Begin your Mombasa vacation with a relaxing day soaking up the sun on Diani Beach. Boasting crystal-clear waters and soft, white sands, this 17km-long beach is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy water sports, beach walks and quick refreshments at the nearby beachfront restaurants.
Explore the rich history of Mombasa through this charming old town, featuring Swahili hand-carved doors, mosques, and narrow alleys. A visit to the Mombasa Fort Jesus Museum offers a glimpse of the town's colonial past and the slave trade, while a walking tour with a local guide offers insights and stories that are sure to enrich your experience.
Get up close and personal with wildlife at Haller Park, a former cement quarry that has been transformed into a sanctuary for giraffes, hippos, tortoises, and various bird species. You can also visit the Butterfly Pavilion, an aquarium with fish, crocodiles, and snakes, and a botanical garden.
The Mombasa Marine National Park is a must-visit destination for snorkelers and divers. The park offers a perfect diving experience with an array of coral reefs and fish species that inhabit the area. If you prefer to stay on land, you can enjoy Paradise Island, located nearby, which is perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
Visit the ancient ruins of Jumba la Mtwana, dating back to the 14th century. This Swahili village still displays some of the original wall structures and building remnants, giving visitors a taste of a long-gone era. You can also tour the nearby Mamba Village Crocodile Farm, where crocodiles and Giant Tortoise are located.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Mombasa by spending the day in the neighboring Shimba Hills National Reserve. Located in a beautiful coastal ecosystem, the reserve is known for its beautiful forest, waterfalls and wildlife reserve, which includes the rare sable antelope, buffalo and various flora species.
Visit the Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre, the largest handicraft and cultural center in Kenya. This is an opportunity to watch artisans handcraft some of Kenya's best textiles, while learning more about the country's cultures and traditions. The cultural center impressively features sculptures, jewellery, clothing, and textiles all made by the differently-abled persons.
End your relaxing holiday with a relaxing stroll on Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront as you enjoy Indian Ocean views from the comfort of pristine gardens, open-air amphitheater, curio shops and snack bars. You can also choose to take a scenic Sundowner Dhow ride on the Mombasa harbor with a chance to view the sunset and the city skyline.
Public transportation in Mombasa includes buses and matatus, but they can be overcrowded and uncomfortable. Taxis and tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) are readily available, but we recommend agreeing on a fare before your journey. Alternatively, consider renting a car for ease of travel around Mombasa. Renting a car from an established company can cost between Ksh 5,000- 7,000 ($50-70 USD) per day.
If you have limited time in Mombasa, consider shortening your stay at the Shimba Hills National Reserve or the Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront. For those interested in diving, consider adding more days at Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve.
Moi International Airport (MBA) is the main airport in Mombasa, approximately 13km from the city center. The airport provides international and domestic flights to other major cities in Kenya, and some destinations in Africa, Europe, and Middle East from Africa. Taxis are readily available from the airport to the city center and cost approximately Ksh 2,500- 3,000 ($25-30 USD).