Known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, Mombasa has been a major hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries. Mombasa is located on the coast of Kenya and is the country’s second-largest city. It is an important tourism center and attracts many visitors each year due to its rich history, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions. Tourists can easily reach Mombasa via Air, rail, and road, and once they reach Mombasa, here are some of the most amazing things they can do in and around the city!
- OLD TOWN
Located on the island of Mombasa, separated from the rest of the city by a channel called the Tudor Creek, you will find Mombasa’s old town. A stroll through the old town would help refresh your mind and let you experience the lifestyle of many different ethnic and religious groups living in the area. Mombasa’s old town is a historic neighborhood known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and bustling markets. You will also find many historical landmarks, such as Fort Jesus, the Mombasa Old Town Mosque, and the Mombasa Old Town Cathedral.
- MOMBASA MUSEUM
For History lovers and knowledge seekers, a must-see location is the Mombasa Museum. The Museum was founded in the 1950s and strived to preserve and display Mombasa’s cultural and historical heritage. The Museum is housed in a historic building that was once used as a courthouse. The Museum has a variety of exhibits, and to make things even more interesting, they hold temporary exhibitions and events. You can find ancient artifacts, tools, coins, relics, photos, and documents, and attend interesting workshops, and cultural performances at this Museum.
- TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK
Being in Kenya means you can go on a safari in one of the National reserves and mesmerize yourself by seeing the African wildlife. One such reserve is Tsavo East National Park, a large game reserve located just a few hours from Mombasa. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and many other species. This reserve includes stunning and scenic landscapes such as grasslands, woodlands, and savannahs. Once in the reserve, you can engage in various activities, including game drives, birdwatching, camping, and walking safaris.
- MARINE PARKS
If you are an ocean enthusiast, Mombasa got you covered. One fun activity you can indulge in is diving or snorkeling amongst the city’s beautiful coral reefs. There are numerous snorkeling spots in and around Mombasa, which include Mombasa Marine National Park, Wasini Island, and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park. These Marine parks are known for their clear waters and diverse marine life, making them popular tourist spots. You can hire the services of a local guide or tour operator to ensure that you have proper equipment and safety guidelines.
- SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE
Birdwatching is also a favorite activity in Mombasa. The city shelters a large variety of migratory and native birds. Tourists interested in birdwatching can go to locations such as Shimba Hills National Reserve where they can Find rich birdlife such as pelicans, flamingos, seabirds, doves, cuckoos, and weavers. Shimba hills is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa, and is home to animals such as the African elephant, Sable antelope, elephant shrew, and mongooses.