Tourist Places to Visit in Mombasa, Kenya, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Mombasa, Kenya, Africa

Mombasa is the second largest city of Kenya, situated on the Indian Ocean coastline, holding population nearly 1.2 million people. Mombasa is one of the prominent tourist destinations of Kenya, located around 480 km southwest of the country’s capital and largest city, Nairobi. The tourism industry of Mombasa is highlighted by its pristine white sandy beaches, which are well supported by entertainment centres like water parks, cinemas, and bowling centres. Mombasa is also famous for mountain biking and gokarting activities.

Mombasa experiences a tropical wet and dry climate with maximum rainfall in April and May while less precipitation in January to February.

History of Mombasa:

The foundation theory of Mombasa is uncertain, although one theory claims that Mombasa was founded by the Muslim ruler Shehe Mvita. The recorded history of Mombasa begins with the arrival of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who visited Mombasa in 1498 and captured in 1502. Mombasa also witnessed the rule of the British in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Getting Mombasa:

Mombasa hosts an international airport (Moi International Airport) with connection to many prime European destinations like London, Istanbul, Bologna, Milan and Frankfurt. The airport is situated around 20 km west of the heart of the Mombasa city.

Mombasa is connected to the national capital, Nairobi, by both bus and train service.

Matatus (mini-buses), Tuk-Tuk, bicycle taxi and auto rickshaw are the convenient options to get around Mombasa.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Mombasa:

Mombasa is the hometown of many eminent musicians like Safari Sounds, Them Mushrooms and Mombasa Roots. Mombasa is also famous for Taarab music.

Some nice shopping options in Mombasa include:

Nakumatt Nyali
Akamba Handicraft
Bombollulo Workshops

Here some major tourists favor restaurants in Mombasa:

La Marina
Tamarind Dhow
Singh Restaurant
Lido Sea Food Grill

Things to do in Mombasa:

Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Mountain biking

Places of interest in Mombasa:

Fort Jesus:

The Fort Jesus is a historic fort constructed to protect the Old Port of Mombasa by the decree of King Philip I of Portugal. This historic masterpiece gained place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 2011. Worth a visit.

Tiwi Beach:

The Tiwi Beach is an attractive beach situated on the south coast of Mombasa. The highlight of the beach is tidal pool where tropical fish are abundant in number that draws all types of tourists including nature lovers.

Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve:

Covering a total length of 8 km, the Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve is famous among visitors as a point for scuba diving and snorkeling. Established in 1986, the park holds the title of the most visited national park of Mombasa.

Diani Beach:

The Diani Beach is situated around 35 km south of the centre of Mombasa city. It is the most important beach on the Kenya’s coastline, famous among both local and international tourists. There is also an airport with direct flights from Nairobi.

Mtwapa Creek:

The Mtwapa Creek is an Indian Ocean inlet featuring spectacular tropical vegetation and small marinas. Its clubs, active nightlife, bird watching and mountain bike tours are also highly admired by visitors.

List of other places of interest in Mombasa includes:

Shimba Hills National Reserve
Hindu Temples in Mombasa
Haller Park
Nyali Theatre
Haller Park
Tana River Primate Reserve
Jumba la Mtwana
Golden Key Casino
Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
Leven House
Jain Temple
Bamburi Beach
Rabai Museum
Fort Jesus Museum
Nyali Beach

Best time to visit Mombasa:

Those who want to explore Mombasa beaches and to enjoy other outdoor activities can choose the seasons either from December to March and from June to August.

Accommodation options in Mombasa:

Being one of the top tourist destinations of Kenya, Mombasa owns upgraded hospitality industry with around 150 modernized hotels with latest facilities like Free WiFi, gift shop and business centre, satellite TV, swimming pool and sundeck. The prominent hotels in Mombasa are as follows: