Mombasa is a coastal city in southeastern Kenya, and is the oldest and second largest city of the country. A must see tourist spot because of its rich history and unmatched beauty, it is home to a number of destinations that all travel lovers must visit. Here are some of those amazing places!
- Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus is the most popular tourist destination in Mombasa. It was built between 1593 and 1596 by the Portuguese to protect against the Ottomans. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds artifacts from the slave trade and the british colonial era. Tourists can see displays from the 16th century and visit museums where they can learn about the rich history of the region. They can see exhibits such as African and Indian pottery, Chinese artifacts, 18th and 19th century bronze cannons, Arabic military equipment, and archeological finds from the Kenyan coast.
- Nyali Beach
This serene and peaceful nyali beach is the perfect tourist destination. This sandy beach is ideal for relaxing and enjoying activities like picnics, sunbathing, and yoga. The views of the ocean are stunning, and tourists can find world class resorts, hotels, and lodges to stay at. They can enjoy activities such as boating, swimming, surfing, diving, and snorkeling, or go to the spa!
- Hindu Temples
Mombasa is home to several beautiful temples (mandirs) where its Hindu population goes. Visitors can explore the temples with a guide, and can see artifacts, idols, and paintings. They can visit Shri Kutch Satsang Temple, which is the oldest mandir of Swaminarayan Hinduism outside India, or New Dwarika Dham Temple which also has a vegetarian restaurant nearby.
- Nguuni Sanctuary
The Nguuni Nature sanctuary is home to stunning wildlife including giraffes, elands, oryx, and waterbucks, as well as beautiful birdlife. The wetlands have small lakes where tourists can enjoy bird watching, while the grassland offers scenic views of the greenery.
- Wild Waters
Wild Waters is a must-see park for tourists as they can enjoy water slides, and water sports. The food courts offer delicacies from all over the world, and the coffee shop serves warm drinks.
- Mamba Village Centre
This village is the largest crocodile farm in Africa, and is home to over 1000 crocodiles. It is also home to Big Daddy, its largest Crocodile in Mamba Village Mombasa that is over 100 years old and weighs around 800kgs! Here, tourists can also enjoy horseback rides, visit a botanical garden, or observe a great aquarium which has a wide variety of colorful fish and water plants.
- Haller Park
Haller park is a nature park in Mombasa where tourists can enjoy watching animals such as zebras, hippos, waterbucks, giraffes, tortoises, bushpigs, elands, oryxes, and cape buffalos.
- Mombasa Marine National Park
With scenic views of the crystal clear water, swaying palm trees, and the white sandy beach, Mombasa marine national park is an ideal tourist spot for enjoying exciting activities such as windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Here, tourists can find stunning marine animals such as crabs, starfish, stone fish, sea urchins, and sea turtles, as well as the coral reef.
- Bamburi Beach
The scenic and sandy Bamburi beach is amazing for beach walks, volleyball, football, diving, and deep sea fishing. Tourists can enjoy relaxing on the beach, engaging in water sports, and reveling in the breathtaking beauty of the region. The beach is home to excellent resorts where one can stay.
- Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba hills is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa, and is one of the top-rated spots for tourists. Rich in flora and fauna, it is home to animals such as the African elephant, Sable antelope, elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and fruit bats. It is also excellent for bird watching as tourists can spot Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop.