Things to Do in Mombasa

Haller Park is a nature reserve that is a must-visit for all animal lovers. Zebras, hippos, giraffes and more call this nature reserve their home. The park also housed a tortoise that was 130 years old! You can view all the animals and birds and even ask to feed the giraffes.

Diani Beach is one of Mombasa's most popular beaches for a spot of rest and relaxation. It is a long white sand beach with watersports like windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, kitesurfing, diving, water-skiing and parasailing. Diani beach also has an excellent nightlife.

If you are travelling with children, take them to this marine park. Mombasa Marine National Park is a great place to visit if you want to spot different fish. Take a clear glass bottom boat to get to the park, and on the way, you can view the beautiful world of the waters below. You can dive in for some snorkelling and feed the fish with the help of your instructor or guide.

Mombasa’s Old Town is a historical town situated on the southeast end of the city next to Tudor Creek. Explore the scenic streets which exude a combined influence of African, Asian and European culture. Head to the antique shops to buy souvenirs, dine at the cafés serving local dishes, taste world-renowned Kenyan coffee and tea, and go clubbing at Avanti or Bella Vista.

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary and park on the north coast of Mombasa near Nguu Tatu Hills. A 10-minute drive from Bamburi, it is home to diverse African wildlife and offers game drives where one can get glimpses of ostrich, giraffe, eland and oryx. It is popular for camping and has a designated picnic spot.

Mama Ngina Waterfront is a seaside public park overlooking the Kilindini Channel in Mombasa County. It is visited for its expansive greenery, breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, open alfresco restaurants, cafés and cultural exhibitions. It is popular for walking and jogging with a long palm-tree walkway from Likoni Ferry Crossing to Mombasa Golf Club.

Bamburi Beach on the northern coast of Mombasa is a calm and picturesque beach boasting tranquil blue waters and soft whitish sand. It is ideal for swimming and water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving. Camel riding is also popular here.

Nakumatt Nyali, or City Mall-Nyali, is Mombasa's first Premier Shopping Mall. It is famous for its wide range of local and international brands and is home to over 96 stores across 3 floors. A food court also features 5 food outlets and 2 coffee shops, and lounge bars. Kids up to 12 can play at Kidzania, which has trampolines, jungle gyms, arcade games and more. In addition, Masai Market selling authentic African items is set up inside the complex.

Shelly Beach is the second largest public beach in the coastal hub close to Mombasa. The white sandy beach has tall palm trees and calm waters. It is not recommended to go in the water because often there are sea urchins and other aquatic animals that reside here. The beach and the surrounding hotels are good for visiting for a quick one-day excursion.

The Mamba Village Crocodile Centre, located in the Nyali region of Mombasa, is the largest crocodile farm in Africa. It is home to over 1,000 young and mature crocodiles, including one of the oldest crocodiles in the world - Big Daddy. There is also a beautiful botanical garden, featuring aquatic plants and orchids, a large aquarium, and a fish farm.

The Wild Waters entertainment park is located in Mombasa, Kenya, and is home to a plethora of rides and activities. This entertainment centre also has a coffee shop, a bar, and a food court. The exclusive range of water slides includes spiral water slides and a fume bowl for adults along with a kids’ pool and a play station area.

A serene creek in Mombasa, the Mtwapa Creek is known for its water activities, scenic views and picnic spot. It is an excellent place for fishing and scuba diving owing to its currents and temperature. Visit close to sunset or sunrise when the sky and water are painted in hues of orange and blue. It is an excellent location for photography too.

One of Africa’s most popular live butterfly exhibits, the Mombasa Butterfly House, is located within the Fort Jesus Museum on Nkrumah Road. It consists of a large variety of butterflies bred and preserved in their natural environment. The best time to visit is in the morning when the butterflies are the most active.

If you don't mind crowds and lots of stalls, visit Mombasa's Spice Market. The market is always filled with lots of people bargaining, shouting at the top of their voices and bustling around. But go here to spot amazing spices like turmeric, curry leaf powder, cardamom, cloves and more. Bargain hard and strike a fair deal to take these spices back home.

One of the hidden gems of Kenya, the Avicennia Island is secluded and stunningly beautiful. Located in the Funzi Keys, it is named after the Avicennia marina, a type of mangrove tree. The island is also known for adventure activities, such as kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, boating, bird-watching, etc.

The Mombasa Go-Kart is a go-karting facility located on the Mombasa North Coast along Malindi Road. Besides go-karting, there is also paintball, archery, zip-lining, Rodeo Bull Ride, Hi-Strike, 9-pin bowling, VR-Rollercoaster, Racing simulators, bike tours, and more