Mombasa, Kenya

Discover its beauty, history, culture, architecture and more

Mombasa tusks signifying entry into Mombasa town Mombasa is the biggest coastal city in Kenya. It is a tourist city with a very quiet and laid back nature, a place to relax and pass time while on holiday. There is a big Arabic influence in the dress, architecture and food. The nightlife is excellent with many great clubs, Bars and Discos available in Mombasa.

When entering the town, you will see four big Tusks on the main road symbolizing the entrance into Mombasa town. They also seem to spell the letter "M" for Mombasa.

The Old Town is the old part of Mombasa town arising from the old days when the culture and architecture was heavily influenced by the Arabs. You will find ancient buildings with flashy artistic designs and curio shops selling Kenyan souvenirs. This part of town is best explored on foot.

Fort Jesus

This is Mombasa’s most popular tourist attraction. The fort building is a magnificent piece of architecture, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. It is now a museum displaying various artifacts from ancient times, living rooms, prison cells, canons, canon balls and other pieces of technology from the 16th century.

Mamba Village

Mamba village is located in Nyali and is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm. It is the place to see crocodiles up close and personal, to experience spectacular scenes of blood-thirsty crocodiles fighting for food during feeding time. You will also have the opportunity to see video footages about crocodiles lives.

Bamburi Nature Trail

Walking at the Bamburi Nature Trail This is the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa with a great variety of animals, reptiles and insects. There are botanical gardens there that contain interesting plant life. You can also watch educational videos about the history of the park and its transformation from a empty mine to a wildlife sanctuary.

You will also find the Gedi Ruins, located on Mombasa’s North coast. These ruins date back from the 15th century but are well preserved and still have their original foundations.

Culture

Walking the streets of Mombasa is a cultural experience in itself. You will see many women dressed in brightly coloured cotton sheet called kanga and some Muslim women wearing bui bui, a black veil that makes them look like ninja.

Hotels, clubs and Restaurants

Some of the best hotels in Mombasa include: African Sea Lodge, Diani Reef Hotel, Diani Sea Lodge, Indian Ocean Beach Club, Jadini Beach Hotel, Lagoon Reef Hotel, Leisure lodge Limited Hotel, Leopard Beach, Neptune Paradise Village, Nomad Beach, Ocean Village, Pinewood Village, Safari Beach Hotel, Southern Palm Beach and Tiwi Beach

There is also more fun on Tembo Disco north of Mombasa, which has a huge open-air disco, a beer garden and a barbeque restaurant.

Casinos

There are several casinos in Mombasa too. The best include the Golden Key Casino, Florida Casino, Royal Casino and Nyali Beach hotel Casino.

Cinemas and Theaters.

Mombasa has many fine theatres and cinemas for art and movie lovers. The Lotus Cinema and Kenya Cinema are located in downtown Mombasa and have shows in both English and Hindi. Another one is the beautiful Nyali Cinemax theatre.

Beaches

A visit to Mombasa will never be complete without visiting its magnificent beaches with endless clear sand and warm waters. Some of the best beaches include Nyali beach, Kenyatta beach, Bamburi beach, Shanzu beach, Shelly beach, Tiwi beach and Diani beach.