Mombasa Beach Tours

Stunning Beach, Swahili Culture, Rich History

About Mombasa

Mombasa is an Island on the Indian Ocean and the capital of the wider Mombasa County that consists of several other nearby smaller islands.

Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest metropolitan area after Nairobi and is located along the eastern coast of Kenya.

Because of the natural beauty, cultural diversity and rich history as a center of trade Mombasa has grown into one of East Africa’s economic hubs with an international airport and one of the busiest ports in Africa.

Tourist Attractions in Mombasa – Things to do in Mombasa

Fort Jesus: Fort Jesus is one of the top tourist attractions in Mombasa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596.

The Fort may be a well-preserved military fortification – A reminder of the good battles of the 16th Century involving the Portuguese, Arabs, British and therefore the local population. An Italian architect referred to as Cairati designed it within the shape of a person . Some parts are now ruined but much of it remains intact.

The museum is made within the main barracks of the garrison. You will get a chance to see the canon and other weapons used by the Portuguese to defend the Island during the 16th century.

The Fort Jesus also offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean , the blue waters and surrounding areas.

You’ll also see a number of the things that were traded by the Portuguese, Arabs and British. Fort Jesus is a superb spot for taking photos.

Visit the Old Town

If you would like to know more about the type of life lived by the Portuguese traders at the time, you ought to pay a visit to the Old town of Mombasa.

This town will offer you a thought of how things were when the Portuguese ruled the Island.

You’ll be amazed by the old building and their architectural designs with cool balconies and doors of rare designs. it’s not only Portuguese architecture that’s prevalent within the old.

Arabs, Europeans and Asians also occupied the town at different points leaving houses and mosques.

You ought to crown your day at the old town by visiting one among the souvenir shops to shop for antiques or fragrant oils for friends and other loved ones.

Mombasa Tusks

This is one among the foremost visited and famous monumental structures in Mombasa. it had been built to recollect a special visit by Queen Elizabeth in 1952.

The structure is locally mentioned as “PembeMbili” – meaning two tusks within the Swahili language.

The tusks are built at the doorway of the most city centre to make the letter M (standing for Mombasa).

It’s one place you can’t leave without taking some photos for your collections. the world after the Tusks is noticeably busy with several banks and enormous shopping centers.

Water Sports

The north coast beaches are easy to recommend because they’re located on the brink of the airport and therefore the city itself. The beaches include Shanzu, Bamburi and Nyali.

These beautiful beaches are characterized by clear waters and delightful green palm trees. you’ll do several water sports within the area including diving and deep see fishing.

If you’re not into swimming or any of the water sports, you’ll simply choose a walk along the beaches to enjoy the cool breeze, blue waters and white sand.

After exploring all the beaches at the North Coast, you’ll also inspect those at the South Coast like Diani and Tiwi Beach.

The beaches within the south are characterized by beautiful coastline too but with rainforest, wild animals, colorful coral reefs and bigger swimming areas. you’ll participate in kite surfing, sailing, diving, water-skiing, snorkeling and windsurfing.

Diani Beach is a favorite with tourists due to the fact that it is relatively well developed and thought of one among the simplest within the world.

If you’re keen on sun-bathing and snorkelling, then you would possibly find Tiwi beach more interesting. of these beaches have excellent hotels, bars and restaurants that serve amazing sea food.

Those who want to try to to something even more adventurous can visit the island of Wasini.

Here tourists have a chance to swim with dolphins. to succeed in there, you would like to use a ship or large boat. you’ll read more about beaches in our article about visiting Dar es Salaam.

Dhow Cruise & Ferry Rides

Dhows are uniquely designed boats that are quite common within the Indian Ocean and Red seas.

In Mombasa you’ll find them provided with luxuries.

You can hire one to explore the ocean as you watch the sun set as you wait to eat and dine under the moonlight.

Hiring the boats doesn’t cost such a lot giving the competition among dhow providers. you’ll sail during a group if you would like to scale back on costs.

Depending on the type of boat you hire, you would possibly have extra space and even carry a number of your supplies.

If you’re curious about ferries, then the one to use is that which takes residents from the island of Mombasa to the southern coast in Likoni.

Mombasa Marine National Park

This had to be a separate attraction of its own considering the amount of tourists it receives.

The vast park protects coral reefs, sandy beaches, mangroves and sea grasses.

The park allows visitors to observe sea creatures occupation the ocean through an outsized glass boat if they can’t dive or get themselves wet.

Those that prefer to dive under the water will encounter see eels, stingrays, sea horses and underwater vegetation at a better distance. Divers should inspect a number of the ship wreaks like MV Dania.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

This reserve isn’t found in Mombasa but still worth visiting especially if you would like to ascertain a number of Africa’s famous animals without going too distant from the magical ocean shores.

The Reserve is found 33 kilometers away from Mombasa town and consists of savannah, woodlands, ponds, waterfalls and tropical rainforest.

This reserve has one among the largest population of elephants within the country. You can spot antelopes and leopards. It’s possible to register for guided nature walks within the forest to ascertain rare and species of plants like orchids and cycads.

After seeing enough of the reserve, you’ll cool off by either swimming or having a picnic on the brink of the Machenmwana River and therefore the Sheldrick Falls.

Haller Park

Haller Park is one among the various amazing tourist attractions in Mombasa which will impress any nature lover.

The park was named after Dr. Haller Rene who turned abandoned limestone quarries into a natural reserve in 1971.

The mineral content of the soil was increased, trees planted and a workplace established within the beginning.

Nowadays, the park is home to hippos, turtles, waterbucks, zebras, giraffes and buffaloes. Over 160 bird species are often spotted at the Park including weaver birds, pelicans, storks and cranes.

The park may be a favorite for tourists who love animals but they will also take nature walks through the palm gardens or the character trails resulting in a butterfly haven.

Giraffe feeding is additionally a well-liked activity. Haller Park may be a true birders paradise.

Gede Ruins

Gede is an ancient town built during the time when Arabs ruled the coast – round the fifteenth and sixteeeth century.

The town is now in ruins but provides a chance to find out about the type of life lived by the Arabs centuries ago.

During your tour of the ruins, you’ll see an excellent mosque, a palace, tombs and a number of other houses made from coral stones.

There also are Swahili style houses with old drawings on the walls.

Visitors to Gede also can see Chinese and Persian architectural works which indicate that they had a taste for high-end things. More of the artifacts are displayed during a museum on the island.