--- title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Mombasa, Kenya | Wimup" description: "The 10 best things to do in Mombasa: Fort Jesus, the Old Town lanes, Diani Beach, the marine park reef, Haller Park, a dhow dinner on Tudor Creek and the ruins of Jumba la Mtwana." url: https://wimup.com/city/mombasa type: City guide updated: 2026-11-06 publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com) --- # Top 10 Things To Do in Mombasa Mombasa, Kenya · Africa · By Wimup Editorial, 10 min read Kenya's second city and its oldest port, built on a coral island where Swahili, Arab, Portuguese and Indian histories overlap. The Old Town and Fort Jesus hold the story; the beaches north and south of the island are where most visitors sleep. ## Quick answer Start at Fort Jesus at opening, then walk the Old Town lanes to the Old Port and eat biryani on the way. Give a day to the reef: snorkel the marine park off Nyali or cross the Likoni ferry to Diani. Add Haller Park, a dhow dinner on Tudor Creek and a morning at the ruins of Jumba la Mtwana. ## Quick facts - **Best months:** Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar - **Ideal length:** 3 days - **Budget per day:** $40–120 - **Language:** Swahili & English - **Getting around:** Tuk-tuks, ride-hail taxis, matatus & the Likoni ferry - **Tourism board:** [↗ Website](https://magicalkenya.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## The 10 best things to do in Mombasa ### 1. Walk the ramparts of Fort Jesus Landmark · Nkrumah Road, Old Town, Mombasa The Portuguese fort of the 1590s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, and the best single key to the coast's past. Go at opening, before the heat and the tour groups, then walk the ramparts for the view over the harbour mouth. - **Time:** 2 hrs - **Cost:** Ticketed - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Use a licensed guide from the gate Links: [National Museums of Kenya](https://museums.or.ke/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 2. Lose an afternoon in the Old Town Neighbourhood · Old Town, Mombasa Island Narrow lanes of coral-stone houses with carved doors and timber balconies, running from Fort Jesus to the Old Port past the Mandhry Mosque. Walk it in the late afternoon, dress modestly, and hire a local guide for the doors and stories you would otherwise miss. - **Time:** 2–3 hrs - **Cost:** Free, guides extra - **Best at:** Late afternoon - **Tip:** Cover shoulders and knees ### 3. Spend a day on Diani Beach Beach · Diani Beach, Kwale County The south coast's long white beach, about 35 km from the island across the Likoni channel, with a reef offshore that calms the water. Leave early to beat the ferry queue, and book boat trips through your hotel or a licensed operator. - **Time:** Full day - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Low tide - **Tip:** Cross the Likoni ferry before 8am ### 4. Snorkel Mombasa Marine National Park Marine park · Off Nyali and Bamburi beaches, Mombasa A protected reef lagoon just offshore from the north-coast beaches, reached by glass-bottom boat or small dhow. Go at low tide for the clearest water, and check that the boat price includes the Kenya Wildlife Service park fee. - **Time:** Half day - **Cost:** US$25 park fee (non-resident) - **Best at:** Low tide - **Tip:** Wear reef shoes, never stand on coral Links: [Kenya Wildlife Service](https://www.kws.go.ke/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 5. See the reclaimed quarry at Haller Park Nature · Malindi Road, Bamburi, Mombasa A worked-out cement quarry replanted from the 1970s into forest, ponds and grassland, now home to giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and giant tortoises. Time the visit to a giraffe feeding and ask for the day's schedule at the gate. - **Time:** 2 hrs - **Cost:** Ticketed - **Best at:** Afternoon - **Tip:** Feeding times change, confirm on arrival ### 6. Dine aboard the Tamarind Dhow Food · Tamarind, Cement Silo Road, Nyali, Mombasa An evening dhow that sails Tudor Creek below the Old Town and Fort Jesus, serving a seafood dinner on deck. Book a day ahead and choose the sunset sailing, when the light on the old waterfront is best. - **Time:** 3 hrs - **Cost:** Set menu - **Best at:** Sunset - **Tip:** Reserve ahead, it sells out at weekends ### 7. Pass under the Mombasa Tusks Landmark · Moi Avenue, Mombasa Two pairs of crossed tusks over Moi Avenue, first raised for Princess Elizabeth's visit in 1952 and now the city's emblem. Pair them with a walk down Moi Avenue towards Biashara Street, the place to buy kikoi and kanga cloth. - **Time:** 30 min - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Cross at the lights, traffic is heavy ### 8. Shop the stalls of Marikiti Market Market · Digo Road, Mombasa The island's main produce market, a covered hall of mangoes, coconuts and spices with traders spilling into the lanes outside. Go in the morning, carry small notes, and ask before photographing anyone. - **Time:** 1 hr - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Keep phones and wallets out of sight ### 9. Watch the artisans at Bombolulu Workshops Culture · Malindi Road, Bombolulu, Mombasa Run by the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya, its workshops make jewellery, printed textiles and carvings beside a cultural centre of traditional homesteads. Go on a weekday, when the workshops are working. - **Time:** 1–2 hrs - **Cost:** Ticketed - **Best at:** Weekday morning - **Tip:** Buy at the shop, the money goes to the makers ### 10. Explore the ruins of Jumba la Mtwana History · Mtwapa, Kilifi County A Swahili town of the 14th and 15th centuries on the shore north of Mtwapa Creek, its mosques, tombs and houses built in coral stone under baobabs. Go in the cool of the morning, then take a seafood lunch on the creek. - **Time:** 1–2 hrs - **Cost:** Ticketed - **Best at:** Morning - **Tip:** Bring water, there is little shade Links: [National Museums of Kenya](https://museums.or.ke/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## Best beaches in Mombasa Reef-sheltered sand on both sides of the island. 1. **Nyali Beach** (North coast · Nyali): The closest good beach to town, lined by resorts, with boats out to the marine park. 2. **Bamburi Beach** (North coast · Bamburi): A long stretch of resorts and public access points facing the marine park reef. 3. **Shanzu Beach** (North coast · Shanzu): Quieter sand north of Bamburi, best walked at low tide. 4. **Diani Beach** (South coast · Diani): The coast's headline beach: long, white and calm inside the reef. 5. **Galu Beach** (South coast · Galu): Diani's quieter southern end, popular with kitesurfers in season. 6. **Tiwi Beach** (South coast · Tiwi): A low-key strip of cottages and tidal pools between Likoni and Diani. 7. **Shelly Beach** (South coast · Likoni): The nearest south-coast sand, just past the Likoni ferry; check the tide first. ## Best historic sites in Mombasa Five centuries of the Swahili coast in coral stone. 1. **Fort Jesus** (Museum · Old Town): The Portuguese fort of the 1590s and the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. **Mandhry Mosque** (Active mosque · Old Town): One of the oldest mosques in Mombasa, its minaret a landmark of the Old Town. 3. **Old Port** (Free · Old Town): The dhow harbour where the Old Town meets the water, best seen in the morning. 4. **Leven Steps** (Free · Old Town): A stone stairway cut down to the shore below the Old Town, quiet and shaded. 5. **Holy Ghost Cathedral** (Free · City centre): A Catholic cathedral of the early 20th century in the heart of the island. 6. **Jumba la Mtwana** (Ticketed · Mtwapa): The coral-stone ruins of a medieval Swahili town by the sea. ## Best restaurants in Mombasa Swahili kitchens, creek-side seafood and a dinner in a cave. 1. **Tamarind** (Upscale · Nyali): Seafood above Tudor Creek, and the operator of the evening dinner dhow. 2. **Forodhani** (Mid-range · Old Town): Swahili and seafood plates on a terrace over the water in the Old Town. 3. **Jahazi Coffee House** (Budget · Old Town): Biryani, pilau and spiced coffee in a restored Old Town house. 4. **Barka Restaurant** (Budget · Mombasa Island): Shawarma and Swahili breakfasts, busy from early morning. 5. **The Moorings** (Mid-range · Mtwapa): A floating restaurant on Mtwapa Creek known for prawns and crab. 6. **Ali Barbour's Cave** (Upscale · Diani): Dinner under the open roof of a coral cave, a Diani institution. ## Best markets & shopping in Mombasa Spice halls, cloth streets and craft co-operatives. 1. **Marikiti Market** (Market · City centre): The island's produce and spice market, busiest in the morning. 2. **Biashara Street** (Textiles · City centre): The street for kikoi and kanga cloth, sold by the length. 3. **Kongowea Market** (Market · Kongowea): The mainland wholesale market, loud and local. 4. **Akamba Handicraft Co-operative** (Crafts · Changamwe): Wood carvers at work, with a shop selling direct. 5. **Bombolulu Workshops** (Crafts · Bombolulu): Jewellery, textiles and carvings made by disabled artisans. ## Best neighborhoods in Mombasa Where to base yourself, island or beach. 1. **Old Town** (Culture · Mombasa Island): The historic core, for character and walking; few beds, much atmosphere. 2. **Nyali** (Beach and dining · North mainland): Leafy suburb across the bridge with malls, restaurants and the nearest beach. 3. **Bamburi and Shanzu** (Resorts · North coast): The resort strip of the north coast, by the marine park. 4. **Diani** (Beach · South coast): The south coast's beach town, the choice for a slower stay. ## Best marine parks & nature in Mombasa Reefs, forest and the animals that live in them. 1. **Mombasa Marine National Park** (KWS fee · North coast): The reef lagoon off Nyali and Bamburi, by boat from the beach. 2. **Haller Park** (Ticketed · Bamburi): A reclaimed quarry with giraffes, hippos and tortoises. 3. **Nguuni Nature Sanctuary** (Ticketed · Bamburi): Open grassland near Haller Park with giraffes and ostriches. 4. **Colobus Conservation** (Ticketed · Diani): A primate rescue centre in Diani, with guided forest walks. 5. **Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary** (Ticketed · Kwale County): A community sanctuary in the hills, best combined with Shimba Hills. ## Best day trips in Mombasa Forest reserves, island dhows and old Swahili towns. 1. **Shimba Hills National Reserve** (Half day · Kwale County): Forested hills inland of the south coast, one of the few homes of the sable antelope. 2. **Wasini Island and Kisite** (Full day · South coast): A dhow from Shimoni to snorkel Kisite-Mpunguti, then lunch on Wasini. 3. **Gede Ruins and Watamu** (Full day · North coast): A ruined Swahili town in the forest, then Watamu's beach and marine park. 4. **Kilifi** (Full day · North coast): A creek town with a quiet beach and a slower pace, an hour or so north. 5. **Tsavo East National Park** (Full day · Inland): Kenya's big dry-country park, a long but possible day from the coast. 6. **Malindi** (Overnight · North coast): The old Swahili port of Vasco da Gama's pillar, worth a night. ## Festivals & annual events in Mombasa (2026) - **Kenya Kite Cup** (Jan): Diani's kitesurfing competition, run on the steady northeast monsoon winds. - **Ramadan** (Varies): The fasting month, when Old Town food stalls come alive after sunset. - **Eid al-Fitr** (Varies): The end of Ramadan, marked with prayers, new clothes and family feasts. - **Madaraka Day** (1 Jun): A national holiday marking self-rule in 1963. - **Mombasa ASK Show** (Aug–Sep): The agricultural society's week-long trade fair at the Mkomani showground. - **Mashujaa Day** (20 Oct): Heroes' Day, a national holiday honouring those who fought for independence. - **Mombasa Carnival** (Nov): Floats, music and costumes parading through the city centre. - **Jamhuri Day** (12 Dec): Independence Day, a national holiday on the eve of the peak beach season. ## Must-try dishes in Mombasa, Kenya - **Biryani**: Mombasa's festive rice, layered with spiced meat and potatoes. - **Pilau**: Rice cooked in stock with cumin, cardamom and cloves. - **Mahamri na mbaazi**: Cardamom doughnuts with pigeon peas in coconut, the coast breakfast. - **Viazi karai**: Potatoes in a turmeric batter, fried and served with chilli. - **Mishkaki**: Marinated beef skewers grilled over charcoal at night. - **Samaki wa kupaka**: Grilled fish in a coconut and tamarind sauce. - **Kahawa chungu**: Bitter spiced coffee poured from a brass pot, with kashata. - **Mkate wa mayai**: Egg and minced meat wrapped in thin dough and fried on a griddle. ## Mombasa transport & airports - **Air** (MBA): Moi International Airport sits on the mainland at Port Reitz, about 10 km from the centre, with frequent flights to Nairobi and some international routes. [Kenya Airports Authority](https://www.kaa.go.ke/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **Rail** (SGR): The Madaraka Express runs daily to Nairobi from Mombasa Terminus at Miritini, about 11 km from the centre. Economy is KSh 1,500, first class KSh 4,500. [Kenya Railways](https://krc.co.ke/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - **Ferry** (Likoni): The Likoni ferry crosses to the south coast around the clock. Foot passengers ride free and vehicles pay a toll; allow time for queues at peak hours. - **Taxis & tuk-tuks** (Taxi): Tuk-tuks cover short hops on the island, and Uber and Bolt run across the city. Matatus are cheap but crowded; agree any tuk-tuk fare first. ## Mombasa at a glance - **Country:** Kenya - **Region:** Mombasa County, on Mombasa Island and the mainland around it - **Population:** 1,208,333 in Mombasa County (2019 census) - **Founded:** A trading port recorded by Arab geographers by the 12th century - **Nickname:** Kisiwa cha Mvita, the Island of War - **Language:** Swahili and English - **Currency:** Kenyan shilling (KES) - **Time zone:** East Africa Time (UTC+3), no daylight saving - **Calling code:** +254 - **Airports:** Moi International (MBA), about 10 km from the centre - **Power:** Type G, 240V - **Emergency:** 999 or 112 ## Interesting facts - Most of the city stands on an island, tied to the mainland by bridges, a causeway and the Likoni ferry. - Fort Jesus was designed by the Milanese architect Giovanni Battista Cairati and built between 1593 and 1596. - The Port of Mombasa is the largest in East Africa and handles cargo bound for Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. - Mombasa was the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate until Nairobi took over in 1905. - The Tusks on Moi Avenue were first raised to mark Princess Elizabeth's visit to the city in 1952. ## Mombasa travel FAQ ### How many days do you need in Mombasa? Three. One for Fort Jesus, the Old Town and the markets; one on the reef at the marine park or on Diani Beach; one for Haller Park, Bombolulu and Jumba la Mtwana. Add two more for Wasini Island or Shimba Hills. ### When is the best time to visit Mombasa? December to March is hot, dry and the peak beach season. July to October is cooler and also dry. The long rains fall from about April to June, when some beach hotels close for renovation and the sea is rougher. ### How do you get from Nairobi to Mombasa? The Madaraka Express is the easy way: a daily train from Nairobi Terminus to Mombasa Terminus at Miritini, with economy at KSh 1,500. Flights to Moi International take about an hour, and buses run overnight. ### Should you stay in Mombasa or Diani? Stay on the island or in Nyali for the Old Town, Fort Jesus and restaurants. Choose Diani for a beach holiday with day trips into town; the Likoni ferry is the bottleneck, so allow extra time for the crossing. ### What should you wear in the Old Town? Mombasa is a largely Muslim city, so cover shoulders and knees in the Old Town and at mosques, and keep swimwear for the beach. Ask before photographing people, and expect fewer stalls at Friday midday prayers. ## Nearby guides - [Zanzibar](https://wimup.com/city/zanzibar.md): Tanzania · 10 picks - [Arusha](https://wimup.com/city/arusha.md): Tanzania · 10 picks - [Nairobi](https://wimup.com/city/nairobi.md): Kenya · 10 picks - [All of Africa →](https://wimup.com/africa): 69 cities Part of the [Kenya guide](https://wimup.com/country/kenya.md) · [Africa](https://wimup.com/africa.md) ## Sources - [Mombasa tourism board](https://magicalkenya.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Walk the ramparts of Fort Jesus: National Museums of Kenya](https://museums.or.ke/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Snorkel Mombasa Marine National Park: Kenya Wildlife Service](https://www.kws.go.ke/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Air: Kenya Airports Authority](https://www.kaa.go.ke/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Rail: Kenya Railways](https://krc.co.ke/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.