Mombasa Kenya Ultimate Guide

Mombasa Kenya Ultimate Guide : Mombasa is a coastal city and the second – largest city in Kenya after Nairobi city – the capital of Kenya, Mombasa is not just a city but a tourist attraction / destination in Kenya.

Mombasa is situated on the Indian Ocean and is one of the best and most essential cities to visit during your Kenya trip, the city is also the oldest city in Kenya and one of the historically most important cities in Kenya.

Mombasa is an exotic paradise and one of the major tourist centers in Kenya offering a number of fun activities which gets everyone excited during their trip. The today Modern Mombasa city is a great coastal city districts, restaurants and lively nightlife.

As a visitor planning to visit Mombasa, here is an article to help you know more about this beautiful coastal city.

What to do in Mombasa City

Mombasa City is famously known for its exotic beaches and luxurious hotels and resorts situated along the coast of Indian Ocean, Mombasa offers countless activities, Mombasa Kenya Ultimate Guide

Things to Do in Mombasa – Kenya

Mombasa is a famous city / tropical destination for its exotic beaches and luxurious hotels and resorts along the coastal city, Mombasa offer limited beach activities as detailed below.

Mombasa Beaches

Mombasa is a beautiful tropical destination with several beautiful beaches popular for sun- bathing, swimming, walking or relaxing. Some of the fascinating beaches in Mombasa include Diani Beach, Bamburi beach and Nyali Beach. These beaches have great hotels and resorts found along the shore.

Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an unmissable site in Mombasa, the architecturally impressive building was constructed by the Portuguese in 1593 – 1596.

Fort Jesus was designed by the Italian Architect Cairti, the building reflects the Portuguese military architecture and was built in the shape of a man. During your visit to the Fort Jesus, you will enjoy a collection of ceramics and pottery that reflect the various cultures at the coast.

With the compound of sites, there are amazing battlement and derelict building including Omani House, a building with Omani Jewelry and displays on Swahili life.

Walking around Mombasa Old Town

Talking a stroll into the old town of Mombasa is a great way to meet people from different cultures, the old town’s residents are Asians, Arabs and Europeans. Walking around the town is also a great way to discover the narrow streets bordered by old building, you can go shopping at one of the many shops selling antiques, souvenirs, fragrance oils and spices, taste some of the local cuisines at the cafes around, Mombasa Kenya Ultimate Guide

Go Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Mombasa is a haven for marine activities including Kayaking and swimming offered on several beautiful beaches, Mombasa is a perfect destinations for tourists who want to experience a more adventurous activity such as Scuba diving and snorkeling.

You can also visit the Mombasa Marine National Park where you can see mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs and many marine creatures such as stingrays, lionfish seahorses and eels.

Visit Mamba Village Center

The Mamba Village Center is the largest crocodile farm in East Africa, the center offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating reptiles, have a horseback ride and visit the aquarium and also take a walk in the amazing botanical garden.

The botanical garden exhibits orchids, aquatic plants along with carnivorous species, watching crocodiles as they fight for food is one of the great experiences at Mamba Village Center.

Haller Park

Haller Park is a perfect site bird enthusiasts and animal lover, the park offers a great experience for family and friends where you will spot a variety of wildlife including giraffes, cape buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, hippos and more than 160 species of birds residing inside the park.

Dhow Trip to Wasini Island

The beautiful Wasini Island lies south of Mombasa and has an area of 5 square kilometers, the island is very popular for a dhow trip from Mombasa. The dhow trip is an exciting experience offering visitors an opportunity to see dolphins cruising along the wa, the trip is also a great idea to stop and snorkel near the coral reefs.

The Dhow trip also provides a cultural experience since ancient Swahili villages lie around, discover the Shimoni caves which are thought to have held slaves before being shipped to Arabia. You can also have a stop by Wasini Island for seafood.

Visit the Shimba Hills Reserve

Shimba Hills Reserve is a great gateway for a safari, the reserve is a home to a number of plant species, birds and animals. During a safari, visitors will be amazed by the beauty of the surrounding, the beautiful waterfalls, woodlands, savannah and rich rainforest. You will also spot elephants, leopards and sable antelopes.

Mombasa Tusks

Mombasa Tusks are monumental site in Mombasa city, the ivory-shaped monument was built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1952. These tusks are constructed of aluminum, the tusks are a famous landmark in Mombasa City marking the entrance to the center of the town.

What is the best time to visit Mombasa City?

The best time to visit this beautiful city for a holiday is from the end of August to October for anglers and from October to March for visitors interested in Scuba diving and snorkeling, Mombasa Kenya Ultimate Guide

In this period of the year, the water temperatures are quite comfortable making it perfect for water activities such as diving, snorkeling and swimming. Even in colder months, the waters are comfortable.

Normally sunshine hours in Mombasa City vary a little throughout the year ranging from 7 to 9 hours a day.

 The end of August to October is the perfect time for Anglers to catch the yellowfin tuna and for scuba divers and snorkelers. October to March is the best time to discover the marine life in the waters of the Indian Ocean.

Where to stay in Mombasa

Mombasa City has a variety of accommodation facilities to stay at ranging from hotels and resorts categories as luxury, midrange and budget.

Luxury Accommodation

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa

Serena Beach Resort & Spa

Voyager Beach Resort

Midrange Accommodation

Severin Sea Lodge

 Travellers Beach Hotel & Club

Bahari Beach Hotel

Budget Accommodation

BEST WESTERN PLUS Creekside Hotel

Kenya Bay Beach Hotel

Kahama Hotel