7 Best Places To Visit In Mombasa For A First Time Traveller
Mombasa’s Laid-Back Beachside Charm Makes it an Ideal Place for a Vacation.
Mombasa has been a leading tourist destination for decades. It has a laid-back and relaxing appeal to it. Mombasa features both traditional and modern aspects of African architecture. They are also well known for their fresh seafood dishes, which you can find at any restaurant or food stall.
To the visitor, Mombasa’s relaxed atmosphere immediately sets it apart from the hustle and bustle of other Kenyan cities. It has a long history that is evident in its architecture and colonial buildings. Mombasa also offers a great choice of things to do for all tastes and budgets, from laid-back beach life to adventurous inland safaris.
How to Get Around the City — The Best Way To Travel In Mombasa
Mombasa is a great destination. It’s home to fascinating cultures, breathtaking beaches, and many exciting things to do. Here are some ways you can get around:
By Boat
If you’re visiting the south of Mombasa, take the Likoni ferry. It’s one of the easiest ways to get around and it’ll take you to Diani Beach and other beaches and hotspots south of Mombasa.
Matatu, Taxi & Tuk-tuk
One of the easiest modes of traveling in Mombasa is through minibusses and three-wheeled tuk-tuks. You can rent them out and the fare will vary in accordance with how far you’re traveling.
Taxis are often hard to find on the street, but they are a safe option for women travelers. Ask your hotel to call one for you before you leave.
Top 7 Attractions in Mombasa, Kenya Perfect for a First Time Traveler
If you want to take a well-deserved break this summer, Mombasa is worth checking out. It offers both amazing beaches with breathtaking views as well as traditional architecture and delicious food options in the center of the town. Here are the top 7 attractions in Mombasa that is perfect for a first-time traveler-
1. Old Town
It is really interesting to explore the old town on the East side of Mombasa as it reminds you of when Portugal ruled this port city. Its inhabitants are mostly Arabic, Asian, and European and the architecture reflects just that.
Multitudes of ornate doors and balconies are found in the old buildings that are built next to one another along the narrow streets. History enthusiasts will find this place fascinating — the atmospheric alleys and lively shopping options allow you to spend hours here.
2. Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus is a popular tourist attraction in Mombasa that’s been around for 500 years, built by the Portuguese back in 1593–1596. Italian architect Cairati designed the structure, which is one of the world’s finest examples of 16th-century Portuguese architecture
Fort Jesus is one of the most notable attractions in Mombasa, Kenya. It has traditional exhibits such as pottery and ceramics that show what used to go on here during the colonial era.
Fort Jesus is home to many historical artifacts from centuries of battles, attacks, and invasions. Within the compound, you can find a Swahili manor house, built in the 18th century. It contains Omani jewelry made of gold and features displays about life in East Africa.
3. Mombasa Marine National Park
Mombasa Marine National Park, one of Kenya’s busiest offshore destinations, consists of mangroves, seagrass beds, soft beaches, and a coral reef. Diving and snorkeling are both popular activities.
The Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve provide destination travelers with tremendous blue and warm azure waters over the unspoiled ocean views, as well as white sandy beaches to escape from the everyday stress.
4. Shimba Hills Natural Reserve
Located in Kenya, this is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa. It’s famous for being rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephants there. Shimba Hills National Reserve is without a doubt an idyllic location. Surrounded by forest and cooled by the breeze, this destination offers natural beauty away from popular beaches.
If you’re staying in Diani and looking for a day trip, the Shimba Hills National Reserve is a spectacular destination. It’s close by, offers beautiful scenery and has numerous other things to do. It is an incredible place with animals like elephants and sable antelope, as well as monkeys, giraffes, and of course some big cats.
5. Mamba Village Center
You can learn all about the life cycle of crocodiles at Mamba Village Center in Nyali, Kenya. Children love to touch baby crocodiles and it’s an especially good opportunity for them to learn about these animals.
Mamba Village Centre offers a lot of different activities and things to do, such as horseback riding and botanical gardens with an aquarium. Orchids & aquatic plants are specialties, but the gardens also show off carnivorous species.
6. Bombolulu Workshops
Mombasa has a variety of cool things to see, buy and experience. One such place is Bombolulu Workshops, where you can buy items while also helping disabled Kenyans. Visiting the cultural center allows you to witness traditional dance performances and explore traditional Kenyan homesteads.
If you’ve been on the hunt for souvenirs, then this is the place to go. They have a variety of handcrafted items, such as jewelry, textiles, and more. You can also support the center by purchasing items here and proceeds to help them continue their good work in the area.
7. Haller Park
Haller Park is a nature park near Bamburi, Mombasa. It was initially a quarry that’s now been turned into an ecological area where you can enjoy plants and animals. Tourists, as well as locals from the neighborhood, might take advantage of it.
Haller Park is a wonderful place for everyone to explore the beauty of nature without needing to travel too far in Mombasa. It has a very inviting environment which also provides unique perspectives on our local history and culture. Haller Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and antelopes. For animal lovers, it’s the perfect place!
What are the Top Beach Activities and Secluded Beaches to Visit on Your Trip to Mombasa?
Mombasa has so many stunning beaches that can be perfect for any holiday. A few of the things that you can do at the beach are kayaking, snorkeling, volleyball, fishing, and surfing. The beaches in Mombasa are full of fun and variety. From top beach activities to secluded beaches, you will discover something for everyone! Here are some of the beaches you must explore on your trip to Mombasa-
Galu Beach
Galu Beach is a wonderful place to be all year round. It has a stretch of sandy shoreline and lots of palm trees. The beach is also popular for sports like kitesurfing, scuba diving, skydiving, and many more. For divers & snorkelers, the nearby reefs are the best spots to explore!
Galu beach is a haven for families and groups and has many different recreational activities available. There are also plenty of exquisite dining options if you want to grab food at the beach before or during your day out there!
Diani Beach
Diani beach in Kenya is one of the most famous beaches in the country. It is on the coast of the Indian Ocean and stretches about 30 km south of Mombasa. Widely known for its colorful coral reefs and beautiful scenery, Diani Beach is a must-visit for tourists, marine life enthusiasts, and wildlife aficionados alike.
Not only is Diani Beach exceptionally beautiful, but it is also an amazing place for relaxation. With white sand and palm tree, You can enjoy an afternoon under an umbrella with a drink.
Mombasa is a delightful destination with an abundance of things to do. From the amazing beaches to traveling through the stunning marine life, explore some of the activities that are offered on offer down by the crystal-clear water below-
- Traditional Sailing
- Glass Bottom-Boat Trips
- Snorkeling
- Kite Surfing
- Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
[Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Adventure Activities in Mombasa]
Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa — A Welcoming Space in the Coastal Hub of Kenya
Set on the unspoiled shores of the wonderfully warm Indian Ocean, this small resort is perfect for those who need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. We offer exceptional personal service and attention to all our guests.
Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa, in Mombasa, is the perfect spot for a relaxing and rejuvenating escape. Situated on one of Kenya’s most pristine and famous beachside locations, it offers access to everything that visitors could want from restaurants, bars, and glamorous private pools.
Pinewood Hotel is the spot to be in Mombasa. It offers everything that a traveler may want: excellent service & state-of-art amenities to make you feel at home. Our resort is the perfect blend of nature and design. Whatever length of stay you have in mind, we’ll have what you need to make your break as fulfilling as possible — including fitness facilities, restaurants, and bars.
The Rooms at Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa
Pinewood Beach Resort and Spa is a small hotel with diverse accommodation options to suit your needs. If you’re looking for comfort and luxury in a hotel, there is no better place to be than with us. We have over 38 rooms, 20 suites, and a family suite all set around a beautiful garden. Guests can choose between different types of accommodations that are perfect for any type of traveler, such as-
- Deluxe Garden Suite
- Premium Garden Suite
- Grand Ocean Front Suite
- Luxury Garden Rooms
- Deluxe Garden Rooms
Pinewood Beach Resort offers a great selection of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Some of these luxuries include:
- spacious
- superior finish
- seafront with a spectacular view
- bedroom and living room
- large veranda with baraza
- fridge
- en-suite bathroom with double showers and bathtub
- Mosquito net
- ceiling fan and split unit air-conditioner
- telephone
- internet
- hairdryer
- tea-coffee service
- safe payable
Our family resort is the perfect place to visit on your next holiday. We welcome people of all ages and have plenty of activities and services that are sure to make your day worthwhile. Make your reservation now!
[Also Read: Experience Incomparable Luxury in Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa]
Why is Mombasa Perfect for Your Visit to Kenya?
One of the most enjoyable things you can do while in Kenya is to spend some time exploring the great city of Mombasa. The port city is a treasure trove of culture and natural beauty, with its relaxing beaches and spectacular sunsets. Mombasa is perfect for your visit to Kenya because of its sunny weather, idyllic beaches, and diverse culture.
Mombasa is a beautiful city on the Kenyan Coast. It is also the home of numerous historical sites and has a lot to offer for first-time visitors. Mombasa has become a favorite destination for both tourists and locals because it offers an array of attractions ranging from white sand beaches to serene forests.