Our most recommended things to do in Mombasa

Mombasa: Kisite Park Private Boat Tour with Diving and Lunch

1. Mombasa: Kisite Park Private Boat Tour with Diving and Lunch

Get ready to board an exclusive private boat and sail for about one hour searching for dolphins, before snorkeling and diving (for these who choose the diving option) in the Kisite marine national park. Kisite Marine national park is the second most famous marine park in the world, after the Australian Marine Park. Explore 30 kilometers of turtles, marine tortoise, bearreeffs, coral reefs and different types of marine fishes. Next sail to Wasisni Island where your lunch of sea food and Swahili dishes will be served. After lunch, you’ll have the option to do a guided tour of the Wasini island and experience the local Swahili culture, visiting the beautiful coral garden, mangrove forest and fishing village to learn more about the Swahili people and their history. Your local guide will give you an in-depth explanation and background throughout the tour. Alternatively, you can relax at the restaurant, enjoying the sea view and the breeze. Once you are done with the island tour, board the boat and back to the mainland where you will take a guided tour of the Shimoni Slave Caves. Then, start the journey back to your accommodation.

Mombasa: Tamarind Dinner Dhow Cruise

2. Mombasa: Tamarind Dinner Dhow Cruise

After being picked up from your resort or hotel, drive to the pier to begin your ultimate romantic evening cruise. Climb aboard a traditional dhow, the Nawalilkher, a 23 m long boat which was built in 1977 for trading. Meet your traditionally dressed waiter who will show you to your table. Be served a delightful welcome cocktail made with vodka, lime, honey, sugar, and crushed ice to savor with the melting sun. Fruit juice or soda is available for those who don't drink alcohol.  Watch as a live band on board begins to play as the dhow sets sail. Marvel at the picturesque setting as the dhow cruises into the sunset as you soak up the atmosphere of the music and lively chatter. Cruise around Tudor Creek and admire the panoramic view of Mombasa's Old Town and Fort Jesus. The dhow is then moored in a sheltered bay at the head of the creek. Savor a 4-course gourmet meal of finely grilled lobster and steak onboard. After you finish your delicious meal, a waiter will serve Arabic coffee in an original brass pot. Once the meal is over, you will be returned safely to your hotel. A choice between evening and day trips are available.

From Mombasa, Mtwapa, Diani, & Tiwi: Tsavo East Day Safari

3. From Mombasa, Mtwapa, Diani, & Tiwi: Tsavo East Day Safari

Embark on an exhilarating Tsavo East day-safari departing from Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, or Malindi. Immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness of Tsavo East, one of Kenya's iconic national parks. Experience thrilling game drives, encounter extraordinary wildlife, and discover the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of this captivating destination. Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from your accommodation in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, or Malindi. Sit back and relax as you journey towards Tsavo East, a sprawling wilderness spanning over 13,000 square kilometres. As you enter the park, prepare yourself for an unforgettable game drive, where each moment holds the potential for remarkable wildlife encounters. Tsavo East is renowned for its diverse wildlife population, including the famous "Red Elephants" known for their distinctive rust-coloured dust baths. Keep your camera ready as you traverse the park, capturing stunning images of lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, buffalo herds, and an array of bird species. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll gain fascinating insights into the park's ecosystem, the behaviours of its inhabitants, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect Tsavo East's delicate balance. Deepen your understanding of the significance of this incredible natural habitat. Midway through the day, make a stop for a delightful picnic lunch amidst the wilderness, allowing you to savor the flavors while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Take a moment to recharge and reflect on the morning's adventures, as you soak in the serene ambiance of the African bush. Continuing your exploration, venture into different sections of the park, each offering its own distinct landscapes and wildlife sightings. From vast open plains to acacia-dotted savannahs, Tsavo East's ever-changing scenery provides ample opportunities for breathtaking photographs. As the day winds down, commence your return journey to Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, or Malindi, filled with unforgettable memories and stories to share. Reflect on the wonders you've witnessed and the profound connection you've formed with nature during this immersive Tsavo East Day Safari.

Wasini Island: Dolphin Spotting & Snorkel at Kisite Mpunguti

4. Wasini Island: Dolphin Spotting & Snorkel at Kisite Mpunguti

Embark on an adventurous day trip with a dhow cruise along the Kenyan coast. Benefit from hotel transfers from Diani Beach, Tiwi, Mombasa, Shanzu, or Mtwapa. Enjoy a blend of natural beauty, marine life encounters, seafood flavors, cultural experiences, and historical insights. Begin your day with a dhow cruise, a traditional Arabian sailing vessel, to the waters of the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. As you glide through the azure waters, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins leaping alongside the boat, providing an exhilarating display of their aquatic prowess. Upon arrival at the marine park, be greeted by a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life and coral formations. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, experiencing the wonders beneath the surface. Swim among tropical fish and turtles, and encounter rays or reef sharks if you’re lucky. After your aquatic adventures, sail to Wasini Island. Savor a seafood lunch featuring the fresh catch of the day. Relish in the flavors of succulent seafood delicacies, prepared with local spices and culinary expertise, while enjoying the island’s tranquil ambiance and scenic views. Following lunch, take a stroll through the village on Wasini Island, interacting with the friendly residents and gaining insight into the local culture and way of life. You can also choose to take a tour of the Shimoni slave caves, a historical site offering a glimpse into the region's dark past. As the day draws to a close, board the dhow once again. On the cruise back to the mainland, relish the picturesque coastal scenery one last time, cherishing the beauty of the Kenyan coastline as the sun sets. Finally, get dropped off at your hotel.

Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach

5. Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach

Avoid the stress of finding a taxi or the hassle of a shared shuttle service when you arrive at Mombasa's busy Moi International Airport. Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer directly to or from your accommodation in the Diani Beach area. A professional driver will pick you up and drop you off either at the airport or at the doorstep of your hotel or private residence. Travel in a comfortable, spacious sedan for 3 passengers or minivan for up to 6 passengers. Sit back and enjoy the ride to your destination without worrying about taxi meters or traffic. This transfer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

From Mombasa: Watamu Marine Park & Sudi Island Excursion

6. From Mombasa: Watamu Marine Park & Sudi Island Excursion

Get picked up from your desired pick-up location along the Mombasa coast. Drive North towards Watamu and arrive at the Marine Park. Board a double decker boat and begin an incredible tour over the coral reefs with the opportunity to see incredible marine life. Relax in the sun on the top deck and try to spot dolphins, within the seasons between May and October. Climb back onto the boat, and continue towards the Marine Park. Only the Great Barrier Reef itself has a bigger range of species list and the marine protected area in Watamu is also recognized internationally as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Stop to snorkel and shallow dive here, where it is virtually impossible to not see a few dozen species of fish inside the main reef. On the fringe, you'll have an excellent chance of viewing the magnificent whale shark or manta rays that are seasonal visitors. The park is also home to 3 species of sea turtles that nest on the beaches. After snorkeling, head over to the white sandy beaches where you will be allowed to step off the boat for a swim in the crystal clear blue waters for a while. Then set sail for Sudi Island where you can enjoy the views of the lush green mangroves along the creek side. A t around 1 PM arrive on the island where you'll receive a warm welcome and little entertainment. Enjoy a seafood lunch then take a guided canoe ride into the mangrove forest. Depart from the island at around 4 PM and return to the marine park, where your driver will be waiting for you to return you back to your pick-up location. 

Mombasa: Discovery Day Tour and Haller Park

7. Mombasa: Discovery Day Tour and Haller Park

Get picked up from your hotel and proceed to Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 16th Century. Hear about the long and fascinating history of the fort before it was converted into a prison in 1985, and later, into a historical landmark. The tour takes you through a maze of cobbled narrow streets, past ancient mosques and picturesque residential houses that evoke the island's medieval past. Wander under overhanging balconies and through mysterious doorways to bustling markets filled with exotic spices, fruit, and colorful fabrics.  Then, drive through the Elephant Tusks on Moi Avenue and call in at the Akamba woodcarvers, where you can see them at work and take the opportunity to purchase some of their wonderful crafts and other souvenirs. Take a break for lunch, maybe at the delicious Tamarind Restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Dr. Rene Haller's Nature Park, a group of former quarries now reforested and home to many animals, including hippos, giraffes, buffalos, antelopes, and crocodiles.  The park offers a variety of attractions that educate and entertain the over 160,000 annual visitors, among them a game sanctuary, reptile park, a small demonstration fish farm area, palm garden, crocodile pens, and a giraffe-viewing platform. The diversity of vegetation is considerable, from mangrove palms and majestic indigenous shade trees to coastal forests where several of these plants are rare and endangered: a true haven for botanists. Later, return to your hotel in Mombasa.

Shore Excursion:Mombasa City Half Day Tour.

8. Shore Excursion:Mombasa City Half Day Tour.

Full Description. If you’re arriving into Mombasa by cruise ship,this tour is ideal for exploring the city. Arrive at the shore of Mombasa and set off on a tour of highlights great for culture and history lovers. Visit the Fort Jesus Historical Museum, explore the Old Town and soak in the atmosphere of the local markets. See the Mombasa Elephant Tusk monument and find a spot for a local lunch. Tour Overview. You will be picked up from the port and taken to the Fort Jesus. This is Mombasa's oldest museum and it depicts the culture and the origin of the local people, mentioning the origin of Swahili. With a guide you will be able to trace the historical pattern leading to the influence of the sultans. In addition, you will learn the culture of the local people through different exhibitions. You will enjoy a walk in narrow streets of the Mombasa old town, passing through the famous fish market before driving to see the elephant tusks as a monuments of the ancient (now illegal) ivory trade. After, you will then walk in the market with lunch at a local dishes to sample the local cuisines. After lunch you will be taken to the Haller Park. This is not a zoo but a free roaming animal sanctuary born out of the idea to conserve a big old vast former cement quarry. There are lots of animals to see and depending on your excitement this will last between 2 and three hours from where you will dropped back to your cruise or hotel.

Tsavo East National Park Day Trip From Mombasa

9. Tsavo East National Park Day Trip From Mombasa

This exciting tour begins with a complimentary hotel pickup either from the north or south coast hotels. After a brief introduction, you depart from your hotel to the Tsavo East National Park. You will drive for 3 hours and start your game drive as soon as you enter the main gate. You will enjoy a hot lunch in any of the lodges in the camp. Later, go on an afternoon game drive before leaving the park at around 3.pm and heading back to your coastal hotel with a lot of memories. The sight of dust-red elephants wallowing, rolling, and spraying each other with the midnight blue waters of palm-shaded Galana River is one of the most evocative images in Africa. This, along with the 300 kilomtere long Yatta Plateau, the longest lava flow in the world, make for an adventure unlike any other in the Tsavo East. The park forms the largest protected area in Kenya and is home to most of the larger mammals, vast herds of dust –red elephant, Rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, pods of hippo, crocodile, waterbucks, lesser Kudu, gerenuk, and the prolific bird life features 500 recorded species.

From Mombasa/Diani Beach: 2-Day Tsavo East Private Safari

10. From Mombasa/Diani Beach: 2-Day Tsavo East Private Safari

Go on a thrilling private game safari through the immense Tsavo East National Park on a 2-day tour from Diani Beach or Mombasa. Enjoy delicious meals at the lodge in the park and journey through the park in search of its wild inhabitants. Day 1 Meet your guide at your hotel in Mombasa or Diani Beach and head to Tsavo East National Park, an 80-mile journey. Enter the park through the Bachuma gate in time for your mid-morning game drive. After riding through the park and spotting wildlife, enjoy lunch at your lodge and get settled. After eating, embark on a game drive in search of elephants, lions, the ferocious “man-eaters of Tsavo,” buffalos, cheetahs, giraffes, and antelopes. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and a comfortable night's sleep. Day 2 Begin your day bright and early with a morning safari looking for herds of red elephants near the waterholes and the famous Aruba dam. Keep an eye out for birds near the water. If you wish, pass through a Masai village on your way back to Mombasa or Diani Beach.

Add dates

Things to do in
Mombasa

All activities

69 activities found
Sort by:

Immersive experiences

Go beyond Mombasa

Explore all

Frequently asked questions about Mombasa

What top attractions are a must-see in Mombasa?

Other Sightseeing Options in Mombasa

Want to discover all there is to do in Mombasa? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Mombasa

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 71 reviews

There is only one word for this activity that sums it all up: Breathtaking. We were picked up from our hotel at 5 a.m. & had a good three hour drive (which was due to our hotel location). The driver & guide Ismail told us a lot about his country on the outward and return journey and answered countless questions. The trip alone was worth the money. Arrived at the destination we met our captain who also has an incredible knowledge of the waters and the animals that live there, so we had the chance to see dolphins and even whales which have been sighted off the island the last few days. We are one Followed the animals for a while and observed them well before we drove to the dive spot, where we experienced a breathtaking underwater life that will stay in our memories forever. After the insights we went to the wonderful food, followed by the island & cave visit. Book & be enchanted!Asante sana

Great friendly service from the airport to the beach from our driver, Ismail. Ismail was very friendly, kind, and gave a lot of useful information about the Mombassa area while on our travel. Fantastic service.

Our driver was amazing and our boat driver was great. They showed us everything the list of activities and including a tour of the local village.

This was really fun. Our guide was excellent. We felt welcomed and we got some incredible memories. I would really recommend

Easy booking process, great value and very friendly driver. Would definitely use this service again