Mombasa Tourist Attractions:
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Beaches. Sunbathe or build castles or simply laze on Africa's finest beaches that offer lots of sun, sand and sea
Mombasa Marine Park. This is the most visited marine protected area and is teeming with breathtaking coral gardens, crabs, shells, jelly fish and sea urchins, sea cucumbers and sea stars together with sea weeds. It is also perfect for diving.
Mombasa "Tusks." You really haven't been to Mombasa until you have walked or driven through the 2 arches of giant "elephant tusks" which signal entrance into the city center where most of the hospitals, banks, shops and markets are located. If you are a conservationist, take heart, these tusks – built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952 – are not made of ivory but steel. This is certainly one of my favorite Mombasa tourist attractions.
Mamba Village. East Africa's largest crocodile farm stars … you guessed it … crocodiles … by the thousands although it also features a botanical garden (where carnivorous plants(!) are displayed). The village also offers horse and camel riding though the highlight of each day is an astonishing scene of crocodiles tussling for decomposing meat at mealtime. For those inclined to savor the farm's culinary delights, be sure to order charcoal-grilled crocodile or ostrich or zebra. I understand it will be on your mind (and tongue) long after you've left Mamba Village.
Bamburi Nature Trail (Haller Park). Set on a rehabilitated abandoned limestone quarry, the Nature Trail boasts multifarious animal, reptile, fish, bird, insect and plant species. With some luck, you could be allowed to feed a snake – under close supervision of course! The park has also generously provided for walking and cycling so if these are your pastimes, don't let the Kenya safari interrupt them.
Fort Jesus. By far Mombasa's most popular standalone tourist attraction, Fort Jesus is an architectural masterpiece of the sixteenth century when it was built by Portuguese and renovated by the Arabs who routed them. The canons used to ward off enemies, slave prison cells, torture rooms have been preserved intact while a newer building houses a museum which displays various ancient Portuguese, Arab and African artifacts such as ceramics and jewelry. Fort Jesus offers an especially satisfying experience for those who want to go back in time and put Mombasa's cosmopolitan culture in perspective. I have found that it is worth hiring a guide to take you around the fort.
Located adjacent Fort Jesus, Old Town is a symbol of Mombasa's "melting-pot" status. The ancient buildings there feature ornately carved doors and are good place to buy antiques and Kenyan souvenirs. Because the streets are quite narrow, it is advisable to explore Old Town on foot.
Bombolulu Workshops run by the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK) employs over 250 physically challenged persons who produce quality jewelry, batiks, leather crafts and wood carvings and leather crafts most of which are exported mostly to Europe and the USA. This is good place to pick up some souvenirs at a bargain so don't miss out on this Mombasa tourist attraction
Shimba Hills National Park is home to endangered species of cycad and orchids along with several hundred elephants, leopards and profuse birdlife which are lured by the sanctuary's waterhole. The reserve is ideal for animal watching (from the viewing platform), forest walks and picnics (at the scenic Sheldrick Falls)
Go mud-bathing to Sleepy Creek, on Chale Island. Wallowing in the volcanic mud – which contains phosphates and sulphur – is apparently good for all skin ailments such as pimples, acne, rheumatism and arthritis. Although the mud has a yucky smell, the exercise is very therapeutic but don't forget to wash off the mud with salty water (which relieves the itching caused by the sulphur) after 20 minutes. Sleepy Creek isn't just a much-sought-after Mombasa tourist attraction, it is a must for those who want to look and feel more attractive.
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