Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, in the south-east of the country, Mombasa is Kenya's oldest city and second-largest city. A historic trading port, it is renowned for its cultural blend and stands as one of the country's finest beach destinations. Discover everything there is to do and see during a stay in Mombasa.

Must-do activities in Mombasa

Explore the old town of Mombasa

Most of Mombasa's points of interest are located in the old town, renowned for its architecture reflecting the diverse influences of the peoples who shaped the city. You'll see charming winding streets and delightful houses with pastel-coloured facades.

You can begin your stroll at the Mombasa Tusks (better known as Pembe Mbili or Pembe za Ndovu) located on Moi Avenue. A true symbol of the city, these are impressive elephant tusks shaped like an M, built in 1952 to commemorate visits by the British royal family.

We recommend then heading to Fort Jesus, a fortress built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596 to protect the entrance to the harbour. It was later used as a prison following the country's independence. Today, Fort Jesus houses a museum where you can learn more about the city's colonial history.

Among other buildings worth seeing in old Mombasa are:

• Mombasa Memorial Cathedral,

• Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple,

• Basheikh Mosque, 

• Mombasa Mosque.

Good to know:
Mombasa is divided into several areas: the old town located on an island and the modern city on the mainland. To explore the old town of Mombasa, you can take one of the bridges in the north or catch a ferry from the south of the island.

Sample local delicacies and shop for handicrafts at the markets

There's nothing better than exploring the city's markets to soak up the culture and discover local specialities. You can taste regional culinary delicacies blending African, Arab, Indian and European influences such as samosas, mandazis, nyama choma, ugali... and also pick up travel souvenirs.

Head to Biashara Street for this. This commercial street in the city centre is the perfect place to sample Kenyan specialities and pick up some handicrafts. You'll find batik fabrics, beaded jewellery, traditional garments (such as kangas for women and kikois for men)...

To the west of the city, you'll also find the Akamba Handicraft Village where you can discover woodcarvers' workshops. In addition to finding travel souvenirs, you can watch the artisans at work.

Finally, don't miss the spice market that stretches along Nehru and Langoni streets, west of the old town. You'll find all sorts of spices including cardamom, pepper, turmeric, curry... A little further along Langoni Road, you'll also find several street food stalls.

Relax on the beaches

The Mombasa region is known for being home to some of Kenya's most beautiful beacheswith the most famous being Diani Beach. Located around 30 km south of the city, it has everything to dream about: endless stretches of white sand, countless giant palm trees, turquoise waters… It's no wonder it's been voted among Africa's best beach destinations several times over.

Among other paradise beaches to discover around Mombasa, there are Tiwi Beach which has kept a wild setting and laid-back atmosphere, as well as Bamburi Beach and Nyali Beach which are known for being more authentic as they're favoured by locals.

Good to know:
Not the type to lounge for hours on the beach? Want to get moving and feel the adrenaline? Mombasa's beach resorts are excellent spots for water sports. Surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding... You won't be bored!

Go scuba diving or snorkelling

The Mombasa region has 3 national marine reserves:

• Mombasa Marine Park,

• Diani Chale National Marine Reserve and

• Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. 

Whether you're a beginner or experienced diver or simply want to go snorkelling, you'll find something perfect for enjoying the beauty of the region's underwater life. You'll see plenty of fish as well as sea turtles and sometimes pelagic species such as dolphins, whales and sharks. There are also a few wrecks including FV Arab Trader, MV Globe Star and MV Dania.

Note:
Not keen on diving? You can always book a dhow cruise, the traditional Kenyan sailing vessel, to enjoy the coastline from a different perspective. Most excursions also include some snorkelling stops.

Take a safari excursion in national parks near the city

A trip to Kenya is incomplete without a wildlife safari. Among the national parks and wildlife reserves for a safari from Mombasa and to combine a beach stay and safari circuit in Kenya, we recommend:

• Shimba Hills National Reserve : located just 33 km from Mombasa, it's the closest park for a safari. This reserve is known for being home to the country's largest elephant population. The site also shelters other species (giraffes, primates, colobus monkeys, zebras...).

• Tsavo East National Park : located 160 km from Mombasa, it's Kenya's largest protected area. The Big 5 are all here, and you'll get to see the famous « red elephants » (elephants covered in laterite soil).

• Amboseli National Park : located over 400 km from Mombasa, near the Tanzanian border, it's one of Kenya's most beautiful national parks. It offers a stunning view of Kilimanjaro and allows you to see impressive elephant herds along with many herbivores, migratory birds and occasionally some big cats.

• Masai Mara National Reserve : if you want to witness the phenomenon of the great migration in Kenya, then this is where you need to plan a wildlife safari (during July and August). It's also the best place to meet the Masai people. Note that the park is located over 700 km from Mombasa.

Good to know:
Short on time? You can always visit Mombasa's Haller Park. Located in Bamburi, not far from the city, it's a zoological and botanical park where you can observe animals found in the region. You'll see giraffes, oryx, impalas, monkeys and giant tortoises living freely... Only a few animals are in enclosures such as hippopotamuses, crocodiles and buffalo.

Practical information: how and when to go to Mombasa?

How to get to Mombasa?

You can easily reach Mombasa from Europe. Indeed, several airlines offer flights to Moi International Airport, located just 10 km from the city.

You can also reach Mombasa from the capital, Nairobi, by road or by train. Note that there are also daily domestic flights.

What is the best time to visit Mombasa?

Enjoying high sunshine and mild temperatures year-round, you can visit Mombasa throughout the year. However, it's best to avoid the rainy seasons in April and May and in November and December.

Ideal for enjoying the beaches and combining your stay with a safari in national parks and wildlife reserves in the south? January, February, July, August and September.

How long to spend in Mombasa?

The city itself (particularly the historic centre) can be visited in a single day. But if you want to enjoy beach pleasures and relax on the surrounding beaches, we recommend staying at least 3 to 4 days.

Where to stay to visit Mombasa?

Although old Mombasa is worth visiting, we recommend finding accommodation along the coast, on the beach. Not only will you enjoy a more pleasant and peaceful natural setting, but you can also easily plan a day trip to visit the city centre's must-see sites.

Opt for the north coast for more authenticity and calm, and choose accommodation on the south coast to enjoy all the tourist amenities.