Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal gem, offers a mix of history, culture, beaches, and wildlife adventures. From Fort Jesus to spice markets, Diani Beach, and national parks like Tsavo, there’s something for every traveler.
Fort Jesus
Of all the places to visit in Mombasa, Unesco World Heritage–listed Fort Jesus is the most spectacular. Ah, the history this fort has seen! Built in 1593 by the Portuguese, it was also ruled over the centuries that followed by the Omanis, Swahili rebels and the British, and all left their mark. Wander the ramparts and enjoy the views, explore the architectural flourishes, and learn the fort’s fascinating history in the museum.
Spice Market
East Africa’s Indian Ocean coastline grew wealthy on the medieval trade in spices, and that legacy lives on today in the region’s buildings and multicultural population. For the full sensory overload, and for evidence that spices still pervade everyday life here in Mombasa, visit the fabulous spice market. Vocal salespeople hawk pyramids of cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, turmeric and all manner of curry powders to provide a riot of color, noise and fragrance, while street food vendors make use of the spices just outside the market’s walls. The spice market lies just west of the Old Town, along Nehru and Langoni Roads. It’s one of the best places to visit in Mombasa.
Diani Beach
After you’ve experienced the many tourist attractions in Mombasa, next on your list should be Diani Beach. The premier beach and coastal resort town in Kenya, Diani lies within easy reach of Mombasa. This wonderful place has a beautiful beach, a full range of activities to do and fantastic eating and accommodation options. There are also plenty of nearby attractions, including other beaches (Takaungu and Tiwi) and the haunting sacred forest of Kaya Kinondo. Come for a day, or better still, stay for much longer. Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 35km/22mi, 1½- to 2-hour drive, depending on the Likoni Ferry
Where to stay: Budget hostels, upmarket boutique beach hotels and most things in between
Activities: Diving, snorkeling, water sports, skydiving and boat excursions
Tsavo East National Park
A safari to Tsavo East National Park is one of the best things you can do from Mombasa. In fact, Tsavo East is the closest of Kenya’s major parks to Mombasa and offers an incredible array of wildlife. Highlights will almost certainly include elephants (which are very often coated in the red Tsavo dust), lions (look for the Tsavo males with their scruffy wisps of hair in place of manes), zebras, giraffes and so much more. Cheetahs, gerenuk and Somali ostriches are other possible prizes. Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 123km/76mi, 2 to 4 hours
Where to stay: Tented camps and lodges across a range of budgets inside the park and just outside the western boundary
Activities: Wildlife viewing (game drives) and birding
Tsavo West National Park
When thinking about what to do from Mombasa, Tsavo West National Park may not immediately spring to mind. But it’s one of Kenya’s best wildlife parks with some dramatic landscapes, and it’s close enough to make for a multiday excursion from the city. Admire volcanic rock formations or the green-as-green Mzima Springs with its baboons, crocodiles and hippos. You can also watch for wildlife (including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and others) in the Ngulia Hills area. You might even see rhinos, and the birdlife is amazing. Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 210km/130mi, 4 to 5 hours
Where to stay: Small range of mid-range and top-end lodges inside the park, plus a budget campground
Activities: Wildlife viewing (game drives) and birding
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
If you’ve made it as far as Tsavo, then don’t miss Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Run by the local community, it promises classic safari landscapes of savannah grasslands and lightly wooded hills. These form a backdrop for seeing lots of different animals that could include elephants, lions, cheetahs and klipspringers. Taita Hills is also known for its bird watching and there’s an intriguing WWI museum at the sanctuary entrance. Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 201km/125mi, 3 to 5 hours
Where to stay: There are a couple of upper mid-range lodges inside the sanctuary
Activities: Wildlife viewing (game drives), birding and a museum visit
Shimba Hills National Reserve
One of the least-known treasures of Kenya’s safari portfolio, Shimba Hills National Reserve is an outstanding excursion from Mombasa. Combining pretty, forested hills with ample grasslands, Shimba Hills offers the chance to see elephants, sable antelopes, buffalo, baboons and giraffes. The reserve is also known for its abundant birdlife, and the butterfly population here has to be seen to be believed. Distance and driving time from Mombasa: 52km/32mi, 2 hours
Where to stay: One upmarket lodge inside the reserve
Activities: Wildlife viewing (game drives) and birding.
