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- 8 fun things to do in Mombasa: My local’s 5-day guide
8 fun things to do in Mombasa: My local’s 5-day guide
Bill A
July 08, 2025
Planning a trip to Mombasa but not sure what to do once you get there?
Don’t stress, I’ve got you covered.
Whether you're coming with family, your partner, or even solo, there’s a lot to enjoy.
But fair warning: don’t come alone... you might not want to leave (thanks to those charming Digo ladies 😊.
Mombasa may not be as flashy as some other destinations, but it's definitely worth visiting. It’s one of those places I always recommend to friends, but only if you're coming with someone.
It could be family, friends, or your significant other. The experience just hits different when you have people to share it with.
That said, if you're the kind of person who can strike up conversations anywhere, you'll probably be fine on your own too.
Before we dive into all the fun things to do, let me give you a few practical tips to help you make the most of your trip:
What to pack
Mosquito net – Or book a hotel that provides one. Mombasa has a lot of mosquitoes, and they can carry diseases like malaria or dengue.
Light clothing – It’s really hot. Avoid heavy clothes that will leave you drained.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap – Protect yourself from the intense sun.
Swimming shorts, open shoes, slippers, deodorant/roll-on – Beach essentials that’ll keep you comfortable and fresh.
1. Safety tips
Not all areas in Mombasa are safe, especially if you're new or unfamiliar with the place.
It's best to avoid areas like Kisauni, Bangla, some parts of Jomvu, Mvita, and certain places in Likoni, unless you have a local guide with you.
If you’re planning to explore these areas, hire someone who knows the place well to help you stay safe.
2. Food in Mombasa
Mombasa has a wide range of local dishes, but don't expect to find everything you're used to back home.
For instance, if you love tilapia, it’s not as easy to find here as it is in Nairobi or western Kenya.
Still, the food here is tasty, just come with an open mind and try out different local dishes.
Examples of local dishes you might try are viazi karai (especially when you mix with mwakaju😋), samaki wa kupaka, biryani, street food (but be careful), seafood shacks and swahili kitchens.
3. Budget travel tips
To keep your trip affordable, book a hotel or Airbnb in Nyali, it’s a nice area. But instead of eating in Nyali's expensive restaurants, head to Bamburi for meals.
The food there is great and much more affordable. If you're on a tight budget, you could even book an Airbnb in Bamburi and eat at the local food joints, your wallet will thank you.
Another tip, do some shopping at supermarkets like Naivas or Carrefour.
If your Airbnb has a kitchen, you can cook some meals yourself and only spend a little extra on snacks or occasional meals out. It’s a great way to save money while still enjoying your stay.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the fun stuff, what to do, where to go, and how to make your time in Mombasa truly memorable.
I’ll break everything down by day because, honestly, you can’t do it all at once, unless you’re Batman or Superwoman.
Depending on your budget, you’ll be able to plan and stretch out your days to fit in as much as possible.
Ready for a packed adventure?
Here we go!!!
Things to do in Mombasa: A 5-Day Plan
[Day 01]: Haller Park & Fort Jesus
Kick off your day at Haller Park, just outside central Mombasa. It’s not your standard zoo, the animals roam in more natural spaces.
You’ll likely spend about four hours walking the shaded trails, spotting giraffes, monkeys, antelopes, and even the occasional giant tortoise.
Try to go in the afternoon to catch the animal feeding at 3:30 PM. Giraffes eat first, then hippos, and finally crocodiles.
That’s when the real action happens, since most animals tend to be pretty mellow earlier in the day.
Once you’ve wrapped up at the park, head to Old Town and visit Fort Jesus, a 16th-century Portuguese fort with a long and layered history.
You’ll be walking through centuries of Mombasa’s past, think battles, sea routes, and old trade stories. Arrive after the animal feeding to catch the golden hour.
It’s the perfect time for photos and a peaceful stroll through the fort and surrounding streets.
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