Things to do in Mombasa

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Mombasa

Fort Jesus Museum

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.

No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Kenya

Old Town

Old Town is located on the southeastern edge of Mombasa Island and consists of two neighborhoods: Kibokoni in the south and Makadara in the west. As you walk through the old town, you will see diverse architectural styles, where Arabian and Portuguese urban influences intertwine. Here, you can see intricately carved balconies featuring beautiful Swahili wooden doors. Through these doors and balconies, you can view the narrow streets, open-air markets, and winding paths leading to the harbor. You can find many trinkets in the small shops here. The surrounding area is rich in historical sites, and there is even a historical site of a Chinese money exchange within the city.

No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Kenya

Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve

Located off the coast of Mombasa, Kenya, Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve is a shining marine jewel on the East African coastline. This national park encompasses a vast marine area of 22 sq km, extending north fromMombasa Island, and is renowned for its magnificent coral reefs and rich marine life. The park features sprawling coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, providing an ideal habitat for a variety of marine life. Visitors can experience various water activities here, such as snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours, windsurfing, and water skiing, to view colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, starfish, sea urchins, and various corals up close. In addition, the park is a great place to spot dolphins and migratory birds, attracting many nature enthusiasts to explore. Whether for ecotourism or marine conservation, Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve is a natural treasure in Mombasa that should not be missed.

Haller Park

Halle Park, a resort on the northern coast of Mombasa, has a fish farm, a reptile zoo and a wildlife sanctuary where visitors can participate in feeding the animals.

Pembe Za Ndovu – Elephant Tusks

Mama Ngina Waterfront

Nyali Cinemax

Wild Waters

Pirates Public Beach

Moonshine Beach Bar