Mombasa is Kenya’s main tourist destination. It is located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean which has made it a popular destination for its beaches. Mombasa offers diverse marine life, world-class hotels and a friendly atmosphere. There is a tropical climate all year; it is a great destination filled with activities for all ages.

Mombasa is a Swahili founded and ruled city. It was founded between the 1st and 5th century. At certain times it was occupied by the Portuguese, Arabs and British and originated back in the 16th century. Mombasa’s culture today still exhibits that of its past. Historical ruins like Forte Jesus de Mombaça (Fort Jesus), an historic Portuguese fort, and the Old Town are attractions influenced by Mombasa’s trade culture, with many examples of Portuguese and Islamic architecture.

Even as the 13½ km of white sand beaches along the coast would tempt you to do nothing but bathing in the sun and the sea, Mombasa also offers other kinds of activities. All beaches in Kisauni offer camel rides and on Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach in Bamburi you can rent bikes too. There are also guided walks on the beaches.

There are 3 main beaches north of Mombasa. First is Nyali Beach which is frequented mostly by locals as the water quality is not very good due to the closeness to the town that has no functioning waste water treatment plants. The next is Bamburi Beach. It’s a very nice beach with many hotels, resorts, pubs, apartments, shops and beach boys and beach girls looking for tourist company or to sell all kinds of souvenirs. The beach is frequented a lot by locals and tourists. Its the most lively beach of Mombasa with good night live too. Shanzu Beach is the most scenic beach of Mombasa and less frequented than Bamburi Beach. Day and night life is there but less than at Bamburi beach. Further to the North are the beaches of Mtwapa.

Mombasa is a cosmopolitan city with Arabic, Chinese, European and Indian influences and this can be seen in the local cuisine. Many local dishes include coconut, for instance waly ya tui (basmati rice with coconut milk), kuku wa kupaka (chicken with coconut milk) and mahamri (coconut donuts with cardamom).

Considering Mombasa’s action-filled history, surprisingly there are only a handful of sights. The nature and a slew of different activities is what makes Mombasa interesting for visitors. In addition to these, there are a couple of sights within 20-30 km north, west and south of Mombasa.

1. Fort Jesus, Fort Jesus Rd, Fort Jesus is the most popular destination in Mombasa. Built between 1593 and 1596 by the Portuguese to protect the port against the Ottomans, this fort was in military use for over three centuries. It got its name from the Portuguese fleet sailing under the flag of the Order of Christ (Ordem de Nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo). The fort is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. Fort Jesus holds artifacts from when Mombasa was a transit port for the slave trade. There are torture rooms, cells, and many other displays from the 16th century. During the British period the fort functioned as a prison and today part of the cells are used as a museum. Many exhibits come from the Portuguese frigate Santo António de Tanna that sank in 1697, including African and Indian pottery, Chinese china, different objects used by the crew and two bronze cannons. Another part of the collection is dedicated to archeological finds from the Kenyan coast. Moreover there are Arabic military equipment, musical instruments and a series of cannons from the 18th and 19th centuries. In the small park next to the entrance there is a 105-mm cannon that belonged to the Imperial German Navy.
2. Fort St Joseph. Close to the golf course near Mama Ngina Drive, this ruin is probably the oldest fortress on the island built by Arabs. It stood when Vasco Da Gama first came to Mombasa. It is not really impressive but it’s a nice viewpoint too and worth a visit.
3. Old town, Districts of Makadara and Mzizima. Along Tudor Creek north of Fort Jesus, these districts make up the original city. It is an example of typical Swahili architecture with a much more peaceful ambience than the rest of the city. Much of it has been converted into souvenir shops and restaurants and here you can find artisanal stores selling silver jewellery and small furniture. A nice place to explore on a Sunday when much of the city is closed down.
4. The tusks of Moi Avenue, Moi Ave (near Uhuru Garden). The tusks were built in 1956 to welcome Princess Margaret, who was visiting Mombasa town. Today they are some of the most characteristic landmarks of Mombasa. They are located at the entrance to the city and not made of ivory as is sometimes thought, but of steel. The tusks form an M (which stands for Mombasa).
5. Leven House. In the 19th century this building was the headquarters of the British Navy’s anti-slavery campaigns in the region. It is named after a British warship. Later the building has been used by missionaries, a shipping company and as a consulate.
6. Holy Ghost Cathedral, Nyerere Ave. The neo-Gothic building right in downtown is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa and a visible landmark.
7. Mangrove of Tudor Creek. It is possible to visit the mangrove forests of the Kombeni and Tsalu rivers which form the Tudor Creek. To do that, ask a fisherman at Cape Kiberamni or Junda Creek to
8. Haller Park, a zoological garden of about 75 hectares created in 1985 on the site of a formal coral reef. Animals include giraffes, hippos, monkeys, and reptiles. The park has two famous animals: Owen and Mzee. The former is a hippopotamus that was orphanized by the tsunami of 2004 and the second a tortoise that “adopted” the young hippo to the astonishment of the scientists. Watch out for the monkeys, they are numerous and appear friendly but do occasionally bite.
9. The Nguuni Nature sanctuary is 4 km from Lafarge Bamburi Cement on the Nguu Tatu Hills and is the home to many animal, like giraffes, elands, oryx, waterbucks, ostriches and many different birds. It is a very good place to experience nature and safari feeling on foot. The wetlands with small lakes are an interesting place for bird watchers, who have the opportunity to observe many different species of birds. Large Doum Palm crowned by Leopard Orchids are scattered in the grassland. It is also a wonderful place for a nice afternoon with friends or family or just for a long walk followed by a sundowner.
10. Mamba Village & Lunar Park is park of 20 hectares whose principal attraction is a farm with around 10,000 crocodiles. There is horseback and camel riding and the park also has a restaurant and a bar.