If you're planning to visit Mombasa, there are many things you can do. These include sightseeing, shopping, wildlife, and nightlife.
Visiting these places will help you get an authentic experience of the city. You will also learn more about the culture and traditions of Kenyans.
Marikiti Market
The historic coastal city of Mombasa, the oldest city in Kenya, is full of things to see and to do. You can go on a tour with a local guide to explore the old town, colonial history, and nature.
Marikiti Market, also known as MacKinnon Market, is a great place to find fresh produce and spices in the heart of the city. This crowded and colorful market has a lot to offer for travelers who are looking to buy food items or souvenirs.
In addition to selling local products, the market is a great spot for bargaining and haggling. It’s a good place to stock up on spices and other ingredients that are popular in Swahili cuisine.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Located 33km south of Mombasa, Shimba Hills is a small national reserve with varied scenery. Known for its waterfalls and forests, the park is a must-visit on your trip to Kenya.
It is a mix of grassland, woodland and coastal rainforest (one of the largest in East Africa), where more than half of Kenya's 159 rare plants are found. It is also a nationally important site for birds and butterflies.
It is home to the highest density of elephants in that part of the African continent and is a sanctuary for the endangered Roosevelt's sable. Other mammals include buffalo, waterbuck and giraffe.
Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is Kenya’s largest wildlife sanctuary and also the best place to see the African big five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes). The park is divided into two parts: Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
Tsavo East comprises vast, arid plains, alternating with thick scrubland and lava fields. It’s a great place to spot lions and leopards, as well as rarer species like fringed-eared oryx and gerenuk.
Tsavo West, on the other hand, is more wooded and offers a variety of habitats. It’s less accessible than Masai Mara but you can still spot lions and leopards in the Rhino Valley. The Shetani Lava Flow is also a highlight here.
Mombasa Museum
If you love history and culture, you can find plenty of things to see and do in Mombasa. The city is known for its museums and cultural centers. You can learn about local traditions, religion, arts, handicrafts, and food at these places.
One of the most popular places to visit in Mombasa for history buffs is Fort Jesus Museum. This Portuguese-built fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered an excellent example of 16th-century military architecture.
The Museum showcases a 76-foot deep water cistern, and artifacts from the era when Mombasa was the main trading center. There is also a Swahili cultural center that trains young people in traditional arts and crafts.
Nightlife
After a day of sightseeing, you can enjoy some fun nightlife in Mombasa. The vibrant city is home to a variety of exciting clubs, bars and restaurants.
- The city’s beaches are also great places to relax and soak up the sun. The coastline is dotted with enchanting blue waters and gorgeous white sands.
- There are many popular beachfront spots in Mombasa, including Shelly Beach, Shanzu Beach, Nyali Beach and Tiwi Beach. There are also several restaurants and bars along these beaches.
- If you’re looking for a great place to have a drink and watch the sunset, try Moonshine Beach Bar. This bar is right by the beach and it features an open bar so you can watch the waves hit the walls while enjoying a refreshing drink.
