Mombasa Holidays

Kenya's second largest city, Mombasa, lies off the coast in the Indian Ocean, and remains an important seaport and major access point for some of the country's best beaches. Boasting a rich Swahili culture paired with a distinct Arabic feel, the city is the most diverse in all of Kenya, and its bustling Old Town displays an eclectic mix of African, Asian, Indian and European influences. Many visitors arrive in Mombasa in search of the ultimate African getaway - some relaxation on the exotic beaches of the Swahili Coast, paired with a unique Kenyan safari experience. 

 

The city is fairly diverse and laid-back, and the hot humid climate dictates a slow and often languid pace, however the colourful streets boast plenty of good shopping, dining and entertainment options to suit all types of visitor. Visitors to Mombasa can take time to explore the charming Old Town, with its maze of tiny alleys and vibrant bazaars, and enjoy a true taste of the exotic in its eclectic African centre. There’s a distinct Arabic influence in Mombasa's architecture, people and food, as well as an obvious Swahili culture, and shades of India, Asia and Europe. Mombasa is best-known for its defining tourist attraction - Fort Jesus - a 16th-century Portuguese fortress that stands over the harbour and is now an important museum and historical centre. Away from the city centre, the many sandy beaches along the Kenyan coastline are within easy reach, with popular stretches such as Diani, Nyali and Bamburi Beaches attracting many to their tropical shores. Beaches range from busy commercial stretches, lined with international hotels, to peaceful and deserted fishing villages backed by mangrove forests, offering a real sense of remote tranquillity.   

 

Mombasa is a favourite starting point for many Kenyan adventure tours, with the region a major destination for safaris and game drives. National parks and reserves such as Tsavo East and West, Simba Hills and Amboseli offer the chance to experience these thrilling safaris and enjoy some memorable African wildlife viewing. Other attractions and day trips from Mombasa include cultural tours to local Swahili villages and craft centres, the local Mamba Village crocodile farm, the Gedi Ruins or a trip to Lamu, Kenya's oldest living town.