17 Top Things To Do In Mombasa

Mombasa offers a vibrant scene for all kinds of travelers. There are a lot of exciting and fulfilling things you can do in this beautiful city.

Mombasa is my hometown, I have lived there for almost 25 years. I have seen and done lots of things that gave me a new perspective on the city.

That’s when I told myself that I wanted to see the world, I couldn’t start by traveling to Nepal since I couldn’t afford that.

I started traveling within Mombasa while creating videos for my YouTube channel (Abduljabbar Ali).

Mombasa is the reason why I managed to grow my YouTube channel to where it is today.

If you are traveling and searching for ways to explore the city and get the most out of it, I will share with you all my secret hideouts in this blog.

When most people visit Mombasa, they all run to the touristic sites and beaches forgetting that the town has so much to offer than they can see.

Let me share the top things to do in Mombasa, Kenya that will leave you trip-satisfied.

These are the top things to do in Mombasa;

1. Explore Mombasa Town.

When you get to Mombasa Island the first thing I recommend you do is explore the town.

The best way to create memories and capture amazing photos and videos is by exploring the town.

Mombasa is one of the cities that holds its authenticity up to date since most of the oldest buildings (from the 1930s) are still standing thus making you feel like you are walking back in time.

The originality remains intact in most parts of the city but I can’t tell you that that is going to remain for longer.

Some of the buildings are being demolished and new ones are taking their place.

I can say that modernity will in a few years take its toll. But for now, most of the buildings are still standing with their original Arabic architectural design.

This gives Mombasa a very different feel and charm compared to many cities on the coastline of the Indian Ocean.

Get yourself in the streets of Mombasa and see its beauty and authenticity which will leave you mesmerized.

There are a few skyscrapers in Mombasa since most of the buildings still hold the earlier designs.

Most of the buildings are painted white and blue to signify the white sands and crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Mombasa takes pride in its beaches and it reflects that to its buildings too.

Some of the streets I recommend you take yourself on a walking tour within the city are these;

Jomo Kenyatta Avenue.
Digo Road.
Makadara Road.

Nkurumah Road.
Old Kilindini Road.
Joe Kadenge Road.

Memon Road.
Mwembe Tayari Road.
Haile Selassie Avenue.

The above streets are going to show you the true charm and environment of Mombasa city.

It will be great to get a tour guide who will take you around these streets because you can easily get lost even with Google Maps.

I am not saying that you can’t explore the streets using Google Maps, but if you want to do it faster and focus your attention on what you see, get yourself a local who is going to take you around.

Sometimes the streets can be confusing because they look almost identical. Having someone by your side who knows the area is going to save you hours.

Remember, you still have lots of places to visit and things to do in Mombasa.

It’s within the streets of Mombasa town where you will be able to see and learn the culture of the locals.

In most cases, you will come across the Swahilis, Mijikendas, Somalis, and Indians doing their business while others going around their normal errands.

You will come across mosques, temples, and even bigger churches within the city.

Mind you, most people in the streets of Mombasa use Swahili — learning a few Swahili words will save you from people training to take advantage of you, and you will also find it easier to connect with the locals.

Many people you will meet in Mombasa CBD know how to communicate in English, but it will win their hearts when they see a tourist trying to communicate in their language.

It’s one way of communicating with the locals and making friends when traveling.

Read also; 7 Best Areas To Stay In Mombasa

2. Visit The Tusk Monuments.

While you are still within Mombasa CBD another iconic street you should explore is Moi Avenue.

Everyone who visits Mombasa for the first time will first make sure that they visit the tusk monuments (Pembe-mbili) before they go to another area.

The tusk monuments are the golden treasure of Mombasa City — it represents its face.

Whenever anyone talks about Mombasa the first thing that usually comes to mind are these tusk monuments located at Moi Avenue.

The tusk monuments hold a historical value for the visit of Mombasa — commemorating the first visit of Queen Elizabeth.

But it turned out to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in Mombasa.

People usually visit the tusk monuments to take photos, and videos and get to touch them.

I was one of the people who used to believe that they were ivory until the day I went to touch them.

The tusks are made of iron metal and painted white — but that doesn’t degrade its value since it’s what happened there that makes it an iconic piece of Mombasa City.

Exploring is all about seeing and doing things, if you want your trip around the town to be complete, you must visit the tusk monuments.

3. Explore The Biashara Streets (Mombasa’s busiest streets).

The word ‘Biashara’ means business. If you want to see how the locals handle their businesses in Mombasa you should walk along these streets.

The biashara streets start within the Markiti market (Mackinnon market) and they extend straight to the end of the Mwembe Tayari area.

I would recommend you start walking through these streets from the intersection of Joe Kadenge Road (around the fire station) and then head straight until you connect to Digo Road (the main road) then cross and finish through the streets within Marikiti Market.

This is one of the busiest routes in Mombasa CBD that you will explore.

You can find almost anything you are searching for. Locals go to these streets for their shopping.

Many stores are for the Somalis — they dominate the business industries in Mombasa town, followed by the Indians and then Mijikenda.

Along the streets, you can find bags, shoes, makeup, coastal traditional artwork, clothes (Mombasa’s people clothes-madera, buibui, kanzu, kanga, vikoi), makeup, and much more.

The streets are always alive during the weekdays, every day it’s a market day except for the weekends.

On the weekends only a few businesses are opened along these streets and it’s hard to get their true picture.

Weekdays are the best to explore these streets if you want to see the bustling and hustling of the locals in Mombasa.

4. Tour the Spice Market.

As I told you earlier, when you walk along the Biashara streets until you connect to Digo Road, you will have to cross and enter the marikiti market.

After you are done touring the biashara streets you can connect and head back to the main road.

Remember, you will still be within the marikiti market (the second-largest market in Mombasa).

All you will come across here are the businesses and funny individuals who will try to sell you things.

You will come across interactive locals who will want to talk to you and hear where you are from.

Be careful with who you choose to connect with in these streets, some people will only want to take advantage of you.

Don’t get ripped off in these streets. Don’t check out something unless you want to buy it.

Aggressive selling tactics exist in these streets since the locals are searching for a way to make more money from the tourists.

Just be vigilant as you are walking inside the market — I can’t tell you that it’s 100% safe. But it’s hard for someone to mug and rob you during the day in the markets because people are so many.

The spice market is along the Digo Road. Get yourself to that point and get into the market.

It’s the first big white building that still holds its original architectural design that you will pass across when entering the marikiti market.

There are a lot of spices you will come across in the markets. I went for a tour inside the market but I didn’t capture every name of the spices because I was blown away by their incredible uses.

You will learn so much about the spices — the locals will be willing to share with you every detail about them.

These spices are found in large quantities at the coast, people far away from the coastline of the Indian Ocean spend so much money to get hold of them.

If you like cooking when traveling, you should buy a stock of spices at this point before you leave Mombasa.

The local cuisine of Mombasa has an upper hand because of these spices.

5. Eat street foods in Mombasa CBD.

The food in Mombasa is one of the things that this city is well known for.

What you eat in Mombasa, its taste will stick with you long enough to remind you that the other foods you tried from different cities don’t match up to it.

As I told you earlier, the spices are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what makes the dishes of Mombasa super tasty.

The locals (Swahilis and Mijikendas) are known for their best skills in preparing amazing dishes.

It’s not only the females, but males also dominate in the business of preparing the Swahili dishes.

If I were you, the first thing I would try when I’m in Mombasa city is the Pilau and Biryani.

This is the type of food that the locals know how to prepare.

The way beans are cooked — the ingredients used and the style used will just blow your taste buds.

Most of the coastal dishes have a unique taste because coconut is usually used to enhance it.

Maybe you have tried Ugali while you were in other cities in Kenya, but you haven’t tried Ugali plus samaki wa nazi (fish cooked with coconut).

This is one meal that will leave you yearning to try more coastal dishes in Mombasa.

Mombasa will never disappoint you when it comes to food and street food.

These are the best Mombasa dishes you should try;

Pilau
Briyani
Wali wa nazi.
Samaki wa kupaka.
Samaki wa nazi.
Borohoa
Seafood.
Mihogo ya nazi.

If you aren’t done yet with the food, you should start the street food tour before you think of closing your chapter on food.

Mombasa has lots of delicious street foods that you should try.

These street foods hold a special place in the hearts of the locals. You will see so many locals going harder on them like they haven’t even tried them.

In the streets of Mombasa town, you will come across so many types of street foods that you will want to get a taste of.

These are the best street foods you should try in Mombasa CBD;

Shawarma.
Bajia
Samosa.
Viazi Karai.
Haluwa.
Labania.
Mitai.
Vitumbua.
Mkate wa sinia. (Superghett bread)
Matobosha
Jicho la ngamia
Mishakiki.

Whenever I went to Mombasa town the first street food that I went for was the Shawarma.

You should try it out before you close your chapter in Mombasa.

Shawarma is composed of chicken meat, salad, and an appetizer that is folded with an Irish.

The entire thing looks like a taco, it’s yummy. You will see so many spots in the streets of Mombasa.

The Shawarma costs Ksh 100 ($0.8) which is cheaper in the streets than in the hotels.

Mombasa CBD is the go-to place for street foods and snacks.

You will find so many Shawarma spots on the opposite side of the Market along Digo Road.

You can also get coconut drinks at about Ksh 100 ($0.9) and the rest of the list of street foods I listed.

Opposite (mosque) Masjid Konzi a few metres from the Haile Selassie junction, you will come across snacks selling point.

The crips, baobab (mabuyu), cashew nuts, kashata, groundnuts and so many more.

6. Joy ride a ferry out of Mombasa Island.

Once you are done exploring the town, take a tuk-tuk ride from there to the Likoni ferry channel.

The tuk-tuk ride to Likoni Ferry shouldn’t cost you more than Ksh 100 ($1) from Mombasa town.

If you want to get a free ride from Mombasa Island to Likoni, you need to get to the crossing channel.

The locals who live out of the Island have to cross the ferry to get to town.

This channel is used by thousands of people every day to get to Mombasa Island and those who are also going to the south coast.

When you get there you won’t be able to cross right away, you will have to wait for the ferry to get to the island side.

Wait for the vehicles to enter the ferry and then the watch guards will open the door to let the passengers into the ferry.

You have to be careful at this point — there are so many thieves and pickpocketers at the Likoni Ferry channel.

Ensure you don’t have your phone, camera, cash, and documents in your back pockets.

If you have a backpack bring it to your chest. That way, no one would dare to steal anything from it.

Ensure you zip your pockets if you have a pair of trousers with zippers.

Not all the people you will see there want to cross to the other side.

At the waiting point and even on the ferry you will see people begging.

It’s free to use the Ferry to cross to go to Likoni — out of Mombasa Island.

Don’t film or take photos while you are still at the waiting point. Most locals are usually uncomfortable with people filming them and the security guards don’t allow it.

But when you are inside the ferry you can take some pictures and videos of the Indian Ocean.

When you reach the Likoni, you can choose to get off the ferry and walk around or just stay on the ferry and wait for it to go back to the island.

If you are planning to go to Diani Beach — get comfortable with the ferry because you will use it several times.

But for now, just enjoy the ride and the amazing Indian Ocean breeze.

The weather may be super hot but in the middle of the ocean inside the ferry, it’s just so cool.

7. Hang out at Mama Ngina Waterfront.

Something else you shouldn’t forget to do when you are in Mombasa is to hang out at Mama Ngina Waterfront.

Mama Ngina Waterfront is one of the biggest leisure parks in Mombasa that faces the Indian Ocean adjacent to the Mombasa Port.

This means when you are at the Mama Ngina Waterfront you will be able to see ships moving to and out of the port.

Most locals usually go to this park to hang out, eat street foods, ride horses, eat ice cream and so many other activities.

Mama Ngina Waterfront not only offers a leisure picnic park for the locals and tourists but also holds a rich historical heritage of Mombasa City.

So, if you are a history nerd, you will be able to acquire rich historical facts about this location and how it was used.

Along the rails of Mama Ngina Waterfront, you will come across fact boards that were installed by the board of tourism management of Mombasa — sharing the use of certain structures at the Waterfront during the ancient times.

So, walk along the rails and read all the information, take photos and videos because you will need them in the future.

The park has designated points where you can chill and watch the Indian Ocean and coral reefs at the shore.

The view is spectacular and it will get you off the edge. This is one of the moments we all travel the world to attain.

Keep walking around the park — around the mosque, you will come across another incredible pigeon tower. This is another spot where you will see locals and tourists posing for photos and videos.

A little bit forward on your left hand next to the mosque, you will come across another white building called Kilindini Cultural Centre.

The design for the building is breathtaking — Arabic architectural design. The door has a staircase where people stand and take photos and videos.

Mama Ngina Waterfront is so big and there are a lot of things to do and see, I don’t think you can exhaust them all within a few hours unless you have the entire day.

There are restaurants that you will come across as you keep moving along the rails.

mn Kafe is another hot spot that was recently opened with amazing coffee and ice cream. I took someone there on a date one day.

It has an epic setup at the back. You can get to face the Indian Ocean and feel the breeze while enjoying your coffee or ice cream.

There is also another restaurant called Chinese Galaxy, I have never entered there because it seems kinda fancy yet I am a budget traveler.

If your pocket can afford get into the restaurant and get the taste of it and let me know how it was.

8. Visit The OLDEST Mosque In Mombasa – Mandhry Mosque

Another thing to do in Mombasa is visit the oldest mosque in the old town that was used by Arabs.

The Arabs came to Mombasa in the early 1520s to trade and spread the Islamic religion.

Most of them formed their settlements around Mombasa’s old town because it favored their businesses and their religious practices.

They ended up intermarrying the Mijikendas thus leading to the creation of the Swahili community in Mombasa.

One of the oldest mosques to be built in Mombasa is Mandhry located in the old town outskirts.

The mosque was built in 1570 and it’s still standing up to date. It still has the ancient Arabic architectural design that makes it a precious gem to put your eyes on.

The mosque has been repainted several times but it still has its original design.

9. Explore Mombasa’s Old Town.

While you are still in the old town, you should use this opportunity to explore it before you think of doing something else.

Mombasa’s old town is one of the most colorful and vibrant areas in Mombasa that still contains many of the oldest builds in the entire city.

The architectural design of the building will blow your mind. Most of them are painted in yellow.

Which is a little bit different from what you saw in the town center. In Mombasa CBD, most of the buildings are painted in blue and white, but here that is not the case.

I can’t count the number of times I have been walking in these streets.

Whenever I leave Mombasa and come back, when I get to old town it kinda feels like I’m seeing them for the first time.

The best way to explore Mombasa’s old town streets is by foot. Don’t get into a tuk-tuk ride because you won’t manage to explore the streets to the fullest.

The streets can be confusing because of so many buildings that are there without a proper plan.

Some of the routes are super narrow and have lots of bends and getting a clear picture of where you came from can be tricky.

If you don’t want to get lost in Mombasa’s old town I recommend you get a tour guide or don’t go too deep into the streets.

Another thing you should know is that deep within Mombasa’s old town — the streets are sketchy and dodgy.

They aren’t safe for tourists, that is why you need to have a local guide who knows and understands the streets better to take you around and keep you safe.

I never got robbed or mugged within Mombasa’s old town but I have heard so many locals that I know complaining about the safety of that area.

So, take caution while you are exploring the streets of the old town.

10. Enjoy a tour of Fort Jesus.

Everyone who visits Mombasa doesn’t matter whether he or she is a historical nerd or not, they visit Fort Jesus.

Fort Jesus is another amazing museum that holds a rich historical heritage of Mombasa city.

I don’t know much about history but I tell you that the site has incredible artifacts that will take you back in time.

The entire Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese but when they left it fell in the hands of the Arabs.

Inside Fort Jesus, you will come across materials that date back to the 80s which will give you information about the leaders who took control of Mombasa City.

The Mazrui family and other Bantu leaders kept the administrative structure of Mombasa going.

My point is that you can learn so much about the ancient Mombasa within Fort Jesus.

If you aren’t that deep into history like me — you don’t need a tour guide, you can just walk around the fort for sightseeing.

Inside, you will also come across the Portuguese chapel that is only in ruins right now.

There are a lot of things to see and learn inside Fort Jesus, I guess that is why it’s one of the top things to do in Mombasa.

Fort Jesus receives thousands of tourists every year because of the rich historic heritage that it contains.

Although I am not much of a historian, I usually like to visit Museums just to learn two or three things about the place.

So, if you are in Mombasa, don’t forget to tour Fort Jesus and grab some photos and videos to remind yourself of this beautiful coastal paradise and its history.

The entry ticket fee to get into Fort Jesus for citizens is Ksh 200 while foreigners pay Ksh 1200.

11. Walk around Mombasa’s biggest market – Kongowea.

If you visit any destination make sure you explore the markets.

I always believe that it’s in the markets where you will be able to get to know the reality of how locals handle themselves.

Markets are usually filled with different kinds of people — the crazy and the smartest ones.

The culture and originality of a location can’t be hidden in the markets.

You don’t have to be buying anything to visit the markets — just walk through it and see how things are going.

But if you want you can get some groceries and fruits, they tend to be cheap in Kongowea.

If you are cooking while traveling, you can choose to buy everything you want while exploring the markets.

Kongowea market is filled with people of different ethnic groups and beliefs.

You will come across some funny individuals but that’s the reality of things when you walk in the markets of Mombasa.

The market is bigger, chew the piece you can manage and get out of there.

If you don’t have hiking shoes or clothes, you can get everything at this market at a fair price.

Most of the things you will buy here are second-hand. Locals tend to flood this market fighting for cheaper things.

Most businessmen and women rely on this market to make ends meet. So, be kind to support them if you manage to get anything you are searching for within the markets.

Kongowea market is close to Nyali outskirts — one of the richest neighborhoods in Mombasa.

As you are heading to the next location that I’m about to share with you — you will pass through Nyali.

12. Visit the oldest crocodile farm – Mamba Village.

Another amazing thing to do in Mombasa is to connect with nature and get to appreciate its beauty.

One of the highly-rated crocodile farms in Mombasa is Mamba Village — it’s the oldest farm in Africa, can you imagine that?

So, if you are in Mombasa, you have to add this to your bucket list.

You may ask me, “What is Mamba village all about?”

If you are interested in learning more about the crocodiles and their entire ecosystem I suggest you tour Mamba village.

They have tour guides with experience and expertise to share with you everything you want to know about these creatures.

I only went to Mamba Village once when I was still in Mombasa. But I can’t lie to you it was worth the trip and the money.

Yeah, you heard me right, you have to pay an entry ticket to get a tour around the crocodile farm.

Anyway, how can you get to Mamba Village?

If you are within Mombasa CBD, you will have to get a means of public transport to Kengeleni, just around Kongowea Market, which will only cost you Ksh 50 to 70 ($0.5) depending on the time.

When you are around Kengeleni just get a tuktuk ride to Mamba Village. Which it’s going to cost you Ksh 100 ($1).

Mamba Village is just along the Links Road in Nyali outskirts.

If you want to save money while traveling always use public transport to get from one location to another.

But if you choose to take a taxi from Mombasa CBD to Mamba Village, you are going to spend more than $15.

Make use of Google Maps as you are moving from one location to another to ensure that you are going to the right place.

To get a tour of Mamba Village in Mombasa and learn more about the crocodile ecosystem you will have to pay Ksh 200 if you are a citizen and a foreigner has to pay Ksh 1000.

Once you get your ticket at the entry point, you won’t need to pay for the tour guide, your entry ticket covers everything.

Mamba Village doesn’t have much to offer other than seeing and learning about the crocodiles and the snakes in glass cages, but it can be an amazing experience for those who have never seen these creatures in person.

At Mamba Village in Mombasa, you will have the opportunity to hold a baby crocodile and a snake if you have the courage.

I can’t forget my first experience of holding the baby crocodile, I was super tense but I did it.

All I could think about was, what if the crocodile twisted its head and bit me?

The only thing I didn’t have the gut to hold was the snakes, man! That was the scariest thing ever for me.

I’m just not friendly with these creatures, I’d rather see them from afar but not touch them.

At Mamba Village In Mombasa, they also have a restaurant where you can try crocodile meat if you are interested.

I wanted to try but overthinking about it made me change my mind.

What I can tell you is that I had a great time and created epic memories by touring Mamba Village in Mombasa.

There is a whole ecosystem out there that you should learn about. It’s a great part of traveling too.

13. Connect with nature and animals at Haller Park.

What you saw and learned at Mamba Village was just the tip of the iceberg.

Haller Park is another animal nature park where you can see and interact with the world of animals beyond your imagination.

It was my dream to get closer to world animals, it came into a reality when I visited Haller Park in Mombasa a few days before I left for Eldoret.

It’s super easy to get to Haller Park since it’s just on the opposite side of the Mombasa-Malindi highway.

So, you don’t need to stress yourself using Google Maps to get there. Anyone within Mombasa knows this.

If you take a motorcycle (in Mombasa we call them boda boda, It’s another common cheap means of transport) it can take you to the gate of Haller Park.

If you are within Nyali, just take a tuk-tuk directly to Haller Park, it won’t cost you more than $3 to get there.

What should you expect when you go to Haller Park?

The first thing you should expect is the amazing nature scene. It’s a reason why it’s called a park.

The area is just so chilly — giving you a different vibe that will make you feel you are out of Mombasa.

Outside there it’s too hot, but within Haller Park, the atmosphere is so calm and chilly.

We have some people who go to Haller Park just to chill and hang out — escaping from the heat of Mombasa.

There are so many designated sitting areas where you can relax and catch your breath before you decide to go to another animal spot to explore.

The park is well kept, this might make you feel like just staying there for the rest of the day. You can do so if you want because they don’t give you a time measure of how long you should be in the park.

You can’t sleep there though, Haha!

Another thing that takes people to Haller Park in Mombasa is the feeding programs offered there.

The best time to visit Haller Park is at 2 pm so that you get to feed the giraffes at 2:45, followed by seeing the hippopotamus being fed and 4:30 pm is the thrill of crocodiles.

You will see the crocodiles fighting for a piece of meat that is directed to them via a piece of rope and roller.

I didn’t know that crocodiles can jump so high even when they are immersed deep in water.

Apart from the feeding programs, you will be able to access the reptile park — see different kinds of snakes, see the biggest tortoise, and come across monkeys, fish ponds, and Oryxes.

You can also walk around the park and take photos and videos. It’s too big, if you manage to exhaust it without resting you have amazing stamina.

The first time I went there I tried to move around without taking a rest, later on, I had to sit down for about 15, minutes before I could go on exploring.

The citizens pay Ksh 600 ($4.7) for the entry ticket, while foreigners pay Ksh 1400 ($11)

14. Enjoy the sunset with Giraffes at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary.

Another spot you should visit when you are in Mombasa is the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary.

It’s storming the internet, everyone talks about this location and I can tell you it’s a hidden gem.

It’s a little Hidden since it is a little bit far from Mombasa CBD. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is located at Bamburi Kiembeni.

People visit Nguuni because of its grounds — it’s considered one of the best chilling nature spaces within Mombasa.

People don’t care so much about the giraffes, but it’s a bonus to have them around.

The location alone is enough to blow your mind away.

The air is so fresh and clean, it kinda makes you feel you are out of the coast for a while, but when you get out of the park you realize that you are still within Mombasa.

You should visit Nguuni if you want a calm place to chill, search for a walking adventure, and enjoy the sunset with some giraffes in front of you.

When it comes to the animals, you should expect to see giraffes, ostrich, tortoises, and oryxes.

If you want to camp — Nguuni Nature Sanctuary also offers camping grounds for explorers who want a night out in the wild.

The entry ticket fee for Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is Ksh 400 ($3.1) for citizens while foreigners pay Ksh 1000 ($7.7).

What I can tell you is that it’s worth the cash and time.

15. A picnic in the richest neighborhood — Nyali and Kizingo Outskirts.

If you are on Mombasa Island, you won’t see the rich neighborhoods until you search for them.

They are a little bit hidden from the world because the rich like to keep themselves secluded for security reasons and pride too.

They have a special area dedicated to their houses and schools for their children.

Mombasa CBD also has a rich neighborhood that you should explore before you think of going to Nyali.

Start your walk around Aga Khan Neighbourhood and you will see for yourself what I am talking about.

From the name ‘Aga Khan’ you have an idea that I am talking about Indians.

They have amazing skyscrapers in their areas, fancy schools, and modern hospitals that the normal locals from the lower class level can’t afford.

If someone tells you that they have admitted their kids to Aga Khan High School or Primary, just know that person is financially stable.

In Mombasa, Indians are considered rich because of their investment in real estate and businesses.

The Aga Khan Neighbourhood in Mombasa is upscale and the lower-class population just sees it from afar.

The locals who aren’t financially stable go to these areas in search of gigs to make ends meet. Some end up begging in the streets because this is where the rich hide in Mombasa.

The Aga Khan neighborhood is connected to another rich estate called Kizingo.

Kizingo is another posh area in Mombasa where the rich hide. If you want a stroll through luxury, this is an area I would recommend you visit.

This estate extends to Mama Ngina Waterfront around the golf field. You can start from one end around the Mbarak area and emerge to Mama Ngina Waterfront.

The entire area is just full of fancy modern apartments that offer a different perspective from what you have seen in MOMBASA CBD.

When you are around Kizingo, don’t forget to visit the lighthouse tower — it’s another incredible location for taking photos.

Once you are done touring Kizingo, make a point of exploring Nyali’s outskirts too.

This is another richest neighborhoods in Mombasa that will leave you mesmerized.

The area is full of fancy buildings and luxurious hotels and restaurants.

Most budget travelers can’t afford to book their stays or have meals in restaurants around this area.

If you are searching for luxury, Nyali is an area where I would recommend you book your stay.

The bright side about Nyali despite being a super expensive area to stay in, the security is great, the area is calm and the roads are well-kept.

If you love skating or rolling with a skateboard, this is an area you should consider staying.

Another thing is that you are around one of the biggest malls in Mombasa city — City Mall.

Within Nyali, you will also come across the Nyali center, where you can get any kind of service you are searching for.

There are a lot of shopping centers, banks, and recreational areas.

If you want luxury, you can have it in Mombasa too.

16. Check out the malls.

Before you think of leaving Mombasa, I also recommend you visit the malls.

There is nothing much you will get from them but you can get the luxury side of things you have been missing while traveling.

It’s within the malls in Mombasa where you can find fancy things to do like visual reality games and race games.

The one I came across where I saw these games is Mombasa Mall which is located along Jomo Kenyatta Avenue.

If you like gaming, doing window shopping, and riding the elevators and escalators, go to these malls.

There is another mall that you can check out at Likoni. It’s located next to Naivas supermarket.

This is another upcoming mall that took the people of Mombasa by surprise.

The mall that I visited several times when I was in Mombasa is the City Mall which is located along the Mombasa-Malindi highway.

You must have passed it when you were heading to Haller Park. It’s just a few meters behind.

Most of the time I went to the city mall — I strolled around the mall admiring clothes from the biggest brands and enjoyed ice cream and coffee at the Creamy Inn area.

It’s an amazing area where you can get a bite and chill with your friends. Instead of going to restaurants, just go to the city mall which is surprisingly close to Pirates Beach.

17. Explore the best public beaches.

Did you think I would forget to take you to the beaches? This is one of the best things that Mombasa takes its definition from.

Mombasa takes pride because of the Indian Ocean — which offers some of the best beaches in the city.

The blue and white painted buildings reflect the white sands and blue crystals of clear water of the Indian Ocean.

Mombasa has amazing beaches that are easy and free to access. The public beaches are mostly filled with locals and tourists.

Why pay to access a beach when you can just get to one free of charge? For those who want some privacy and have lots of money to spend, they prefer booking resorts that offer them access to private beaches.

But if you are traveling on a budget and you want to see and experience things at the coastline of Mombasa, I recommend you join the locals at the public beaches.

These beaches are usually super crowded during holidays and weekends, but you can have them for yourself when you either go early in the morning or avoid the holidays and weekends.

Some of the best beaches to visit in Mombasa are these;

Bamburi beach.
Mombasa beach.
Pirates beach.
Nyali beach.
Shanzu beach.
Shelly beach.

Shelly Beach is located in Likoni. Remember the joy ride you had with the ferry, take another one, and land in Likoni.

Take a tuk-tuk after you have alighted from the ferry and ask them to drop you at Shelly Beach.

It’s another low-key beach that not so many tourists know about thus making it a hidden gem.

Lastly…

You have been doing most of the things around Mombasa island and a little bit out of it.

There are still so many things to do if you decide to go to South Coast (Kwale County). In Kwale, you will have access to beautiful hiking grounds.

If you also want a change of weather — the heat is too much for you to handle in Mombasa, head to Kwale County.

While you are there you will have access to Kisite Mpunguti National Marine Park, Diani Beach, Shedrack Falls, Shimoni Caves and so many incredible areas to visit and explore.

The coast is still filled with so many things you will never experience anywhere else.

You can stretch a little bit and head to the Northern part of the coast Kilifi County — where you will have access to Malindi and so many amazing destinations.

It’s up to you to decide where you want to go next, but hopefully, you will have an amazing time exploring Mombasa.