel time – from dolphin spotting trips on traditional dhows and deep-sea fishing to diving and snorkeling the wrecks and reefs and basking on the sun-splashed shores. But in the city itself, on the bustling island, a world of history and culture awaits.
With the largest port in East Africa, Mombasa is a cultural melting hotspot. All immigrants of British, Asian, Arabic, American, Omanis, Indian, and Chinese among others have enriched the city’s architecture and cuisine while many religious places of worship grace the city streets. In the Old Town, where fragrant spices waft from local markets, you can step back in time and explore the ancient buildings. Beyond the city, wildlife parks, villages, and ancient ruins round out the wealth of water-based fun.
Fort Jesus
Built by the Portuguese at the end of the 16th century at the southern edge of the town of Mombasa, over a spur of coral rock, and kept under their control for one century, Fort Jesus, Mombasa, bears testimony to the first successful attempt by Western civilization to rule the Indian ocean trade routes, which, until then had remained under Eastern influence.
The design of the fort, with its proportions, its imposing walls, and five bastions, reflects the military architectural theory of the Renaissance. Fort Jesus, Mombasa, bears physical witness, in its structures and subsequent transformations, also to the interchange of cultural values and influences between and among peoples of African, Arab, Turkish, Persian, and European origin that fought to gain and maintain their control over this strategic port.
Haller Park
This is a true recreational haven. Haller Park (formerly Bamburi Nature Trail) is located south of the Bamburi cement plant along the Mombasa /Malindi highway. Its dream come true of the company’s efforts, since 1971, to convert the barren landscape of disused limestone quarries into a vibrant and diverse ecosystem of forest, grasslands, and ponds.
Currently, Haller Park plays host to a variety of wildlife including; hippos, giraffes, buffalos, and antelopes as well as smaller mammals and birds. The Park consists of a Game Sanctuary, Reptile Park, a small demonstration Fish Farm area, Palm Garden, Crocodile pens, and a giraffe viewing platform, offering a variety of attractions at the various points to educate and entertain the over 160,000 visitors who visit the park every year.
The park also provides a home to various animal species from the cheeky Velvet monkeys to the graceful giraffe; Weaver birds, Kingfisher, Storks, Herons, Egrets, Owls, Eagles, Kites, Cranes, Ibis, Sandpipers the list is endless, Haller Park a must visit for all lovers bird.
The diversity of vegetation is considerable, from mangrove palms and majestic indigenous shade trees to coastal forests where several of these plants are rare and endangered; a haven for botanist. Yet each plant plays an important role in the overall harmony of the ecosystem.
Mombasa Marine National Park
Mombasa Marine Park is characterized by the warm azure ocean, swaying coconut palms on white sandy beaches. The park lies between the Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks and its blue waters ideal for windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and diving. They also provide a home to a colorful variety of marine species including; crabs, starfish, stonefish, cucumbers sea urchins, corals, turtles, seagrasses, and interesting migratory birds including crab plovers.
North coast Beaches
The coastline North of Mombasa is a world of enthralling history and natural beauty.
The coast is lined with pristine palm-fringed beaches and the calm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The beaches are broken by the wide mouth of Kilifi Creek, whose azure waters are a popular port of call on the international yachting circuit.
The beaches of Nyali, Vipingo, Kikambala and Shanzu are home to a wide range of World Class resorts with fine cuisine and services. The peaceful beach havens of Mtwapa and Takaungu offer an ideal escape from the outside world, with endless deserted beaches.
The offshore reefs are alive with coral, myriad fish, sea turtles and dolphins. Both outer and inner reef walls offer world class diving with spectacular coral gardens and drop offs, and Kenya’s best wreck diving on the MV Dania.
- Nyali beach – Located in Nyali, Nyali Beach Holiday Resort features 3-star accommodations with a private terrace and outdoor pool.
- Shanzu Beach – Shanzu Beach is north of Mombasa and is easily reached by bus, taxi or the traditional Tuk Tuk. However, there is only one entrance to the beach from the road, as it is otherwise surrounded by hotels.
- Bamburi Beach – Bamburi Beach has white soft sand and it lies north of the town of Mombasa. It is attractive with palm trees and it lies close to the well protected coral reefs.
Mombasa Old Town
Mombasa Old Town is an area of Mombasa, Kenya which is situated on the south-east side of Mombasa Island, the Old Town covers an area of 72 hectares, and is inhabited by a mix of local, Arab, Asian, Portuguese, and British settlers.
South Coast Beaches
The South Coast of Kenya offers a wide range of different options for the discerning beach-goer. From the wide, white sand beaches of Watamu and Diani, to the hidden coves of Funzi Keys and the secluded luxury of Msambweni and Kinondo Kwetu, there is something for everyone’s palate.
- Shelly Beach – Shelly Beach, just south of the Likoni Ferry, is the closest beach to Mombasa along the south coast.
- Tiwi Beach – Tiwi Beach, 17 km south of the Likoni Ferry, is a popular spot for sunbathers and snorkelers.
- Diani Beach – Diani Beach is the most developed area along this stretch, but still offers beautiful beachscapes.
Mombasa Tusks
They are giant aluminum tusks along Moi Avenue, were built to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth and marks the entrance to the heart of the city. The tusks were commissioned in commemoration of a visit to Mombasa by Queen Elizabeth in 1952 and have remained since that time.
Nguuni Nature Sanctuary Adventures
Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of African wildlife, this nature sanctuary is a beautiful place to explore with friends and family. A game drive around the sanctuary gives you a good view of the area; large Doum Palm crowned by Leopard Orchids are found scattered across the grasslands. Sit back and relax as we bring you within close range of the sanctuary’s diverse wildlife.
Mama Ngina Drive
The Mama Ngina Waterfront Park is a 26-acre waterfront space recently redeveloped into a modern public recreational area with several added amenities. It has become the first public landscaped waterfront. The space was initially a watching bay area that rose from a small cliff facing the Likoni channel and was a place for leisure resting, walking, jogging and riding.
The waterfront now features a palm tree-lined walkway from the Likoni Ferry Crossing in the south to the Mombasa Golf Club in the north. These two points act as both entry and exit points into the park and are marked by huge monumental gates.
Mamba Village
This is an awesome farm for crocodiles. Its tour starts with a movie on life cycle and behavior of crocodiles. This is followed by a comprehensive farm walk that ends with the highlight of the day – a spectacular scene of blood-thirsty crocodiles fighting for food during feeding.
Bombolulu workshops & Cultural centers
This is a non-profit organization that produces high standard crafts and gives vocational training to physically disabled people. Tourists are encouraged to visit the workshops and showroom to buy jewellery, leatherwork, sisal bags, carvings and textiles. To get there, use google maps or take the turn-off to the center about 3km north of Nyali Bridge. Also accessible through use of Bombolulu matatus operating from Msanifu Kombo Rd, and Bamburi
Mombasa Go-kart
Mombasa Go-Kart opened 2004 and is under Swiss Management. Located along Mombasa-Malindi Road, 1.5 km after hotel Whitesands beach hotel.
Pirate Beach
Pirates Beach is a magnificent public beach and a popular destination for beach lovers who want plenty of socializing and to experience a wide variety of entertainment. Officially known as Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach, Pirates Beach is a famous beach for many locals and family units who want to swim, relax and enjoy the extensive sandy beach Mombasa has to offer.
Casablanca Night Club
Of all the gin joints, in all the towns…walking into this one isn’t the worst thing you could do. Classy but still cheeky, Casablanca is wildly popular. And yes, it’s brimming with ladies of negotiable affection, but rumor has it that the late owner treated his resident girls so well, 300 of them turned up at his funeral.
Visit the markets
Mombasa is a coastal city of Kenya along the Indian Ocean. The city is known as the white and blue city in Kenya. Kongowea is also home to one of the largest open-air markets in the African Great Lakes.
- Kongowea
- Marikiti
- Maasai Market
Mombasa and generally coast province is tourist gem with other attractions in the extensive Tsavo eco- system, Taita hills, Shimba hills among others.
To visit Mombasa for holiday, and daily excursions send email to; connect@wakenyawataliitourstravel.com
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