Mombasa

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Top 10 attractions in Mombasa

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Fort Jesus Museum
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Mombasa

Fort Jesus Museum

5.2
4.7/5
22 reviews
Fort Jesus is located on the southeast corner of Mombasa Island. The opening of a new route linking the East and the West has enabled the vigorous development of international trade and maritime transport. Mombasa is an important supply point and cargo distribution center on the new route, so it has become the target of competition. In 1589, the Ottoman Turks sent an expedition to occupy Mombasa and build the castle. In 1593, the Portuguese captured Mombasa and built a larger castle on the harbour headland to overlook and control the port. Because Portuguese missionaries also traveled with merchant ships, the new castle was named Fort Jesus. Fort Jesus is in the shape of a "big" shape, more than 100 meters long and 80 meters wide. The city wall is built on coral rock, 15 meters high and 2.4 meters thick. The gate is covered with spikes about 10 cm long to prevent the collision of elephants. In 1696, the Sultan of Oman began a siege of the castle, and the Portuguese surrendered after two years and nine months of resistance. In 1958, the ancient castle was turned into a museum, displaying historical pictures and cultural relics of East Africa and the new route. Some cultural relics from China are also included, such as the porcelain plates and vases fired during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty. Research shows that Zheng He also reached Mombasa when he went to the West, and these cultural relics are probably left at that time.Mombasa · 2.4km from downtown
Old Town
No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Kenya

Old Town

4.7
4.5/5
15 reviews
The Old Town of Mombasa is located on the southeastern edge of Mombasa Island and consists of two blocks, Kibokoni to the south and Makadara to the west. Walking through the old city, the architectural styles on both sides are very varied, and the urban customs of Arabia and Portugal are intertwined here. Here you can see the beautifully crafted viewing balconies with beautiful Swahili wooden doors, through which you can see the narrow streets, souks and winding paths leading to the harbour. Small shops here can buy many gadgets, there are many historical sites around the city, and there is a Chinese bank monument in the city.Mombasa · 1.8km from downtown
Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve
No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Kenya

Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve

4.5
4.7/5
9 reviews
Located on the coast of Mombasa, Kenya, the Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve is a shining marine pearl on the East African coastline. Covering an area of ​​22 square kilometers, the national park stretches northward from Mombasa Island and is famous for its magnificent coral reefs and rich marine life. The park has long stretches of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves, providing an ideal habitat for a variety of marine life. Visitors can experience a variety of water activities such as snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours, windsurfing and wakeboarding, and get up close to colorful tropical fish, turtles, starfish, sea urchins and various corals. In addition, the park is also a good place to watch dolphins and migratory birds, attracting many nature lovers to explore. Whether it is ecotourism or marine conservation, Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve is a natural treasure that cannot be missed in Mombasa.Mtwapa · 13.8km from Mombasa
Mamba Village Mombasa

Mamba Village Mombasa

3
Mombasa · 3.8km from downtown
Diani Beach
No. 1 of Cool Water Escapes in Kenya

Diani Beach

4.4
5.0/5
2 reviews
Diani Beach is located in Kwale County, Kenya. It is one of the charming seaside resorts in East Africa. This 17-kilometer-long beach is known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" and attracts tourists from all over the world with its tranquil atmosphere, rich water activities and natural landscape. This beach has fine white sand and clear turquoise water, and the coastline is decorated with palm trees and dense tropical vegetation. At low tide, the beach is wide and suitable for walking and watching marine life. The nearby Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is a paradise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. It is rich in coral reefs and dolphins and turtles can often be seen. In addition, the beach also offers a variety of water activities, including windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking and deep diving. If you have time, you can visit the small town of Shimoni near the beach, which retains a strong Swahili cultural characteristics. Visitors can also go on their own to explore the local traditional fishing village life and experience the unique cultural charm of Kenya.Diani Beach · 27.5km from Mombasa
Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple

Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple

2.5
Mombasa · 1.7km from downtown
Tudor Beach.

Tudor Beach.

2.3
Mombasa · 1.4km from downtown
A. C. K MOMBASA MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL

A. C. K MOMBASA MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL

2.3
5.0/5
3 reviews
Mombasa · 2.4km from downtown
Jumba La Mtwana

Jumba La Mtwana

2.7
Mtwapa · 15.9km from Mombasa
Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary

Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary

2.2
Mombasa Safari Park, north of the Bamburi Concrete Plant, is home to herds of ostriches, eland and antelope.Mombasa · 10.4km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Mombasa

Featured Cultural experiences in Mombasa

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Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa
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4.9/5
· 17 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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From€ 35.86
Discover Mombasa: OldTown,FortJesus,SpiceMarket Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€ 20.43€ 21.51
Diani: Maasai Jewelry-Making Workshop with Artisans
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
From€ 25.54€ 26.89
Diani: Traditional Basket Weaving Workshop with Locals
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
From€ 25.54€ 26.89
Diani bush tour
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4.8/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€ 63.86€ 67.23

Featured Outdoor experiences in Mombasa

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Kisite Marine Park snorkelling tour with Pilli Pipa dhow
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4.7/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 480 mins
English
Free cancellation
From€ 67.23
Maasai Mara hot air balloon safari
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 60 mins
English
Free cancellation
From€ 582.65
Funzi and Kinazini Islands dhow cruise
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4.3/5
· 4 reviews
English
Free cancellation
From€ 53.79
1-day tour to Watamu Marine Park and Sudi Island from Mombasa, Kenya
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From€ 228.32
Shimba Hills 1-day tour with Sheldrick Falls hike from Mombasa
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4.5/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 600–720 mins
Free cancellation
From€ 82.92
From Mombasa: Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Wasini Island
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
From€ 114.96€ 121.02
1 day Shimba Hills Tour
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3.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 9 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€ 195.87€ 206.18

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What travellers say about Mombasa

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Queen mother10 October 2026
5.0
Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kenya, is a historic fortress built by the Portuguese in 1593. Exploring its ancient walls and architecture was a fascinating journey into Kenya’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Fort Jesus Museum

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Taraaaaa12 November 2021
4.0
A mystical place where you will discover unexpected surprises from antiques, historical buildings and many more.

Old Town

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非你不渴23 March 2020
5.0
Mombasa Marine National Park is located on the coast of Mombasa. There are many marine creatures living in the park, such as crabs, sea urchins, starfish, etc. There are also beaches and coral reef parks, which are suitable for diving.

Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve

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juki23521 April 2020
5.0
Diani Beach in Kenya is definitely a beach with super beautiful scenery. It has snow-white sand, which is very soft and delicate to step on. The sea water here also presents a light blue-green color, giving people a very dreamy feeling. Taking a walk here and blowing the sea breeze is really a very good enjoyment.

Diani Beach

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🎀彡🐾9 September 2019
5.0
This is the largest Catholic church in Mombasa. Although it is in Africa, the believers here are even more devout than those in Europe. Every Sunday, thousands of believers come to the church to sing. The singing is very beautiful, with a unique African flavor, which is really worth listening to.

A. C. K MOMBASA MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Mombasa?

Don't miss these attractions in Mombasa: Fort Jesus Museum, Old Town, and Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve. If you like Food & drink, try WATAMU: MALINDI: SARDEGNA ISLAND & MALINDI MARINE PARK. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa.

You can give WATAMU: MALINDI: SARDEGNA ISLAND & MALINDI MARINE PARK and Diani: Market and Street Food Walking Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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