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City in Mombasa County, Kenya
Photo: FredD, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mombasa with a population of 1.2 million (2019), is the second-largest city in Kenya and its main port city. It is particularly known for its warm and sunny climate, white beaches and coral reef diving.
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Fort Jesus is the most popular destination in Mombasa. Built between 1593 and 1596 by the Portuguese to protect the port against the Ottomans, this fort was in military use for over three centuries. It got its name from the Portuguese fleet sailing under the flag of the Order of Christ (Ordem de Nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo). The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. Fort Jesus holds artifacts from when Mombasa was a transit port for the slave trade. There are torture rooms, cells, and many other displays from the 16th century. During the British period the fort functioned as a prison and today part of the cells are used as a museum. Many exhibits come from the Portuguese frigate Santo António de Tanna that sank in 1697, including African and Indian pottery, Chinese china, different objects used by the crew and two bronze cannons. Another part of the collection is dedicated to archeological finds from the Kenyan coast. Moreover there are Arabic military equipment, musical instruments and a series of cannons from the 18th and 19th centuries. In the small park next to the entrance there is a 105-mm cannon that belonged to the Imperial German Navy.
The Butterfly House is right next to Fort Jesus, so very easy to incorporate into a trip round the Fort and Old Town, but also well worth a visit on its own. Although small, is packed with both beautiful and interesting creatures. You can view butterflies from their larval stage to grown ups. See also evidences of slave trade and an amphitheatre that's being restored. Have a nice view of the LA marina. There is also a small shop.
Close to the golf course near Mama Ngina Drive, this ruin is probably the oldest fortress on the island built by Arabs. It stood when Vasco Da Gama first came to Mombasa. It is not really impressive but it's a nice viewpoint too and worth a visit.
Along Tudor Creek north of Fort Jesus, these districts make up the original city. It is an example of typical Swahili architecture with a much more peaceful ambience than the rest of the city. Much of it has been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants and here you can find artisanal stores selling silver jewellery and small furniture. If you are afraid of getting lost among the small streets or don't want to miss anything, there are guides at the esplanade of Fort Jesus that can show you around the old town for Ksh 1000. A nice place to explore on a Sunday when much of the city is closed down.
The tusks were built in 1956 to welcome Princess Margaret, who was visiting Mombasa town. Today they are some of the most characteristic landmarks of Mombasa. They are located at the entrance to the city and not made of ivory as is sometimes thought, but of steel. The tusks form an M (which stands for Mombasa).
In the 19th century this building was the headquarters of the British Navy's anti-slavery campaigns in the region. It is named after a British warship. Later the building has been used by missionaries, a shipping company and as a consulate. There is a restaurant in the building.
The neo-Gothic building right in downtown is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa and a visible landmark.
Mandirs
Thanks to its Indian community Mombasa has several beautiful Hindu temples (mandirs) to visit. Visitors are able to go inside the temple accompanied by a guide from the temple. Inside there are artifacts, idols and cultural pictures and paintings.
Constructed in 1957, it is the oldest mandir of Swaminarayan Hinduism outside India.
This complex of 8100 m² serves the Krishna Consciousness community and includes a vegetarian restaurant.
Sikh temple worth visiting thanks to its gardens.
It is possible to visit the mangrove forests of the Kombeni and Tsalu rivers which form the Tudor Creek. To do that, ask a fisherman at Cape Kiberamni or Junda Creek to take you there.
A zoological garden of about 75 hectares created in 1985 on the site of a formal coral reef. Animals include giraffes, hippos, monkeys, and reptiles. The park has two famous animals: Owen and Mzee. The former is a hippopotamus that was orphanized by the tsunami of 2004 and the second a tortoise that "adopted" the young hippo to the astonishment of the scientists. The best time to visit is between 14:00 and 15:00 when the animals are fed. Guides speak English, Spanish, French and other languages. Watch out for the monkeys, they are numerous and appear friendly but do occasionally bite.
The Nguuni Nature sanctuary is 4 km from Lafarge Bamburi Cement on the Nguu Tatu Hills and is the home to many animal, like giraffes, elands, oryx, waterbucks, ostriches and many different birds. It is a very good place to experience nature and safari feeling on foot. The wetlands with small lakes are an interesting place for bird watchers, who have the opportunity to observe many different species of birds. Large Doum Palm crowned by Leopard Orchids are scattered in the grassland. It is also a wonderful place for a nice afternoon with friends or family or just for a long walk followed by a sundowner. You can book the barbecue place for Ksh 2,000 for private parties. For Ksh 1200 you can hire a safari vehicle for 1-1.5 hours for animal watching. Transport entrance to the picnic area: Ksh 250.
Beautiful, mostly flat terrain for walking, cycling and running with routes from 3.5 to 10 km marked with small coloured wooden arrows. There is a children's playground, fitness trail, archery, cycle track and (vintage) bicycles for hire. It is a diverse ecosystem with beautiful flora, ponds, monkeys and butterflies, and it is pleasantly cool in the shade of the trees. It is a recreational hideout in the tidy jungle. You can also just sit and listen to the sounds of the bush or take a walk in the shade of the trees. Please note: It is not allowed to bring plastic bottles.
A park of 20 hectares whose principal attraction is a farm with around 10,000 crocodiles. There is horseback and camel riding and the park also has a restaurant and a bar. The best time to visit is around 5PM when the crocodiles are fed. Next to the crocodile farm is a lunar park with several attractions for kids
This 19th-century monument memorialises the German explorer and missionary Johann Ludwig Krapf who became the first European to see Mount Kenya with the help of the Kamba people.
The Mbaraki Pillar is a historic tower monument made of coral stone, approximately 14 metres high. It is considered the second-oldest historic monument in Mombasa after Fort Jesus and is a listed national monument. The hollow tower is also known locally as Mnarani (‘place of the tower’). Whilst an adjacent mosque dates back to the 15th century (c. 1400–1450), the construction of the tower itself is dated to around 1700. Unlike other pillar-like structures on the Swahili Coast, it is not a burial site. Its actual purpose – whether as a landmark, a lighthouse or a ritualised structure – remains a matter of historical debate. In local Swahili and Giriama culture, the tower is regarded as the dwelling place of powerful spirits (mzimu or panga). The site is still used today for spiritual ceremonies. Visitors offer incense (ubani), rose water or small food offerings to seek healing, fertility or protection.
The final resting place for 197 Commonwealth soldiers of which 51 died in World War I and 146 in World War II, plus two French soldiers.
Graves of 225 Commonwealth soldiers and two other soldiers from World War II.
Water amusement park with 15 different toboggans. On hot days this is a good place to cool yourself. The water park is reportedly modern and clean. Other activities on site include a gaming arcade, a "disco arena" and several theme rides as well as food court.
For divers the main attraction is the Leven coral reef in the Mombasa Marine National Park and Marine Reserve. Including reef crest habitats of the Bamburi-Nyali fringing reef and a part of the lagoon, this is the Kenya's most popular marine park. It has an area of 10 km2 and is part of a larger reserve of 200 km2. There are three wrecks that can be visited.
A company organizing diving courses for beginners and intermediate divers and diving trips in the waters outside Mombasa. They have an office on Zanzibar too.
Diving school for beginners and intermediate divers and diving tours to several wreck sites. Also specialty courses like shark awareness. Service in several languages.
Offshore fishing in the Indian Ocean. Tours include fishing equipment and cold drinks. Their boats can also be chartered.
Single and multiple day fishing tours on the ocean. Tours include fishing equipment and cold drinks.
Here you can look at the ships arriving in and leaving from the port and the ferry crossing over to Likoni, and take in some fresh ocean air.
The forested area most visited by locals and tourists is in Bamburi. It has many ponds, covers and area of 100 ha and you can get around by foot or bike. Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary is located here, a place where you can encounter giraffes, ostriches, oryx and deer in semi-liberty. In the Butterfly Pavillion you can admire 16 species of living butterflies.
If you wish to get off the beaten path, there is a paved road north of Miritini (near the airport) which leads through a savanna landscape to the small village of Jomvu Kuu from where you have a view over the mangrove forest.
Tiwi Beach is a quiet beach on Mombasas south coast, not spoiled by mass tourism. Take the Likoni ferry to the south by taxi (ca. USD50) from Mombasa city center.
Mtwapa Creek is a place to visit on Mombasa's north coast. It's an Indian Ocean inlet with some small marinas and beautiful tropical vegetation which is very famous for bird watching, mountain bike tours around the creek and starting point for deep sea fishing trips.
Traditional Kenyan dance performances and sale of jewellery, leather, textiles and carved wood.
Nyali Theatre featuring Hollywood and Bollywood new releases (Ksh 500). Two cinema rooms with digital cinema equipment. Also bowling alley, casino, and Italian restaurant. Have some bhel puri while you're there. Taxi from centre Ksh 800, Tuk Tuk Ksh 300. Parking.
A 500-m go-cart track, dirt track for buggies and training track for bulldozer driving. Also has a restaurant and a bowling alley.
A membership golf club, founded in 1911, with a 9-hole golf course. A yearly golf tournament, the "Barry Cup" is arranged here.
This club has a 18-hole course, a driving range, two putting greens and a chipping green. You can rent clubs and buy equipment in the golf club's shop. For those interested in other sports, Nyali Golf Club also has a swimming pool, gym, tennis and squash courts. They have a restaurant and bar too.
Kenya's second oldest sports club, founded in 1896. Also non-members are welcome to come and play tennis, squash, bowling, snooker or even bridge.
Cool place to relax away from the town centre hassles. Non-members and non-sailors come to enjoy the restaurant with a view overlooking the harbour.
Poker, blackjack and other card games, roulette and slot machines. Occasional poker tournaments. Free transport from hotels on demand.
Organized since 1985 in the Southern Hemisphere fall by the International Triathlon Federation. Since 2006 there has been a yearly triathlon event in the Austral spring.
Organized by the Alliance française.
A race of dragon boats, each of which has 20 rowers and a tambourine player giving the rhythm.
Go-cart endurance race on three racing courses. Arranged on the aforementioned go-cart track.
Happens in November on the streets of Mvita. It is a colorful parade of around 50 chariots and 3000 dancers from all over Kenya in traditional costumes.
The New Year's firework show is arranged by the hotels at Nyali beach.
A yearly Kenya National Rally Championship race.
Tea salon, pastries, ice cream and free Wi-Fi.
Ice cream and coffee bar that also serves buffet lunch.
Large mall with a Carrefour Hypermarket.
Kongowea market is one of the largest in Kenya with over 1500 stalls and an area of 4.75 ha. Worth visiting for its ambiance, colors and smells. Take care with meat products because they are not always what the signs say. If you want to take photos of the vendors and their stalls, ask permission first. Also, pickpockets operate in the market, so don't show your expensive camera or phone more than necessary.
Very nice, on the edge of the old town directly overlooking the creek
Kenyan and North African cuisine. This restaurant has got good reviews for their food.
East African cuisine, specializing in barbecue and other meat dishes. Outdoor seating as well.
Kenyan and Swiss cuisine, sandwiches and similar snacks. If you want rösti or fondue while in Mombasa, here they serve it.
Indian and Asian cuisine, hamburgers and special ice cream. Self service.
Indian cuisine with a long menu of both meat and vegetarian dishes.
Vegetarian restaurant with dishes from various Indian cuisines, non-smoking section, catering service.
Indian cuisine.
Italian and Japanese cuisine, disco. They have a lounge and a sushi bar and specialize in seafood.
Japanese cuisine. Table reservation is mandatory.
The most visited Chinese restaurant with a large menu including house specialties.
Seafood and fish.
Seafood and fish. Terrace overlooking the ocean.
International cuisine, barbecue, homemade pastries.
International cuisine, barbecue, homemade ice cream.
Seafood and fish. Also organizes trips to Zanzibar on board a dhow.
It's the most popular amongst tourists on the island. It over looks Old Harbour and offers freshly caught seafood, exotic menus and nightlife entertainment. Table reservation obligatory.
Dine while cruising along Tudor Creek, embarkment at the Tamarind Mombasa Jetty. Seafood and fish, wide choice of cocktails. Table reservation obligatory.
Arabic teas and coffees served hot or cold, fresh fruit juices, snacks.
One of the largest clubs in Mombasa, open around the clock. It features two dance floors, four bars and a restaurant. Reservation obligatory.
Open air bar and disco with cheap beer. Fairly popular for watching sports events on their wide-screen TV.
Bar and dancing on the beach.
Lively and popular bar near Tembo. This bar and grill is where a lot of great nights out get started. One of the few bars that is open until sunrise! 3 bars, one of them has a terrace. Disco. Serves food.
Dance club directly at the sea front with a very good atmosphere and super sexy dance contests.
Free wifi. A dorm in mombasa city centre.
double rooms and dorms for 4 to 10 persons. Free Wi-Fi. Campsite, swimming pool.
Dorm bed.
Camping with own tent. Dorm bed. Free Wi-Fi. Swimming pool.
Free wifi. Swimming pool. Free bicycle rental. On-site restaurant.
clean fan Single room with outside bathroom. Free breakfast. WiFi in reception. Free soap. Can put your own padlock on room door.
Fan single/double room with own bathroom, free Wi-Fi.
110 rooms and suites, catering providing food from various traditions and cultures, health club and gym.
Singles, doubles and triples, all with bathroom and A/C. Simple but high quality restaurant. Calm hotel with colonial ambiance.
Singles, doubles and triples equipped with kitchen. Conference room.
Singles, doubles and triples, all with bathroom, cable TV and A/C. Half board and full board. Conference room and à la carte restaurant.
18 rooms, rates including breakfast and Wi-Fi. Secure parking, marina for private boats.
Singles, doubles, triples. Rates include breakfast. Conference room, bar and restaurant.
34 singles or doubles, all with balcony. Wi-Fi. Restaurant on the roof. Conference room. Room rates include breakfast but they also offer half board and full board.
100 rooms with balcony (view towards Tudor Creek or the garden). Wi-Fi in the bar. Conference room. Pool.
Markets itself as a quieter alternative to a hotel. Rooms have Wi-Fi and tv, and rates include breakfast. They have a pool and are located next to a golf club. Restaurant with Swahili and Chinese specialties.
Offers accommodations for all, including RCI timeshare members. The resort is right off the coast with enjoyable nightlife, multiple restaurant selection with diverse cuisines, gym, pools, and friendly staff.
All inclusive resort providing accommodations for 298 guest rooms, health club, pool, nightlife, and various activities. Rooms are equipped with A/C, bath, safe, fridge, satellite TV, and some have a private balcony with sea view. This resort is also children friendly.
Vacation village with 173 rooms with a small safe, rooms are equipped with coffee or tea maker, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar, "Internet connectivity" and hairdryer. 5 restaurants and 4 bars. Several pools, tennis.
All-inclusive vacation village with three pools, tennis court, beach volley field, four bars and three restaurants. Rooms have A/C and satellite TV. They also arrange water activities such as windsurfing, diving and sailing.
Pool, tennis, beach volleyball, free Internet cafe, restaurant.
150 singles and doubles, all with balcony, A/C, safe, TV and bathroom. 3 restaurants, 4 bars, tennis, gym and 3 pools. Located in a tropical garden. Wi-Fi is not included in the price.
335 rooms of which 8 suites and 3 rooms for physically handicapped persons. This resort advertising itself as "East Africa's finest" has three restaurants, three bars, four pools, a wellness and fitness club and arranges different water activities such as diving, snorkelling and water skiing. Rooms have Wi-Fi, A/C, bath, satellite TV, a tea and coffee maker and a hair dryer, some rooms also have a balcony with sea view.
Pool, sauna, tennis, gym, wellness center.
Single and double rooms with satellite TV, A/C, safe and kitchen. Pool.
68 singles, doubles, triples. Conference room, casino and restaurant in the hotel.
23 rooms and 3 suites with view to the old town. Rooms are comparable to apartments with complete kitchens, design furniture and media outlets in all rooms. They have a spa, gym, several pools and a marina.
50 single, double or triple suites with their own equipped kitchen. The rooms are equipped like apartments with everything from entertainment systems to kitchen equipment and cutlery, some also have a private jacuzzi. Two bars, a restaurant, a pool and a private beach.
Singles, doubles and triples. Alcohol prohibited. Pool and beach volley.
Apartments of one, two or three rooms with satellite tyv and open veranda with view of the old town. Two pools and a whirlpool.
A studio for two persons and four apartments for two to six persons. Wi-Fi and pool. Moreover there are two houses available for short term rental: a larger one for a maximum of 8 adults and 3 children and a smaller for 4 adults and 2 children.
Studios and apartments of 1-3 rooms, pool and fitness center. On the beach.
Apartments with two or three beds and a duplex with three or four beds. Two pools. On the beach.
Four fully equipped cottages at a 24-ha property with pool and private beach.
BWCC
Cultural centre that sells jewellery, leather and textile products as well as wooden sculptures created by one of the 150 artisans with a physical handicap who are working there. Bombolulu Workshops was founded in 1969 and is a project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya. This centre is a popular attraction for tourists and has 150 disabled employees who create jewellery, textiles, wood and leather crafts. It is the largest rehabilitation centre in Kenya.
Decorative and useful objects made of sculpted wood. The carvings are hand made and hence each piece is unique. You can see the artisans at work in the shop and there's a showroom with a wide range of exhibits. In the hall for the tourists, prices are higher than on the opposite side of the ground, where wholesalers buy.
First modern shopping mall in Mombasa. Has a Carrefour Hypermarket.
Four stores, including one next to City Mall. One on the 2nd floor of Mwembe Tayari Mall Mombasa City Centre. One in Ukunda near Diani Beach. One in Bamburgh.
cheapest supermarket in Mombasa.
There is a second store at Diani Beach.
A large supermarket chain with stores all over Kenya.
By plane
The flight between Nairobi and Mombasa takes some 45 minutes, enough time for a cold drink and a view of the Tsavo East National Park.
By boat
There are three ways to get to Mombasa by boat: by private boat, cruise ship or ferry.
By train
In June 2017, a new, 530-km-long railway line from Nairobi reduced the journey to about five hours. State-of-the-art rapid-trains are in use.
By bus
Buses, while not a major mode of transportation within the city, are mostly used for travelling outside the city.
By car
Kenya drives on the left and it will likely take some time to adapt to the local traffic culture. Drive in daytime only and keep the car doors locked, especially in urban areas.
By minibus
There is no regular public transportation network in the city.
By tuk-tuk and motorcycle
For the more adventurous there are tuk-tuks (motorized trikes with a cabin for the passengers) and boda-bodas (bicycle taxis). The latter is a rather dangerous and scary mode of getting around.
By taxi
Official and unofficial taxis are also available. Taxis don't have taxi signs on the roof, but license papers stuck to the windshields.
By car
It is also possible to rent a car with or without a driver.g. one day) with taxi drivers. Do this only after a "test ride", as taxi drivers are not always knowledgeable of the city.
By train
A commuter train connects central Mombasa with the Mombasa terminus railway station via the city's western suburbs. Apart from connecting with the railway terminus it has limited value to tourists.
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