What are the Top Things to Do in Mombasa, Kenya

Kenya is mostly known for its famous African Safaris. However, the coastal city of Mombasa in Kenya is popular for its beaches, which are unique to this place. Mombasa also has a rich heritage of Arabic, Indian, and European cultures that once thrived here. 

Best Places to Visit in Mombasa

A reliable e-visa partner can allow you to visit the best places Mombasa has to offer. So, let us look at the top things to do in Mombasa, Kenya.

Nyali Beach

There are many beaches around the city of Mombasa each bustling with tourists from all over the world. However, if you are looking for a calm and relaxing beach experience, the Nyali Beach is the right choice for you. This particular beach is not very well-known which results in very low crowds especially during the mornings.

This allows visitors to take a nice, relaxing walk across the shore and enjoy the beautiful sunrise in peace. The Nyali Beach is also very close to a shopping mall, making it easy to manage your items during your visit. Out of all the beaches in Mombasa, Nyali Beach is highly recommended for every tourist.

Fort Jesus

Among the must-visit places in Mombasa City, Fort Jesus ranks at the very top. This place was built by the Portuguese back in the 16th century, where it served as a transit point for trading, which included slave trading. This Fort is commonly seen by sailors who are near Mombasa, as it is easily visible when on the ocean.

In the modern day, Fort Jesus has been turned into a popular museum that showcases several artifacts from the time when this fort was built. If you wish to learn about Kenya’s colonial history, Fort Jesus is a must-visit place for you.

Mamba Village Centre

Despite its name, the Mamba Village Centre is a facility dedicated to nursing crocodiles instead of the famous mamba snakes. The Nile crocodile is the largest species of crocodile in the world and also possesses the strongest bite force of any animal in the world. These features make them one of the most popular animals of the African savanna.

In the Mamba Village Centre, you can observe these powerful reptiles up close and observe how experts raise them to become one of the most feared hunters in the rivers of Africa. If you wish to observe one of the most popular animals in all of Africa, the Mamba Village Centre is one of the best places for you in the city of Mombasa.

Bamburi Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Mombasa, the Bamburi Beach offers tourists some of the best coastal views the city has to offer. The beach is famous for its soft sand and occasional appearance of Dolphins on the beach, which makes it very popular for dolphin lovers around the world.

In addition to its beach-related activities, there are also other activities, such as camel riding, that tourists can go for during their visit to Bamburi Beach. The Bamburi Beach is easy to reach since it is well connected to most of Mombasa’s famous tourist destinations and has a lot of spas, resorts, and shops nearby. 

All of these things make Bamburi Beach one of the best beaches in Mombasa.

Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple

Mombasa has a rich heritage that is comprised of influences from several different cultures. One of these is Hindu culture in India, and the Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan temple is a prime example of that. This particular monument is considered the first Hindu temple in Kenya.

Aside from the regular prayers and ceremonies of Hindu tradition, the Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan temple also offers visitors different services such as yoga classes, dance classes, sports events, and even classes on the norms of the Hindu culture. This facility is great since it does not take much time to visit this place.

Haller Park

While Mombasa is more well known for its coastal views and cultural heritage, it does not mean it cannot allow tourists to get up close to the famous fauna of the African Savanna. The Haller Park in Bamburi is the perfect place to visit if you are looking to observe all the famous animals of Africa up close.

This park is a reserve that has giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, impalas, and tortoises. You can observe these creatures in a custom-made environment that is suited to their needs. Haller Park also has a fascinating history as the site of this park was once used as a quarry, which was later transformed into this natural reserve.

Old Town

The life of the locals back in the day was very different from what it is today in Mombasa. If you wish to get a glimpse of what the old life of the Mombasa locals looked like, we encourage you to roam around the streets of Old Town. As the name suggests, Old Town is a place that is full of old colonial architecture buildings with narrow streets.

This place is filled with shops for tourists to purchase souvenirs for their trip and showcases what the life of Mombasa residents looked like in the medieval period. Old Town is also located very close to the popular Fort Jesus, making it a highly accessible place for most visitors of Mombasa.

Mombasa Marine National Park

Aside from the famous animals of the African Savanna, tourists of Mombasa can also explore the vibrant marine life that thrives in the waters of Mombasa. The Mombasa Marine National Park is a great visit for tourists who are fascinated by the marine life of our beautiful planet.

To explore this national park, tourists often have to board a boat with glass bottoms that allow tourists to see the marine life below them, including dolphins, turtles, and several species of coral and fish. The Mombasa Marine National Park is a highly recommended place to visit for all the tourists of the Mombasa city.

Mombasa Memorial Cathedral

Tourists who wish to explore the colonial side of Mombasa’s culture, a visit to the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral is a must. This cathedral is a grand monument that was said to have been built in the late 1800s and was a major hub for Catholics to pursue their religious practices and ceremonies.

Even to this day, the Mombasa memorial cathedral is being used for that same purpose, with English duties being performed every Sunday. Its architecture when combined with the beautiful singing within this place makes it one of the best places to visit for any tourist who is a Catholic follower.

Bamburi Natural Trail

The Bamburi Natural Trail is a favorite hiking spot for several visitors of Mombasa. This hiking trail is comprised of the beautiful green swamps that can be quite challenging to move across. However, the greenery that surrounds you at every corner of this place makes it a very memorable and rewarding experience.

You can boat around this place if you are interested in observing the fauna of this place which consists of several species of birds, fishes, and insects. Alternatively, you can stick to the marked hiking trails for tourists, where you can engage in cycling, jogging, and running within this beautiful reserve. 

If you are a nature enthusiast, you will love the great views and environment of the Bamburi Natural Trail.

Mombasa City offers many different experiences from what tourists usually expect from a visit to Kenya. So, if you wish to experience the beautiful beaches, historical sites, and marine life of Mombasa City, start applying for your Kenya eTA early on and book all of your itineraries in advance.