Kilifi

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Top 10 attractions in Kilifi

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Fort Jesus Museum
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Mombasa

Fort Jesus Museum

5.5
4.7/5
22 reviews

Fort Jesus Museum is located at the southeast corner of Mombasa Island. The opening of new maritime routes linking East and West fueled the growth of international trade and shipping. Mombasa was an important supply point and cargo distribution center on these new routes, making it a contested prize. In 1589, the Ottoman Empire sent an expeditionary force to occupy Mombasa and build a fortress. In 1593, the Portuguese captured Mombasa and built a larger fortress on the headland at the harbor to overlook and control the port. Because Portuguese missionaries also traveled aboard merchant ships to preach, this new fortress was named Fort Jesus Museum. Fort Jesus Museum is shaped like the Chinese character "da". It is over 100m long and approx. 80m wide. Its walls are built on coral rock, stand 15m high, and are 2.4m thick. The main gate is studded with spikes approx. 10 cm long to prevent elephants from ramming it. In 1696, the Sultan of Oman laid siege to the fortress, and the Portuguese surrendered after resisting for 2 years and 9 months. In 1958, the old fortress was converted into a museum, displaying historical images and artifacts related to East Africa and the new maritime routes. Some artifacts from China are also on display, including porcelain plates, vases, and other items made during the Xuande reign of the Ming dynasty. Research suggests that Zheng He's fleet also reached Mombasa during his voyages to the Western Seas, and these artifacts were likely left behind at that time.

Mombasa · 53.4km from Kilifi

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Experiences you can't miss in Kilifi

Featured Culture & history in Kilifi

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Diani: Traditional Basket Weaving Workshop with Locals
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromAED 110.19
Diani: Maasai Jewelry-Making Workshop with Artisans
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromAED 110.15
Mombasa City Tour, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Tusks and Spice Market
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5.0/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromAED 146.95
Mombasa City Tour
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4.9/5
· 163 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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23 consecutive positive reviews
FromAED 146.92
Walking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus
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4.9/5
· 114 reviews
Duration: 2–4 hrs
Free cancellation
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35 consecutive positive reviews
FromAED 183.65
Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa
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4.9/5
· 17 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromAED 146.92
Mombasa: Fort Jesus, Old Town & Close-Up Wildlife Viewing
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4.5/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromAED 257.14
Discover Mombasa: OldTown,FortJesus,SpiceMarket Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 4 hrs
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FromAED 146.91

Featured Outdoor & sports in Kilifi

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Mombasa Day Tour to Watamu Marine Park and Sudi Island (Snorkeling + Lunch)
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FromAED 977.83
1-day tour to Watamu Marine Park and Sudi Island from Mombasa, Kenya
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FromAED 936.54
Diani: Snorkeling and Swimming at African Pool in Tiwi Beach
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3 hrs
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FromAED 128.53
Diani: Kongo River Mangrove Sunset Cruise & African Map Pool
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5.0/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 2–4 hrs
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FromAED 91.86
Full-Day Special Wasini Island Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch
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4.8/5
· 87 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
Free cancellation
95.4% of travelers recommend
FromAED 456.91
Diani Beach: Private African Pool Map Guided Tour
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4.5/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromAED 128.53
WATAMU: MALINDI: SARDEGNA ISLAND & MALINDI MARINE PARK
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 7 hrs
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FromAED 367.37
PILLI PIPA DHOW, the genuine product, snorkeling tour to Kisite Marine Park
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4.4/5
· 37 reviews
Duration: 8–9 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromAED 495.85
Kilifi Today's weatherPartly cloudy with thunder and rain 25-32℃
Kilifi weather for the next 2 days11/9: 25-32℃, 11/10: 24-33℃

What travellers say about Kilifi

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Queen mother10 October 2026
5.0
Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kenya, is a historic fortress built by the Portuguese in 1593. Exploring its ancient walls and architecture was a fascinating journey into Kenya’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Fort Jesus Museum

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非你不渴23 March 2020
5.0
Mombasa Marine National Park is located on the coast of Mombasa. There are many marine creatures living in the park, such as crabs, sea urchins, starfish, etc. There are also beaches and coral reef parks, which are suitable for diving.

Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve

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What are the must-do things in Kilifi?

Don't miss these attractions in Kilifi: Mnarani Ruins, Pwani University Library, and Mazingira Park. If you like Culture & history, try Diani: Traditional Basket Weaving Workshop with Locals. If you enjoy Outdoor & sports, try Mombasa Day Tour to Watamu Marine Park and Sudi Island (Snorkeling + Lunch).

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