In the culturally and historically rich region of Mombasa, tourists can have a number of unique experiences that can allow them to make memories that will last a lifetime. Here are top 10 things that every travel lover must do during their vacation in Mombasa, Kenya.
The extraordinary Old Town offers a unique insight into the social, political, religious and economic histories of the British, Portuguese, and Arab settlers of the region. Tourists can take guided walking tours to explore the intricate architecture, go shopping, or try the mouth watering cuisine. One can take a trip to Fort Jesus and see 16th Century Portuguese military architecture, or go to the Omani House to see the Omani and Swahili displays.
Haller park is a nature park in Mombasa where tourists can enjoy watching animals such as zebras, hippos, waterbucks, giraffes, tortoises, bushpigs, elands, oryxes, cape buffalos, snakes, monkeys, antelopes, and crocodiles. It is also home to a variety of fish, birds, insects and plants. Tourists can enjoy the extraordinary experience of feeding the giraffes!
Tourists can visit Tsavo East, one of the biggest and most beautiful national parks in Kenya. It features beautiful landforms like the Latta Plateau and the white water Lugard Falls. The park is home to a huge variety of animals, and over 500 different species of birds. The park is famous for Tsavo lions, a population whose adult males often lack manes entirely.
Mombasa has many stunning beaches, with white sands, lush greenery, and scenic views of the Indian Ocean. Tourists can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, picnics, diving, spa holidays, deep sea fishing, surfing, boat rides, mangrove walks, yoga, snorkeling, and beach games such as volleyball and football. Top beaches include Bamburi, Nyali, and Gazi beach.
This is the largest crocodile farm in Africa, as it is home to over 1000 crocodiles. It is also home to Big Daddy, a large Crocodile that is over 100 years old and weighs around 800kgs! Here, tourists can also enjoy horseback rides, visit a botanical garden, or observe a great aquarium which has a wide variety of colorful fish and water plants.
At Shanzu, tourists can go-karting, paintball, archery tag, ziplining, or a bike tour, and end the visit with delicious snacks or a proper meal at the restaurant.
Wild Waters is a must-see park for tourists as they can enjoy water slides, and water sports. The food courts offer delicacies from all over the world, and one can visit the coffee shop.
Mombasa is home to several temples (mandirs) for its Hindu population. One can explore the temples with a guide, and can see artifacts, idols, and paintings. The Shree Kutch Satsang Temple is the oldest mandir of Swaminarayan Hinduism outside India. One can also go to the New Dwarika Dham Temple and visit the nearby vegetarian restaurant.
The Nguuni Nature sanctuary is home to stunning wildlife including giraffes, elands, oryx, and waterbucks, as well as beautiful birdlife. The wetlands have small lakes where tourists can enjoy bird watching, while the grassland offers scenic views of the greenery. Shimba hills is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa, and is one of the top-rated spots for tourists. Rich in flora and fauna, it is home to animals such as the African elephant, Sable antelope, elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and fruit bats. It is also excellent for bird watching as tourists can spot Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop.
With scenic views of the crystal clear water, swaying palm trees, and the white sandy beach, Mombasa marine national park is an amazing tourist spot as one can enjoy exciting activities such as windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Tourists can explore the stunning underwater world and find marine animals such as crabs, starfish, stone fish, sea urchins, and sea turtles, as well as the colorful and extraordinary coral reef.
KENYA, Mombasa: A photograph taken by the Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism (MEAACT), shows a general view of the Mombasa skyline opposite EnglishPoint Marina in Mombasa, 02 June 2015. The 4-acre ocean view EnglishPoint Marina represents an iconic landmark that overlooks the Mombasa skyline in a natural marina basin with a modern design and contemporary feel. The multi-million dollar marina resort features a 26-room hotel, conferencing facility, a roof-top restaurant, a casino, swimming pool, 96 serviced apartments including 8 penthouses seafront restaurant, gym and spa, as well as a boardwalk with retail outlets, water-sports centre and fully-serviced, 88-berth marina. MANDATORY CREDIT: MEAACT PHOTO / STUART PRICE.