15 COOL THINGS TO DO IN MOMBASA (2023)

Mombasa is an island and one of the most beautiful cities in Kenya.It is close to some of the beach beaches in East Africa and it is cultural gem to explore. In this guide you will find some advice on the best things to do in Mombasa, how to get there and some of my photos and videos to help you preparing your visit to this incredible Kenyan city.

Mombasa was the capital city of East Africa before Nairobi was elevated to capital status in 1907. It is known as the “ white and blue city” in Kenya and boasts a rich diverse mix of cultural influences.

Mombasa is the oldest town in Kenya and due to its strategic position for trading it has been controlled by different countries. As you walk trough the city and Old Town you can see British, Portuguese, Indian and Arab influences in the different architectural designs.

It is home and close to some of the best beaches in the country and it is perfect for a cultural beach vacation on the Kenyan coast.

Mombasa was without a doubt one of my favorite places when I visited Kenya.

MOMBASA LOCATION

Mombasa is an island in southeastern Kenya on the Indian Ocean. It is located in Mombasa island and it is separated from mainland by two creeks.

Find here a pin with the location of Mombasa.

HOW TO GET TO MOMBASA

Mombasa has an international airport and it is possible to get direct flights to Mombasa from several international locations.

You can get to Mombasa from Nairobi by domestic flight, bus or train.

It is located very close to the Tanzanian border and there are direct buses from Tanga and Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, making it perfect to make a combined visit to both countries.

Check out this two weeks in Kenya itinerary if you are planning to explore the country further.

THINGS TO DO IN MOMBASA

VISIT FORT JESUS

Fort Jesus is the most visited landmark in Mombasa and it was declared a World UNESCO heritage site in 2011.

Fort Jesus was built between 1593 and 1596 by order of King Felipe II of Castille to guard the Old Port of Mombasa.

The Fort is made of lime mortar and coral rock and it was built following the shape of a man, when viewed from the air and it is consider a masterpiece of its kind.

Fort Jesus went through successive invasions along its history and was dominated by the Oman and British people until it went back to Kenyan people and become a the tourist site that is nowadays.

There is a museum inside with several historic objects and paintings and due to its strategic location the place has some stunning views over Tudor Creek.

The place has some stunning views over Tudor Creek and the Nyali residential area.

It can get very hot in Mombasa and most of the visit is open air so I recommend to visit Fort Jesus early morning.

There some tourism students that offer their services as guides at the entrance for a very fair price. I highly recommend taking a guide during your visit. I took a girl who was studying tourism in Nairobi and she was doing her stage at the Fort and I was impressed by her historical knowledge and willing to please me during the tour.

Visiting Fort Jesus is one of the most educational things you can do in Mombasa.

WALK AROUND MOMBASA OLD TOWN

Mombasa Old Town is the area surrounding Fort Jesus. It was declared a World UNESCO heritage site in 1997 and it consists of a collection of buildings from the 18^th century combining African, Arabic and European influences.

Many of the buildings have Arab style beautiful carved doors and colonial style balconies. There are several landmarks in Mombasa Old Town, such as the oldest club in Kenya built in 1897.The club was at that time exclusive for European.

Some of other important landmarks in Mombasa Old Town are: Ali’s Curio market that was built in 1898 and it was the first police station in Mombasa, Africa hotel, built in 1900, the oldest hotel in Kenya and the Mandhry mosque that is the oldest mosque in Mombasa.

There are also so beautiful shops around the Mombasa Old Town and great restaurants. Old Town is one of the main tourists attractions in Mombasa.You can see my own experience walking around Mombasa Old Town on this video.

CHECK OUT THE OLDEST MOSQUE IN MOMBASA

The Mandry Mosque is the oldest mosque in Mombasa and it was built in 1570. It is the third recorded Mosque in Mombasa and it is located in Mombasa Old Town.

Unfortunately the mosque cannot be visited inside but you can always admire the outside structure of the mosque.

VISIT THE FIRST HOTEL IN KENYA

The Africa hotel is located jut 5 minutes walk and it is the oldest hotel in Kenya. It was built in 1900 and you can visit inside if you would like to have a journey into the past.

TRY SOME SPICES AT MARIKITI MARKET

The Marikiti market is located just 350 meters distance from Mombasa Old Town and it was opened in 1914. It is also called Mackinnon market and much of the materials used in its construction come from Bristol.

The market is one of the main tourist attractions in Mombasa and it is visited often by tourists as it is part of some of Mombasa walking tours.

The highlight for tourists is trying Baobab seeds (mabuyu) and Macadania. You can also buy several other delicious spices and coffee. Vendors are usually super nice and helpful.

TAKE SOME PHOTOS AT THE MOMBASA TUSKS

The Mombasa Tusks, Pembe Za Ndovu, in Swahili, are one of the most iconic places in the city. There are four elephant ( not original ) tusks on a M shaped across the road.

The tusks were built in 1950 to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II. The original tusks were some wooden structures and nowadays they have been modified into four aluminium tusks.

The Mombasa Tusks are located 15 minutes walking from the Old Town on the Moi Avenue.

EAT SOME STREET FOOD

Mombasa is famous for it street food, you can find delicious samosas and grilled octopus among others.

Go on your own or book a Mombasa street food tour. I am sure you will not get disappointed.

VISIT THE SHIVA TEMPLE

Mombasa has a large Hindu population and there are several Hindu temple in Mombasa. The Shiva temple is locate in Nkruma road in the center of Mombasa and it features a beautiful garden with Hindu sculptures.

You access the temple for free and give a donation for the visit.

There are thousands of pigeons inside the temple garden as they feed them there.

FEED GIRAFFES AT THE HALLER PARK

The Haller park is located in the Nyali area and it is an oasis of serenity in the middle of busy Mombasa.

The park was originally an abandoned area full of garbage and Dr Rene Haller in collaboration with The Bamburi Portland cement company transformed the bar into the ecological marvel that is today.

There are several trails where you can hike and admire different trees and plant species. There are some animals in captivity in the park and you can see how they feed them.

The most popular is the feeding of the giraffes that happens around 15:00, but you must check with the reception in case the feeding times have changed when you visit the place.

You can get some food for less than one euro and feed yourself the giraffes, which is a really cool experience and one of the best things to do when visiting Mombasa.

There is crocodile and hippopotamus feeding as well.

SCUBA DIVE

Mombasa and its surrounding areas are a top world destination for scuba diving. There are three

marine reserves in Mombasa region: The Mombasa Marine Park, Diani Chale Marine National Reserve and Kisite Mpunguti Marine park.

ADMIRE THE STUNNING HINDU DESIGNS AT SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE

This Hindu temple is also located in Mombasa center and can be visited for free. You can give a donation if you wish.

The temple entrance doors are beautifully carved in eye catching colors and it as a very beautiful prayer and meditation room on the second floor.

You must remove your shoes to enter the temple.

HAVE A PICNIC WITH GIRAFFES AT NGUUNI NATURE SANCTUARY

This was in my opinion the coolest thing to do in Mombasa. It was a restoration project also carried out but Dr Rene Haller, the same person who restored Haller park.

It is recognized nowadays by the Eden Project as one of the most effective restoration projects in the world.

What it was a full of garbage quarry in the past has been transformed into a natural reserve with several animals and plant species.

There are 10 giraffes living in the park and they are able to walk free in the nature reserve as all the other animals in the park.

Having a picnic in the park at Sunset is allowed.

SPEND A DAY IN NYALI BEACH

Mombasa has several beaches but the most popular and close to the center it is Nyali beach.

There is nothing better than taking a beach break when you are on a tight sightseeing schedule.

Nyali beach is the perfect place to do this. It is a long white sand beach where you can have a long walk and enjoy the local live, as a lot of local people go there.

It can get pretty crowded, mostly on the weekends and festive days. If you are looking for a more quite alternative you can try Diani beach, at around 40 Km away from Mombasa.

VISIT THE KONGOWEA MARKET

The Kongowea market is a one of the biggest, if not the biggest open market in East Africa. You can find everything here. From clothes, to bags and vegetables you could spend hours going around the market and finding new things.

There are beautiful graffitis inside the market where you can take a nice picture. It is not a big tourist attraction Mombasa yet, so you can walk the market and get immersed in the local culture.

GO ON A MATATU RIDE

Matatus are the local buses in Kenya and you cannot leave Kenya without having a Matatu ride.

The Matatus are painted with artistic graffitis. It is also a very cool experience going around taking some nice photos of different Matatus art design.

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO DIANI BEACH

I have traveled the Kenyan coast from South to North and Diani beach is without a doubt the best beach in Kenya, in my opinion. If you are spending a few days in Mombasa do not forget to do at least a day trip to Diani beach. There are plenty of things to do in Diani beach and I can assure you will get enthralled by its beauty.

PLACES TO EAT IN MOMBASA

Kenyan food is very tasty and has Indian influences. I love eating local when I am traveling Kenya.

Some of my favorite restaurants in Mombasa are:

Mama Siti – This place is located in the Nyali area. The place is very local and has very affordable prices. Food is really fresh as there are always lots of people coming to eat in the restaurant.

You can buy delicious Tamarind juice, My favorite dish here is “Nyama Choma”, grilled goat meat. They serve also delicious samosas.

Maasai beach bar and restaurant – This restaurant is located at the Nyali beach seafront and serves local and international dishes.

There are some live bands performance of local and international music and it is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset at the beach while enjoying some culinary delicacy.

Fire and Ice – This restaurant is located very close to the Marikiti market and serves my favorite samosas in Mombasa.

Camel’s Joint– This restaurant is located just in front of Fort Jesus entrance. It is more of a touristic restaurant. My favorite dish here was the creme tomato soup.

WHERE TO STAY IN MOMBASA

MOMBASA FAQs & TIPS

WHAT IS MOMBASA BEST KNOWN FOR?

Mombasa is famous for its beaches and cultural activities. It is the second largest city in Kenya and the most popular tourist destination in Kenya.

HOW MANY DAYS ARE ENOUGH FOR MOMBASA?

This is a very difficult question to answer as it depends on how much you want to see. I would recommend a minimum of 5 days to cover all the main landmarks and activities on a relaxed manner.

IS MOMBASA SAFE?

My own experience in Mombasa was feeling safe. But as all big cities I would recommend taking cautions with your stuff, mostly when you are crossing the road as there are motorbike thefts reported. Also avoid walking alone at night or even going out at night at all if possible.