Holidays to Mombasa – Top Things to Do in the Kenyan City

A Kenya holiday may be dominated by thrilling wildlife experiences but those who’ve known the country well will tell you that the fun extends beyond the confines of game reserves and sanctuaries. Look, for example, towards Mombasa, a multi-faceted city that takes pride in its diverse population, its rich history and its ability to match the experiences offered by any other modern city in the world. If a Mombasa holiday has been on your mind, here are the top things that you must consider doing:

Hit the beaches

Overlooking the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean, the beaches in Mombasa invite visitors to dig their feet in the sand and get that perfect tan. The north coast beaches, including Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu and Kikambala, are perfect for families looking to stay near the city centre as well as those interested in popular shore setting offering an array of activities including golf, tennis, snorkelling, squash, diving and fishing. The south coast is where seekers of solitude camp to revel in the beauty of lesser-known beaches and luxurious resorts that attract many a celebrities.

Explore the Old Town

Travel back in time to the multi-cultural Old Town, preserving historical and architectural gems from the past. Spread over 160 acres, the Old Town hosts narrow streets, some very old buildings with ornate doors as well as quaint alleys where a multitude of businesses belonging to the diverse population have sprung up. You can look for a souvenir at one of the many antique, spice, fragrant oil or handicraft shop and go for sightseeing to the famous Fort Jesus, the Mombasa Butterfly House or the Hindu Temple Centre. Bring an end to your day by sipping on flavourful and aromatic Kenyan tea of coffee.

Take an Evening Stroll at the Mama Ngina Drive

To take a break from the hustle of the city, put on your walking shoes and arrive at the Mama Ngina Drive, a beautiful stretch of recreational land, marked by tall, shady trees, rolling grass, beaches and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. An excellent spot for picnicking, the Mama Ngina Drive allows visitors to enjoy horse riding, catch glorious sunsets over the ocean as well as relish lip-smacking street food sold by street vendors who line up here.

Spend Time at Haller Park

A man-made sanctuary to the north of the city, the Haller Park is a vibrant ecosystem boasting forest, grasslands, ponds, walking trails as well as several species of birds and animals. Wildlife lovers will be happy to discover hippos, giraffes, antelopes as well as eagles, sandpipers, weavers, storks, kingfisher, ibis, owl, heron and egret. The park is also a great place for families with little kids to know about the journey of this sanctuary from being a wasteland to a sustainable habitat for flora and fauna to flourish.

Enjoy the Nightlife

Coexisting within the world of safaris and nature parks is the bustling nightlife of Mombasa that might not always be the first thing you will be told to experience in the city but when you do, you’ll be very pleasantly surprised. An array of pubs, clubs, lounges and restaurants cater to all kinds of travellers, and keep the party going late into the night. Some of the most popular ones that most tourists prefer include Sheba Lounge at City Mall, Florida, Tapas Cielo at Nyali Business Centre, Z Lounge, Bella Vista as well as Azura.