Mombasa Travel Guide

Diani Beach is one of Kenya's most beautiful beaches. About 10 km of powder-white coral sand, crystal-blue Indian Ocean water, swaying palms and offshore coral reefs make it one of Kenya's most popular seaside resorts. Located ~30 km south of Mombasa, Diani has repeatedly been voted Africa's best beach. Resorts, beach bars and water sports centers line the shore — snorkel coral reefs and tropical fish, kitesurf, windsurf, kayak, or relax under palms. Diani Reef nearby is a superb snorkeling spot. Colobus monkeys sometimes forage on the beach in early morning. Visiting Diani Beach for tropical sun and water sports on Indian Ocean white sand is a dreamy Kenyan seaside experience.

The Old Town of Mombasa is a living chronicle of the Swahili coast; in lanes of coral stone and teak, carved doorways and mosques tell of a thousand-year trading port. Arab, Indian and African flavours mingle — a maze to stroll, taste and touch the memory of Indian Ocean trade. Spice markets and carved mosques recall the age when Mombasa was a prize fought over by empires on the monsoon trade.

Fort Jesus is a 16th-century star-shaped fortress the Portuguese built by Mombasa harbour; over centuries it passed among Portuguese, Omani and British hands, a witness to the struggle for the Swahili coast. Thick coral walls and an archaeology museum make it a UNESCO site and living fossil of sea-defence history.

Bamburi Beach, on the north coast of Mombasa, Kenya, is the city's main public beachfront (also called Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach or Pirates Beach). It is known for fine white sand, flat clear water, and the resorts and water-sports along the shore, and is well suited to swimming, sunbathing, boat trips and beach relaxation.

Haller Park, in the Bamburi area north of Mombasa, was originally an abandoned cement quarry that was ecologically restored into a thriving urban ecological park. It contains giraffes, hippos, Aldabra tortoises, a reptile house, fish farming ponds, a palm garden, a butterfly garden and a crocodile pool, and is a classic example of ecological restoration and environmental education in Africa.

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary, beside Kiembeni Road in the Bamburi area north of Mombasa, is a popular local conservation and picnic spot. It is known for free-roaming giraffes, oryx and other animals set in peaceful lawns, and offers viewing shelters, picnic areas and morning/evening birdwatching (birdwatching requires advance booking). It is a relatively affordable, up-close wildlife outing.