Mombasa trips and vacations

See African wildlife like crocodiles and hippos up close in Haller Park in the Bamburi District. Or get your safari game on at Shimba Hills National Reserve, where you'll spot rare sable antelope and wild elephants. On a trip to Sudi Island, kayak through the mangrove forests to view birds and marine life. 

You can’t escape history on your vacation to Mombasa. Wander the grounds and marvel at the amazingly well-preserved Fort Jesus, a 16th-century fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel to Jumba la Mtwana to see the 700-year-old ruins of a coastal settlement. View unique Swahili and Islamic-inspired architecture at the ACK Mombasa Memorial Cathedral. 

For water sports, plan your holiday to Mombasa around the beachside districts of Nyali and Diani. Snorkel or scuba dive at Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, or see fish on a glass-bottom boat tour. For more excitement, rent a jet ski or try parasailing on Diani Beach.

Nyali is the best neighborhood to stay in Mombasa for beach access. The water here is calm and the beach is long and uncrowded. Rent a chair on Nyali's white sand and grab a cocktail at a beachside bar. In the evening, have a meal at one of the restaurants along Links Road or return to your all-inclusive resort right on the water.

Good for: Beaches, dining, resorts

Bamburi is where to stay in Mombasa for ocean activities. Book a snorkeling trip to Mombasa Marine National Park or go sailing, jet skiing or surfing. You can usually organize activities through your hotel. At dusk, reserve a spot on a sunset dinner cruise or grab a bite at one of the restaurants along Malindi Road.

Good for: Surfing, diving, restaurants

Located 15 minutes north of Mombasa, the town of Mtwapa is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve. Book a diving or snorkeling trip to explore the reserve. Back in town, organize a sunset cruise or fishing trip on Mtwapa Creek. 

Good for: Fishing, sunset cruises, marine park

Some of the most popular things to do with family in Mombasa focus on water activities. Bring the children to Wild Waters Kenya for slides and a large kids' pool. Take a boat tour to spot dolphins in the wild and snorkel above coral reefs. Up for some fun competition? Drive the track or play paintball at Mombasa Go-Kart Adventure Park. 

Start your shopping in Mombasa at Kongowea or Marikiti markets. Browse the stalls for textiles, spices, handmade crafts and the chance to chat with locals. You’ll find clothes galore, including tailor-made traditional African dress, on Biashara Street. Stop for breaks to try Kenyan coffee or tea while checking out the shops in Old Town, where bargaining is expected.

Dive into Kenya's art scene at the galleries and museums in Mombasa. See the works of local artists at Africa Nomads Art Space. View fine art from Africa and Europe at the Mombasa Art Gallery. For contemporary artwork from Kenya, go to the Diani Beach Art Gallery, a short distance from the popular beach.

Spend the evening in beach bars overlooking the Indian Ocean, or head into the city to experience the nightlife in Mombasa. Party alongside locals and watch a game at sports bars. Enjoy live music and cocktails at clubs and lounges along Malindi Road between Nyali Beach and Bamburi Beach. It’s easy to use taxis and tuk-tuks to get between venues.

The beaches in Mombasa are one of the top reasons for visiting this Kenyan city. Head to white-sand Diani to see why it ranks among Africa's best beaches. Find activities like camel rides and snorkeling at Bamburi Beach (a favorite picnic spot), or make your way down the coast to Tiwi Beach for a more secluded experience.

Order budget-friendly favorites like 'samaki wa kupaka' (grilled fish in coconut sauce) and 'mitai' (Kenyan doughnuts) at Mama Ngina Drive's bustling stalls. For an upscale restaurant in Mombasa, reserve a table at Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant. Other dining choices include authentic Swahili dishes like biryani and pilau and South Asian curries.