Attractions in Mombasa & Coast
Where ancient history meets wild coastal beauty 🌴🏰
Showing 37 attractions · Sorted by importance
Diani Beach
📍 Diani
⛱ BeachA world-renowned stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Fort Jesus Museum
📍 Mombasa
🏰 CastleAn imposing 16th-century fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site that brings history to life through its massive walls, museum, and stunning ocean views.
Gede Ruins
📍 Watamu
🏘 Town / VillageThe haunting remains of a 13th-century Swahili walled town hidden deep within a lush tropical forest.
Haller Park
📍 Mombasa
🐄 FarmA reclaimed limestone quarry transformed into a thriving ecological park where visitors can feed giraffes and see giant tortoises.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
📍 Shimoni
🌲 NatureOne of the best locations in Kenya for dolphin spotting and snorkeling among pristine coral reefs.
Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve
📍 Watamu
⛱ BeachA protected sanctuary featuring coral gardens, sea turtles, and white sandy shores ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest Nature and Cycling Tracks
📍 Watamu
🥾 Hiking & CyclingOver 30km of well-maintained easy to moderate cycling and hiking tracks through the largest coastal forest in East Africa. Popular routes include the 5km Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew Trail and the 12km circuit to the Nyari Viewpoint. Typical duration 2-4 hours; elevation gain minimal (under 100m). Bike rental: Tribe Watersports (tribe-watersports.com) or via the Gede Forest Station.
Mombasa Go-Kart and Adventure Park
📍 Mombasa
🧗 AdventureA multi-activity adventure center offering professional go-kart racing, ziplining, high-ropes obstacle courses, and paintball for all ages.
Mombasa-Malindi Coastal Highway (B8)
📍 Mombasa
🚗 Road Trip120km paved highway (2.5 - 3 hours) following the North Coast. Features the scenic Kilifi Creek Bridge, views of Mida Creek, and stretches through the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the largest coastal forest in East Africa. Key stops include the Gedi Ruins and the resort town of Watamu.
Sheldrick Falls Trail
📍 Kwale
🥾 Hiking & Cycling5km moderate return hike through tropical rainforest and grasslands to a 21m waterfall. Typical duration is 2 hours with an elevation gain of approximately 180m. The trail is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and requires a ranger escort due to elephants in Shimba Hills National Reserve.
Wild Waters
📍 Mombasa
🧗 AdventureMombasa's largest water park featuring 15 thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river set within a tropical garden environment.
Malindi Marine National Park
📍 Malindi
⛱ BeachOne of Africa's oldest marine parks, known for its diverse coral reefs and abundant tropical fish species.
Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve
📍 Mombasa
⛱ BeachA coastal park offering clear waters for glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, and diving near the city's north coast.
Mombasa Old Town
📍 Mombasa
🏘 Town / VillageA historic neighborhood characterized by narrow winding streets, intricate hand-carved Swahili doors, and a blend of African, Arabic, and European architecture.
Mombasa Tusks
📍 Mombasa
🏛 LandmarkAn iconic urban monument built to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's 1952 visit, forming a symbolic entrance to the heart of the city.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
📍 Kwale
🏔 Scenic ViewA lush coastal rainforest reserve home to the rare sable antelope and the impressive Sheldrick Falls.
3 Degrees South
📍 Kilifi
🧗 AdventureA premier water sports and outdoor center specializing in RYA-certified sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding on the calm waters of Kilifi Creek.
Bio-Ken Snake Farm
📍 Watamu
🔬 ScienceA premier herpetological research center and museum where families can learn about Africa's reptiles through safe, guided viewing.
Colobus Conservation
📍 Diani Beach
🔬 ScienceA primate conservation center where families can learn about the rare Angolan colobus monkey through educational tours.
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest Trail
📍 Diani Beach
🥾 Hiking & Cycling2km easy guided nature and cultural walk. Typical duration 1.5 hours. Minimal elevation gain. This trail traverses one of the few remaining fragments of the sacred Kaya forests of the Mijikenda people, offering unique botanical and spiritual insights. The path is well-marked and shaded by ancient coral rag forest.
Local Ocean Conservation
📍 Watamu
🐠 AquariumA dedicated marine conservation center where visitors can take guided tours to see rescued sea turtles and learn about ocean protection efforts.
Mamba Village Centre
📍 Mombasa
🐄 FarmEast Africa's largest crocodile farm featuring thousands of reptiles, from hatchlings to massive adults, set within scenic botanical gardens.
Marafa Hell's Kitchen Canyon Loop
📍 Malindi
🥾 Hiking & Cycling3km moderate loop trail through a dramatic sandstone canyon known as 'Hell's Kitchen'. Typical duration 1.5 hours. Elevation gain approx 60m. The route involves steep descents and climbs through jagged pillars and variegated ochre-colored gullies. It is best hiked at sunset for the colors. Local guides manage the access.
Ndoro Sculpture Garden
📍 Malindi
🖼 Art GalleryA serene open-air gallery showcasing over 300 intricate stone sculptures from local and regional artists in a beautifully landscaped tropical garden.
South Coast Scenic Drive (A14)
📍 Likoni (Mombasa)
🚗 Road Trip100km paved route (3 hours) from the Likoni Ferry to the border town of Lunga Lunga. The drive passes through the premier beach destination of Diani and features landscapes dominated by ancient baobab trees and coconut plantations. It provides access to the Shimoni Slave Caves and the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park.
Jumba la Mtwana
📍 Kilifi
🏘 Town / VillagePicturesque ruins of a 14th-century Swahili settlement located directly on the beach, featuring ancient mosques and tombs.
Malindi Museum
📍 Malindi
🖼 Art GallerySet in a historic 19th-century building, this museum displays traditional Swahili craftsmanship, maritime artifacts, and ethnographic art from the northern coast.
Mnarani Ruins
📍 Kilifi
🏰 CastleSituated above Kilifi Creek, these ancient mosque ruins and giant baobab trees provide an educational and scenic walk for all ages.
Vasco da Gama Pillar
📍 Malindi
🏰 CastleThis historic landmark on the Malindi coast offers a quick and educational stop with great views of the sea and rocky shoreline.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
📍 Watamu
🌲 NatureThe largest remaining fragment of coastal forest in East Africa, home to unique endemic birds and mammals.
Bofa Beach
📍 Kilifi
⛱ BeachA tranquil and wide expanse of white sand beach known for its peaceful atmosphere and swaying palm trees.
Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre
📍 Mombasa
🏘 Town / VillageA cultural village showcasing traditional homesteads from various Kenyan tribes alongside workshops for artisans with physical disabilities.
Diani Splash Kids
📍 Diani Beach
🧗 AdventureA specialized family water park near Galu Beach offering children's slides, splash zones, and an adventure playground.
Kipepeo Butterfly House
📍 Watamu
🐄 FarmAn engaging community-based project at Gede Ruins where families can explore a live butterfly garden and learn about the biodiversity of the coastal forest.
Mombasa Butterfly House
📍 Mombasa
🌿 GardenA serene botanical sanctuary near Fort Jesus featuring a live butterfly exhibit and a lush garden designed with indigenous plants to support local species.
