Mombasa
is life playing out under historic settings
Welcome to Mombasa
Mombasa, a melting pot of languages and cultures from all sides of the Indian Ocean, waits like an exotic dessert for travellers who make it to Kenya's coastline. Having more in common with Dakar or Dar es Salaam than Nairobi, Mombasa's blend of India, Arabia and Africa can be intoxicating, and many visitors find themselves seduced by East Africa's biggest and most cosmopolitan port despite its grime and sleaze, which somehow only adds to the place's considerable charm.
Top experiences in Mombasa
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $36.39
Mombasa activities
Full-Day Tour of Mombasa
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Fort Jesus. This is Mombasa's oldest museum and it depicts the culture and the origin of the local people, mentioning the origin of Swahili. With a guide you will be able to trace the historical pattern leading to the influence of the sultans. In addition, you will learn the culture of the local people through different exhibitions.You will enjoy a walk in narrow streets of the Mombasa old town, passing through the famous fish market before driving to see the elephant tusks as a monuments of the ancient (now illegal) ivory trade. After, you will then walk in the market with lunch at a local dishes to sample the local cuisines. After lunch you will be taken to the Haller Park. This is not a zoo but a free roaming animal sanctuary born out of the idea to conserve a big old vast former cement quarry. There are lots of animals to see and depending on your excitement this will last between 2 and three hours from where you will dropped back to your hotel.
Haller Park Half-Day Tour from Mombasa
An afternoon trip to the Haller Park can be quite rewarding due to the diversity of attraction it offers. Haller Park (formerly Bamburi Nature Trail) is located South of the Bamburi cement plant along the Mombasa /Malindi road. A product of the company's efforts, since 1971, to convert barren landscape of disused limestone quarries into vibrant and diverse ecosystem of forest, grasslands and ponds. Haller park Sanctuary is home for wild animals, different species of birds and other tropical flora. Eland, buffalos, crocodiles and other reptiles can be seen wandering with crowned cranes. Other attractions in the Park include porcupines, peacocks, a snake park, fish farm, crocodile farm, giraffes, zebras, famous giant tortoises, hippos The diversity of vegetation is considerable, from mangrove palms and majestic indigenous shade trees to coastal forests where several of these plants are rare and endangered; a haven for botanist. Yet each plant plays an important role in the overall harmony of the ecosystem.
Half Day Scenic Bike Tour
A typical tour with "Bike the Coast" covers a distance of 23 - 31 km and takes about 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours of cycling on unpaved roads with no traffic. Each tour has a different level of difficulty, from 1 to 4. There are short cuts With every tour we stop at a local place to have refreshment. We have four standard tours:Along The CoastScenery: Start and end in Mtwapa, an upcoming lively town. We ride leisurely through traditional African villages in palm-tree and mango forests. About a third of the tour follows the coast and at some places we can enjoy the view on the Indian Ocean.Distance: about 40 km, short cut possibleTime needed: 4 to 5 hoursAltitude: total ca. 50 mDifficulty: 1Three Coastal AreasScenery: Three typical climate zones along the Coast: beach - palm-tree forest - semiarid area. Along the hotel area to some few upper class plots at the creek, local village, traditional Giriama village in a typical palm-tree-forest along the creek - crossing an arm of the creek. Spectacular view over the Mombasa North Coast.Distance: 24 km, 2 km tarmac with no traffic short cut possibleTime needed: 3 to 4 hoursAltitude: total ca. 150 mDifficulty: 1..2, two short but steep uphill stretchesAlong The CreekScenery: Start and end in Mtwapa, an upcoming lively town. We follow the Creek inland and ride leisurely through traditional Giriama settlements in palm-tree forests and farms, here called shamba. Spectacular views of Mtwapa Creek and almost untouched bush-land.Distance: 31 km, short cut possibleTime needed: 3 ½ to 4 ½ hoursAltitude: total ca. 150 mDifficulty: 2The Bike AdventureScenery: First we ride through palm- and mango tree forests with traditional African villages. Then we reach the semi arid area where we climb some hilltops and cross arms of the Mtwapa Creek. From a high hill we have an fantastic sight over the North Coast Area and different Creeks around Mombasa.Distance: 24 kmTime needed: 3 to 4 hoursAltitude: ca. 350 mDifficulty: 3..4, about 8 km single trail, short but steep up/down hill stretchesWhat You Bring T-Shirt and trousers Training shoes or other solid shoes Sun protection Head scarf (because you are using a rented helmet)
Mombasa Day Trip: Shimba Hills National Reserve Safar, Hike
Begin with pickup at your hotel in Mombasa, then begin the 1.5-hour drive to Shimba Hills National Reserve. Upon arrival at Shimba Hills, pay the park entrance fee at the gate, and continue into the reserve for a morning game drive. This small-group tour allows for plenty of personal attention from the guide, who will help spot animals, birds, and other features throughout the day. Watch for some of the reserve's extraordinary wildlife in the Shimba Hills’ grassland and forest; the park is especially known for sightings of the endangered sable antelope, which fight off predators using long, scimitar-shaped horns. Shimba Hills National Reserve is also home to elephants, giraffes, leopard, civet cat, monkeys, shrews, and far more. Bird watchers can tick off species on their “life lists,” as 111 bird species have been recorded in Shimba Hills, including 22 coastal endemics such as the ostrich eagle, African hawk, and honey guide. After the game drive, keep exploring on foot: walk to Sheldrick Falls with a guide, a 1- to 2-hour round-trip hike, and enjoy an oasis of lianas and greenery surrounding the 69-foot (21-meter) cascade. Pause for lunch at Shimba Hills Lodge, then you have the option to take a second walk through the bush around the lodge—or simply enjoy the view from the lodge. At the end of the afternoon, begin the return trip to Mombasa, where this tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.
4 Days Tsavo West Amboseli and Tsavo East Mombasa Safari
Day 1 Mombasa - Tsavo West 0600Hrs. pick up from hotel 0900Hrs. have a quick coffee stop 1100Hrs. enter the Taita hills road as we head for camp 1300Hrs. arrive lodge and check in, have lunch and relax in your luxury tents/rooms 1600Hrs. we go for our game drive of the day. 1745Hrs. we use our 4x4 jeep to go up lion rock to have a sundowner, pop a bottle of wine 1900Hrs. back at lodge for dinner and overnight Day 2 Tsavo west - Amboseli 0615Hrs. early morning game drive, feed the beautiful birds of Tsavo, bread will be provided 0800Hrs. back for full breakfast 0900Hrs. check out and head for the Amboseli national park 1000Hrs. stop on the way to give goodies and sweets to the children on the way 1230Hrs. arrive Lodge for check in and lunch 1530Hrs. go for a game drive 1800Hrs. sundowner, pop a nice bottle of champagne in the park 1900Hrs. back at lodge for dinner and overnight Day 3 Amboseli – Tsavo East 0700Hrs. exit lodge after heavy breakfast, make a game drive en-route to exit 0800Hrs. exit Park and head for Tsavo East 1100Hrs. have a small snack if hungry while car fuels up 1300Hrs. reach Tsavo East for check inn and lunch 1600Hrs. game drive to see all the cats of Tsavo 1745Hrs. sundowner 1830Hrs. back to lodge for dinner and overnight Day 4 Tsavo east - Mombasa 0715Hrs. exit lodge after heavy breakfast and go for long game drive(animal spotting)and exit park from southern gate Bachuma by 1030am, head for hotel in Mombasa or Diani beach
2 days Masai mara (Air Safari) Departing Mombasa
Day 1: Diani Beach / Mombasa -Maasai Mara Pick from your hotel at 7:3Oam and drive to the airport for your Flight to Masai Mara game reserve. Upon arrival Transfer to the camp with a short game drives arriving in time for lunch. Relax until 3:30pm when you embark for your evening game drive to look for Mara Wildlife. Return to the camp at 6:30pm. All meals and overnight at a Camp of choice. Day 2: Masai Mara-Diani Beach Wake to an early morning game drive, after bush breakfast continues with game drive until time for lunch. Check out of the lodge then transfer to airstrip for your flight to the beach where upon arrival you will be transferred to your beach hotel.