Begin your Mombasa journey with an immersive cultural exploration of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided walking tour, marvel at the intricately carved doors, and shop for souvenirs at the bustling markets. Next, visit Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and now a museum. Admire the impressive fortifications, dungeons, and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Get your dose of nature and wildlife today. Start by heading to Mombasa Marine National Park for a serene snorkelling or SCUBA diving experience near the coral reefs. Next, make a visit to Haller Park, a restored quarry turned into an ecological wonderland packed with diverse wildlife such as giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and birds. Be sure not to miss the iconic Baobab Tree.
Explore the scenic Mtwapa Creek by dhows or canoes, and enjoy stunning views of the mangrove forests, quaint fishing villages, and local wildlife such as monkeys, flamingos, and pelicans. Afterwards, head over to Jumba la Mtwana, an ancient Swahili settlement with well-preserved ruins that feature intricate carvings, domed tombs, and mosques.
Get a deeper look into Kenya’s missionary history at Rabai Museum and Nature Trail, where you can learn about the life and work of Johann Ludwig Krapf, a German missionary who translated the Bible into Swahili. Take a stroll at the nearby nature trail to see the lush vegetation and diverse birdlife. End your day on a relaxing note at Bamburi Beach, a long stretch of white sand with turquoise waters and vibrant beach bars.
Spend your day discovering the historic Gede Ruins, an abandoned town that was once a thriving Swahili city. Admire the crumbling buildings, lush gardens, and scenic views of the surrounding forest. Next, head over to the tranquil Watamu Beach, a favourite among snorkelers and sun seekers, and lay back on the soft sand with a book or tropical drink.
Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Shimba Hills National Reserve, and catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered sable antelope, as well as elephants, buffaloes, and baboons. Take a guided nature walk to the picturesque Sheldrick Falls, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush forest. End your day with a visit to the lively and cosmopolitan Diani Beach, and choose from a plethora of water sports, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Wrap up your Mombasa adventure with a culinary experience of authentic Swahili flavours. Sample mouth-watering dishes such as biriani, samosas, coconut curry, and seafood delicacies. Finally, spend a leisurely day at Nyali Beach, get a sun-kissed tan, and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
To get around Mombasa, you have several options such as tuk-tuks, buses, taxis or self-drive cars. Typically, taxi fares range from KSH 1000-1500/day, and car rentals start at KSH 4000/day. For longer distances, consider using buses or shuttles that connect major attractions and cities. A reliable and safe option is Modern Coast, with tickets starting at KSH 500.
If you have extra time, consider a day trip to the enchanting Tsavo East National Park, home to the famous red elephants and other animals. If you have limited time, skip the Gede Ruins and Watamu Beach, and instead focus on the top 3 sites: Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus, Haller Park, and Shimba Hills Reserve. Also, be mindful of the weather, which can be very hot and humid in Mombasa, and pack light and sun-protective clothing and sunscreen.
Mombasa is served by Moi International Airport (MBA), located around 10 km from the city center. The airport offers domestic and international flights to popular destinations such as Nairobi, Malindi, Lamu, and Zanzibar. Taxis are readily available outside the arrival hall, with a typical fare of KSH 1200-1500. Alternatively, you can pre-book private transfers, or use one of the official taxis or shuttle services at the airport.