10 Hot Spots To Visit in Mombasa

If you’re a tourist on your way to Kenya then you are very probably a tourist on your way to Mombasa.  After its capital, Kenya boasts Mombasa as its second-largest city.  The city on the east coast sits pretty by the Indian Ocean.  Visiting Mombasa is an unforgettable experience.  Here are 10 spots you must visit when you make it to the coast.

1. Fort Jesus

This historical museum is a 600 year old fort built by the Portuguese and thereafter a prison for political prisoners.  It is a walk into the past, getting to the underground caves.  You could also seize the opportunity to visit the Old Town.

2. Tamarind Dhow Safari

How about a romantic Arab-style dhow trip plus meal?  Take this dhow ride down the channel between the North coast and the island.

3. Haller Park/ Bamburi Nature Trail

Thirty years ago, the old quarries were rehabilitated by a Swiss biologist, whose name was Haller.  Haller imported 29 trees from all over the world and planted them.  The result was an ecosystem now called “Bamburi Haller Park”.

Visit Bamburi to see orphan hippo adopted by the tortoise.  There are other animals too, like eland, crocodiles, rhinos and buffalos.

4. Old Town

Well known for beautiful Arab architectural buildings, you can walk on the narrow streets of the Old Town and interact with the local Swahili people.

5. Elephant Tusks

It is a common joke that the valid proof of having visited Mombasa is a photo of the elephant tusks, which are a city landmark.  The tusks were built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952.

6. Mamba Village

Get to visit this crocodile farm, actually the largest crocodile farm in Africa, with over 100 reptiles in a fairly natural habitat.  You can watch the crocodiles being fed at 5 p.m.

7. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

Just a few miles from the Bamburi Cement Works, you can a camp fire party or drinks by the Nguuni.

When one is up on the Nguu Tatu Hills (3 hills), you are in the middle of nature among giraffes, elands, oryxes, waterbucks and ostriches.  It is quite the experience.

8. Pirates Beach

It is a favourite for the locals and is a part of the Bamburi Beach Resort which is several kilometres long.  Swimming here is allowed.

9. Diani Beach

Located in the South Coast, Diani Beach is a gorgeous, public beach.

10. Go-Kart

A Go-Kart track with African charm.  You get to drive under palm trees.  The track is well maintained with fast Swiss Hutless go-karts, and state of the art timing system.  The karts have remote controlled speed governors, for kid safety.  An Off-Road Race Track allows you to drive beach buggies.