Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya. It's lively atmosphere combines a vibrant mix of culture, history and entertainment. I have visited Mombasa in November and in March and each time fell a little bit in love with the place. I have tried to make the most of my time there, tried to see as many places and do as many activities as possible. I have put together a list of my favourite things to do in Mombasa, which will hopefully help you with planning your trip.
Where to Stay?
We are lucky enough to have access to an apartment near Nyali Beach. I would recommend looking for hotels in either Nyali or Bamburi to be in the centre near shopping malls and cafes etc. You could also look at Diani for a day trip or a few nights stay but it is a little more out the way.
Things To Do in Mombasa:
If it is relaxation and beaches you want then there are an abundance of them. Personally, I struggle to sit still for any length of time so these are all the things we have done whilst out there.
Haller Park
Haller Park is a firm favourite when visiting Kenya, costing 2200kes entry per person (about £13) and allowing you to immerse yourself in the heart of the wild.
On entry, we enjoyed watching playful monkeys swinging from the trees and a large tortoise slowly wandering through the grounds (a worker at the park told us they quite like a chin tickle). The tortoises are around 150 years old (the oldest in Kenya) and are my favourite thing about the park - they just look so old, gentle and wise. We witnessed some people being quite rough with them and knocking on their shells - so please if you are visiting don't be a tw*t and do this! The monkeys antics are certainly cheeky but just make sure you keep an eye on your belongings as they can be known to steal things. We saw antelope freely roaming around the woodland area, allowing us to appreciate nature's beauty up close - but not too close as I have seen the horns on them 😐 and I would not like to be on the wrong end of them, let me tell you.
If Giraffes are your thing then you are in luck, there is an extensive viewing platform just outside the reception where you can observe the giraffes nibbling at the acacia leaves. You can also buy pellets from a guide to allow you to feed the giraffes, be careful though as more often than not the monkeys are on the scrounge for dropped pellets. There is also a reptile area where you can view snakes up close (behind glass, don't worry). One of the most popular attractions in the park is feeding time - and you can catch the hippos at 4pm and a crocodile show at 4.30pm.
Dive at Bamburi
Ready to dive into something exciting? Diving at Bamburi is the perfect option for beginners and seasoned divers. We always go with Tropical Diving and Watersports as they offer a range of different dive options. As a complete beginner, I got to practice in the pool before venturing out into the reef. And for more experienced divers, like my partner, who has been diving for years, there is the option to go out for deeper dives and explore areas like shark reef (yes you can see sharks). On your trip you will get to go to two different dive locations which was great for me to get a feel for things on my first time,. The coral reef and its rich biodiversity is home to tropical fish, majestic sea turtles, colourful lobsters hiding in the rocks, and sea cucumbers just chilling on the ocean floor - it really is an incredible sight.
The team there are wonderful and we always seem to be out with Josef as our dive instructor - someone who is so passionate and knowledgeable about marine life and the ecosystem. You can really sense his excitement when he spots something and is eager to show you. I would highly recommend doing this if you would like to discover more about the life in the Indian Ocean, I absolutely loved my first time diving here (so much so that I booked it again for the next day).
Snorkelling
If you don't quite feel ready to make the leap to diving then snorkelling is a great option and available from the same company as above - Tropical Diving and Watersports.
The team take you out to Coral Reef Garden on a glass bottom boat (you can opt to stay on the boat and feed the fish if you really don't like water, we had two people on our boat with us who did this). Coral Reef Garden is known for its vibrant marine life and allows you to see an abundance of creatures from the surface of the water. We spotted coral formations, colourful fish, starfish and sea anemones gently swaying. I am always amazed when I get an insight to this whole world that exists just under the surface of the water. I would say you are down there for around an hour, and our guide Bruno was excellent at showing us all the reefs to explore. On the journey back you stop at 'Paradise Island' a sandbank in the middle of the ocean for a walk and some photo opportunities. A brilliant day out.
Nguuni National Park
This was a new find for us in Mombasa and I was blown away, this place isn't as well known as it's counterpart - Haller Park, but it is equally as good. A completely different experience. Entry is 1000kes for tourists and 400kes for residents. Since the park is not overly popular you will find that it can be a brilliant spot to relax with a picnic and take in the nature around you. From the entrance to get to the main viewing point you can follow the grail trail - a 1.2km walk through the wilderness or you can drive up. We opted to walk and were petrified that we were going to bump into an ostrich on the way (we didn't realise that they would all be at the viewing point, although I do think they are free to roam in the evenings). Although we didn't get intercepted by an ostrich we did spot a squirrel and lots of beautiful butterflies. This is the really cool part - at the viewing area the animals are just allowed to roam around with no fences to keep them apart from the public. There will be ostrich, giraffes, oryx and waterbuck - there are guides nearby to make sure you don't get too close and to offer some interesting information on the animals that roam there. Feeding of the giraffes is usually at 4pm but I think this can vary, this is very popular and a perfect opportunity to grab some epic photos.
Bringing a picnic to the park is encouraged as there is nowhere to buy food once inside (you can buy drinks from the kiosk), and there are lots of little shelters where you can sit and eat but you might get an inquisitive ostrich popping by to check out what you are eating. At first being so close to the ostrich was a bit daunting but you get used to it after a while and realise that they're are probably used to seeing people on a daily basis - but still remain wary as one kick could send you flying into space. The guides are really knowledgeable and even let us into a post that we usually wouldn't have access to - this allowed us to get up close to the older giraffes Faraha and Louis - who have just had an adorable baby who was also present. You can also camp here but this must be pre booked and you need to take all of your equipment. Nguuni is a hidden gem and thrilling day out - it is somewhere I will definitely return to on my next visit.
Sunset Sundown at Nguuni
If you visit Nguuni National Park it is possible to book to stay for a sundowner session. Now, it says that you must book in advance but when we were there we were told to just arrive around 4, pay for entry into the park and then to let one of the guides know that you would like to stay - but to keep yourself right I would try to book if you want to ensure you get the experience. This will cost an extra 3500 for up to 20 people. It was really quite busy when we were there, including a big birthday party, but the space is big enough for you all to enjoy and view all the animals. The giraffes come over for their feeding and then tend to wander away into the bush for the evening but the ostriches stay around hoping to steal some snacks or scraps from peoples picnics. You can stay cosy around the bonfire as the sun goes down.
Safari at Tsavo East
We book our safari trips through African Mosaic Tours, who will pick you up from your hotel in Mombasa, usually at around 5am to begin the 2-3 hour drive to the park entrance at Bachuma gate. The drive to the park includes a stop off at a souvenir shop where you can buy some snacks and have breakfast - which I would take full advantage of because the next time you get the opportunity to eat will be at lunch in the park. This amazing experience cost around $250 (£180) but this can fluctuate depending on how many people are in your group, in my opinion that is absolutely worth every penny for the experience and the opportunity to see some of the planets most incredible animals like lions, elephants, buffalo and leopards. Every moment upon entering the park is spent with eager anticipation of spotting these big animals thriving in their natural habitat. We were very lucky this time to spot around 20 lions resting in the bushes escaping from the hot sun - both times I have been it has been very hot in the afternoons so the lions have been quite sleepy, they tend to do their hunting in the morning or evenings - which I would very much love to see. After around two hours of driving around the park you will stop for lunch at Sentrim Tsavo East camp for a delicious buffet lunch. This spot is truly special as it looks on to a watering hole where the elephants often come by to drink and have a splash to cool down. As you eat, you can watch these gentle giants up close or visit the viewing platform for an extensive view out onto the plains. After that you will begin your journey out, your guide will try his best to take you to places that he knows there has been recent sightings. You should expect to leave the park at around 4ish and then the long journey home begins. This experience is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a greater appreciation for Kenya's incredible biodiversity.
Nyali Beach
If you are looking for a bit more of a relaxing day then choosing to spend a day at Nyali Beach is a great option. Known for its golden white sands and beautiful scenery it provides the perfect place to relax and have fun. You will find lively beach bars and restaurants along the shore, serving up delicious food and yummy cocktails. Some of the beach bars even have pools if you wanted to cool down and chill there where you still had views on the beach and ocean. The waves tend to be quite calm in the morning and turning rougher in the afternoon so if you are hoping for a swim I would aim to get it done early. You will find the beach buzzing with local vendors selling souvenirs, trips and coconuts - it is advisable to keep some small change for these.
Check Out Old Town Mombasa
If you are in Mombasa then you really must visit the historic Old Town. A lively spot that gives an insight into Kenya's coastal history. Right in the middle you will find Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shows off the colonial past and key role in the sea trade. The architecture of Fort Jesus is particularly interesting as it is shaped like a person with his head facing the ocean, observing all who come in. It costs around 400kes to get in and you can wander through the different areas, including a museum filled with artifacts about the fort's history with a mix of Arab, Portuguese and British culture that shaped Mombasa. My highlights were the huge whale skeleton, the incredible views from the forts walls and the huge Omani door.
But Fort Jesus is just a small part of the Old Town, the area is full of lively markets, cute shops with local crafts and souvenirs, narrow winding streets and local restaurants - definitely worth a day of exploring.
Take a Trip to Malindi
If you want to continue your adventure outside of Mombasa, then why not take a trip to the coastal town of Malindi for a mix of adventure and chill vibes. Malindi is only a three hour drive from Mombasa and full of traces of its former glory when the big hotels were buzzing with tourism and activity. Each hotel shows its own story and you can just imagine the lively events that took place there. Malindi also has a large choice of local restaurants and bars which are worth checking out. One of the best things to do near here is to visit the famous Hell's Kitchen - a natural wonder with dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations. The area has deep canyons and vibrant red sandstone, creating an image slightly like walking on Mars. You gain entry for 500KES and then to hire a guide is another 500KES on top of that but it is recommended for their extensive knowledge. You should be prepared for a pretty demanding hike in some extreme temperatures, as you descend into the valley it feels like it gets hotter and hotter. Also known as Kenya's Grand Canyon and you can see just why from the pictures.
How To Get Around
Tuktuks - you will never be far away from a Tuktuk. Expect about 200 bob for a short journey
Uber - is up and running here and really easy to use. You can book all kinds of journeys on Uber including Tuktuks
Top Tips & Useful Info
Always carry some small notes as you will very rarely get change from tuktuk drivers or beach boys
Tipping - it is not necessarily a big tipping culture but small tips go a long way
Naturally, you will get people coming to sell things on the beach but they aren't as bad as south coast. Tend to take no for an answer
Mombasa has good modern shops & supermarket
It is generally safe to walk around but I'd remain wary and keep your wits about you at night
By law you need to always carry your passport - it has been known for police to stop tourists and look for any reason to fine them or to get some money out of them
Where to Eat in Mombasa
Char Choma - a beautiful setting & experience. You choose your meat cuts from their on site butcher and they cook them up to your liking. We sat upstairs where we could look down onto the stage with the live band. We were given a beef broth on the house to start with & a desert on house. Really beautiful setting & value for money
Maasii Beach Restaurant - good traditional African Kenyan meats. Live band and entertainment in the evenings
Yuls - beautiful setting in Bamburi beach club. Lovely fresh food with beach views, I particularly enjoy the bruschetta and chicken satay
10 Street - bar snacks. Food is served 24 hours. They do a very tasty chicken tikka
Caffasaire - good breakfast options & coffee. WiFi. You will find a lot of people working from here
List of Pools You Can Use
Pine Breeze Holiday Resort - 300kes
Reef Hotel - 1000kes to use the pool (which is a bit steep I think especially if you are spending the day eating and drinking there)
Char Choma Restaurant - 500kes
I guess Mombasa will always be a special place to me and from the list above, I am sure you can see why. An incredible place with lots of fun things to do. I really hope you have enjoyed this read and that it helps you plan your trip there. As always if there are any questions or feed back feel free to leave a comment. And any likes, shares & comments are appreciated.
Happy Adventuring 🦁
