10 places to visit in Mombasa

Mombasa is the third-largest city in Kenya. It is a paradise that attracts tourists with its breathtaking beaches, rich cultural heritage, and profusion of wildlife. It is situated along the Kenyan coast along the Indian Ocean. It is a perfect Kenya safari destination for travellers looking for leisure, adventure, and cultural immersion. You will find Mombasa to be a perfect destination due to its various attractions. The top Kenya safari attractions in Mombasa will be discussed in this post to help in assisting you with a memorable vacation.Mombasa Ocean view.avif

Fort Jesus

Fort Jesus is one of the top attractions in Mombasa with a rich history. Fort Jesus is located right at the seafront. The Portuguese constructed it in the sixteenth century and have seen centuries of trade, conquests, and cross-cultural interactions. Fort Jesus today has a Museum, which provides tourists with a display of the historical part of Mombasa. The museum has the maritime history of Mombasa on display through a sizable collection of artefacts and exhibitions. The military presence of the Fort is shown in its layout, massive ramparts, and elaborate stonework.  You will be rewarded with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the Mombasa city skyline.

Visit Diani Beach

A trip to Mombasa would not be complete without stopping at the renowned Diani Beach. Diani Beach, which is well-known for its white sands, waves, and palm-lined trees, provides a tropical paradise to visitors who wish to enjoy the coastal life. Diani Beach has something for everyone, from diverse water sports such as windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and many more, making it a good choice for both adventure and relaxation. Enjoy a cool cocktail while lounging in the warm sun under a beach umbrella. Other water sports activities include: snorkelling, scuba diving, and kiteboarding. You can also see dolphins and sea turtles during your boat tours.Diani Beach.avif

Mombasa Marine National Park

Mombasa Marine National Park is another great destination in Mombasa for marine lovers.  This protected marine reserve is situated just off the coast of Mombasa. It is a sanctuary for marine biodiversity and undersea research.  To fully immerse yourself in the world beneath the waters, put on your snorkelling equipment or go scuba diving.  A kaleidoscope of coral reefs, waving sea fans, and a variety of tropical fish species. Some of the notable species to look out for are the elusive seahorses that lurk among the corals or the magnificent sea turtles that glide through the water with grace.

Mombasa Marine National Park provides glass-bottomed boat cruises to see the aquatic species.

Visit Mombasa Old Town

When in Mombasa, visit the Old Town to learn about the history and cultural background of the town.  The Swahili architecture, narrow streets, and markets that are found in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mombasa Old Town has its buildings designed with their carved entrances, wooden balconies, and traditional Swahili homes.  The architectural styles showcase the mix of different cultures in Mombasa, from the Arab, European, and African influences.

Haller park

Haller Park was transformed from a limestone quarry to a sanctuary for ecological restoration and wildlife conservation.  This sanctuary is situated at the outskirts of Mombasa, and it is home to several rescued animals and planted trees that have changed the previous wasteland into a beautiful natural world.  Take a guided tour of Haller Park accompanied by rangers. A walk around the gardens or around its nature trails, you will see a number of wildlife species such as giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, a variety of reptiles and bird species. In addition to being an animal sanctuary, Haller Park serves as a hub for sustainable practices and environmental education. A Giraffe.avif

Mombasa Beaches

Sun-bleached sand and protected marine parks abound along Kenya’s coastline.  Dolphins gambol beyond the reef as palm trees wave their fronds over a lapis lazuli sea.  You will feel completely removed from the bustle and traffic of the city if you take a vacation to the beach in Mombasa.  Bamburi and Nyali, which are located just outside the city to the north, are Mombasa’s nicest beaches.  Mombasa beaches are a tropical paradise, with a variety of sizable hotels and dining options. However, because of their proximity to Kenya’s second-largest city, they are congested, and you might find it difficult to deal with the many beach boys vying for your business.  Usually, a basic “Hapana asante” is adequate.

A Mombasa Beach.avif

Nyali Wild Waters

Go to the sea in the summer heat, but if your kids are tired of the beach, Nyali Wild Waters is a fantastic wet alternative.  It is simple, but it has about twenty twisting slides that drop you five feet into the water, as well as a long, lazy river where you can float on a raft and look up at the azure sky. It is appropriate for the whole family because it has a small children’s play park and a rain dancing area. Even if you only want to swim and don’t want to utilise the slides at all, you may still attend for a minimal price and enjoy food and drinks on-site. Except for Mondays, the park is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.

Tour Mamba Village

There are other animals in the biggest crocodile farm in East Africa. You can ride horses or camels on the “farm,” take a tour around the aquarium and botanical garden, or visit the café to sample some of the park’s inhabitants. The restaurant serves game meat, such as ostrich, zebra, and crocodile.  All species of African crocodiles may be seen in the park at Mambas Village, Mombasa. Although the crocodiles spend most of their time lying in the sun, there is some snappish excitement during the daily crocodile feeding as the vicious killers battle for fresh meat.

Crocodiles in Mamba Village.avif

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is a park and animal sanctuary located close to Nguu Tatu Hills on the north shore of Mombasa. It is a ten-minute drive from Bamburi and is home to a variety of African species. It is also a great choice for game drives, where visitors can see ostriches, giraffes, elands, and oryxes among other wildlife species. It has a designated picnic area for camping. For visitors on birding safaris, they might see the  Egyptian geese, yellow-billed storks, and pink-backed pelicans, among other avian species. If you visit during a specific season, you will see some unique species like whistling ducks, which are spotted in July and August, whereas long-tailed cormorants can be found in January and February.

Ostrich Head.avif

Mombasa Tusk

In Mombasa, there is a monument known as the Mombasa Tusks that stands over Moi Avenue.  It is also referred to as “Pembe za Ndovu” in Swahili, which means elephant tusks.  It was initially constructed to imitate elephant tusks using wood.  However, it has just been rebuilt with aluminium to form an M, which coincidentally represents the initial letter in Mombasa.  The original monument was built in 1952 by the British government in Kenya to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit.  The monument was constructed on the road that led to the Queen’s residence at the Mombasa Yachting Club.  The monument is a well-known attraction that is free to visit and open year-round.

Mombasa Tusks (1).avif

 Conclusion

Kenya is a great safari choice for people of all ages, from family vacations, safari tours, holiday safaris, group safaris, to solo visitors. There are various places to visit depending on your preferences or what you want to see. You can also choose nearby places to visit to sample what Kenya has to offer, like visiting Nairobi National Park, which is just within the city if you are in Nairobi for a short stay, on transit or in the capital for business. Mombasa remains the ultimate choice for most people who would wish to experience the coastal vibe, the white sandy beaches and the tropical climate.

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