Mombasa Things To Do

Mombasa, in Kenya, acts as a hub for many of the great beaches on the east coast with popular stretches both north and south of the city including Diani Beach, Tiwi Beach, Nyali Beach and Bamburi Beach - all offering idyllic white sands and backed by swaying palms. Some are much busier and more commercial than others, but all boast a tropical atmosphere with an exotic African flair.

 

Water sports available at the local beaches include scuba-diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, water-skiing and sailing (in local dhow Swahili vessels), whilst mountain biking, camel riding and go-karting and golf can be enjoyed in and around the city. 

 

Mombasa's biggest tourist attraction is Fort Jesus, a Portuguese fortress built in the 16th-century that stands over the harbour. Once used as a slave port, the fort has a rich history, and is now a museum and historical centre, with guided tours available.

 

The charming Old Town is a must-see - home to a maze of tiny streets, colourful bazaars and bustling markets, with heavy Arabic and Indian influences. Here visitors can take in the Swahili culture, and soak up the exotic sights of the diverse people, food and architecture of the city.

 

The old quarter sells a host of antiques, batiks, khanga, jewellery, wood carvings and local handicrafts, whilst the modern side of the city has many shops in which to browse. Restaurants, cafes and fast food stalls are everywhere in Mombasa, and the dining scene is very eclectic, whilst the nightlife caters for all tastes from basic African bars to cosmopolitan clubs for an international crowd. 

 

Head out on a safari or game drive and visit one of the nature reserves whilst in Mombasa, such as Tsavo East and West National Parks, Amboseli National Park and Simba Hills Reserve, where elephants, lions, leopards, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and antelope can be viewed.

 

Other day trips include Bamburi Nature Trail, the marine parks at Malindi and Watamu, and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, as well as the Bomobolulu Craft Centre, the Gedi Ruins and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Lamu, Kenya's oldest living town.