Best Places to Visit in Mombasa City

Mombasa

Mombasa is a beautiful coastal city in Kenya known for its rich history, culture, and stunning beaches. Here are some places to visit in Mombasa

Mombasa

Fort Jesus

This historic fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the fort’s museums and exhibits, which tell the story of Mombasa’s history.

Old Town

This historic neighborhood is known for its beautiful architecture, narrow streets, and lively markets. Visitors can wander through the streets or visit local shops and restaurants, and see historic buildings such as the Swahili House and the Old Post Office.

Mombasa Marine National Park

This protected area is home to a wide variety of marine life, including coral reefs, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can take boat tours or snorkeling trips to explore the park’s underwater world.

Haller Park

This wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, and hippos. Visitors can take guided tours of the park and see the animals up close.

Mombasa Tusks

These iconic white tusks are located at the entrance of Mombasa’s Moi Avenue. They were built in 1952 to commemorate Princess Margaret’s visit to the city.

Nyali Beach Mombasa

This beautiful beach is popular with tourists and locals alike. Visitors can relax on the sand, swim in the clear blue water, and enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and jet skiing.

Bombolulu Workshop and Cultural Centre

This center is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional African handicrafts. Visitors can watch artisans at work, see exhibits of traditional crafts, and purchase handmade goods.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park- Kenya

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

About Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is a protected area located in the southern coast of Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. They established an area of approximately 39 square kilometers, including four small islands and a coral reef ecosystem, in 1978.

The park is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 250 species of reef fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of coral. It is also an important breeding ground for humpback whales, which migrate to the area between July and October.

Activities that visitors can enjoy at the park include snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. The park has designated snorkeling and diving areas, and visitors are required to obtain permits before engaging in these activities.

The park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, and there are strict regulations in place to protect the delicate marine ecosystem. Visitors are advised to follow these regulations and to be mindful of their impact on the environment.

Location

On the southern coast of Kenya close to Shimoni and south of Wasini Island, close to the Tanzanian border. Kisite Mpunguti is 120 km (75 m) from Mombasa and 605 km (375m) from Nairobi.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is during the dry season, which runs from December to March and from July to October. During this time, the weather is usually sunny and dry, and visibility for snorkeling and diving is excellent. The seas are calm, making it easier to access the park by boat and engage in water-based activities.

The months of July to October are also an ideal time for whale watching, as this is when humpback whales migrate to the area to breed and give birth. Visitors may also have the opportunity to spot other marine mammals such as dolphins and sea turtles.

Attraction

Here are some of the main attractions available at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park:

  1. Snorkeling and Diving: The park is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in East Africa. With clear waters and diverse marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks.
  2. Coral Reefs: The park’s coral reefs are some of the healthiest in the region, providing a habitat for a variety of marine species. Including more than 200 different types of fish and over 50 species of coral.
  3. Marine Life: Besides fish and coral, the park is also home to other marine species. Including sea turtles, dolphins, octopuses, eels, and more.
  4. Boat Tours: Visitors can take a boat tour around the park to explore its beautiful coastline and spot marine life.
  5. Bird Watching: The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and ospreys.
  6. Island Hopping: The park is located near several small islands, including Wasini Island, which is known for its traditional Swahili villages, beautiful beaches, and seafood restaurants.
  7. Cultural Experiences: Visitors can also learn about the local Swahili culture by visiting nearby villages, including Shimoni and Gazi, and experiencing traditional music, food, and crafts.

 Entry Fees

a) High Season Charges (July – February)

E.A Citizens/ Kenyan Residents

Adult: Kshs 200

Child/Student: Kshs 125

Non-Residents

Adult: $15

Child/Student: $10

b) Low Season (March – June)

E.A Citizens/ Kenyan Residents

Adult: Kshs 150

Child/Student: Kshs 125

Non-Residents

Adult: $10

Child/Student: $10

Award

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve makes records as Kenya’s first Blue Park. To be provided through the Marine Conservation Institute with a gold degree Blue Park Award

For reaching the best science-primarily based totally requirements for marine existence safety and management.

Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve-Kenya

Watamu Marine National Park

About Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve

Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve is a protected area located on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya, about 140 kilometers north of Mombasa. It was established in 1968 and covers an area of 229 square kilometers, including the fringing coral reef, several small islands, and the adjacent coastal areas.

The park is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, including over 600 species of fish, dolphins, turtles, and whales. The coral reefs are also home to a variety of invertebrates, including anemones, starfish, and sea urchins.

Visitors to the park can engage in a range of activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat tours. There are also opportunities to go on guided walks, bird watching, and turtle watching, as well as visit local communities and learn about their traditional ways of life.

The park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, and there are several eco-lodges and resorts in the area that offer accommodation to visitors. The park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is considered one of the best marine parks in East Africa.

How to get there

By Road: Watamu is a hundred and twenty Kms north of Mombasa and 28km south of Malindi.

At Gede, that’s on the primary Mombasa Malindi Road, you switch closer to the Indian Ocean. 11kms from the primary street is Watamu itself.

By Air : Malindi airport is your arrival point.

By Train: The new Standard Gauge Railway, which became these days delivered in Kenya. Makes railway tour very famous in Kenya. You additionally get a threat to by skip through Tsavo National Park at the same time as at the train travel.

Wildlife

There also are Whale Sharks, Manta rays, Octopus and Barracuda as a number of the bigger species withinside the park. Watamu additionally, has one-of-a-kind species of Turtles as a 99% possible sea turtle. A turtle inside the ocean.

Famous Animals

Marine wildlife such as Ganges dolphins, giant crabs, balooga whales and giant leatherback turtles can also be found here. The park is also home to mammals such as jackals, jungle cats and black rabbits.

Best Time to Visit

Watamu Marine Park Due to its proximity to the equator, Watamu is warm all year round. October to April are the best months for diving, snorkeling and fishing. While turtle nesting and hatching is an activity all year round.

Malindi Marine National Park- Kenya

Watamu marine national park

About Malindi Marine National Park

The Kenyan government established Malindi Marine National Park in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya, and it is believed to be the oldest marine park in Africa.

The park lies at  Malindi, approximately 118 km north of Mombasa. And is blanketed and administered through the Kenya Wildlife Service. Along with Watamu Marine National Park, Malindi Marine Park is enclosed through the Malindi Marine National Reserve.

How to Get There

There are approaches to get to the park both via way of means of avenue or via way of means of air. Via way of means of the avenue the park is around 110 km from the north of Mombasa. In case you pick to move via way of means of air then the Malindi Airport may be your arrival point.

Attractions

Variety of unique fish, dolphins, coral reefs, sea turtles, clean sea beaches and warm water, magical islands, invertebrates, and much more.

Activities

Bird watching, camping, glass bottom boat trips, scuba diving, snorkeling, scenery, windsurfing, water skiing, and sunbathing among other great experiences.

Snorkeling

This is an active experience of a lifetime where you put on the right clothes and just take a boat and then get out on the water, swim, and explore Malindi’s unique species.

Ocean marine life

On your go to Malindi marine countrywide park. You may have a risk to view and revel in stunning sea creatures together with Octopus, dolphins, super mega-celebrity fish, and zebra fish. In this interest, you may swim in water as a way to see deep sea turtles.

Water sports activities

One may be cabin a position to take part in water sports activities enjoy at the same time as at the go-to Malindi together with jet skiing. Bana boat rides many more.

Best time to visit

Malindi National Marine Park enjoys warm temperatures all year round and is a fairly humid region. However, there is a separate wet and dry season. June to September and January to March are the ideal times to travel as this is the dry season. Brief rains occur in October and November but offer a respite from the scorching temperatures.

Accommodation

Inside the park, there may be no lodging. The outskirts of the covered vicinity have quite a number of seaside resorts, B&Bs, and beach self-catering villas.

Neighboring Malindi caters to quite a number of budgets and gives loads of lodging types, normally within 7 kilometers of the marine country-wide park.

Wildlife

The untouched regions of the marine park appear like real-lifestyle aquariums. Beneath the floor of the tropical waters, divers and snorkelers can count to discover prolific marine lifestyles that consist of sea urchins, starfish, tropical fish, barracuda, inexperienced sea turtles, beds of coral species, 9 coral fish families, whale sharks, and dolphins. Shorebirds are in abundance, specifically withinside the mudflats.

Popular shorebirds to identify are the sanderling, lesser sand plover, and curlew sandpiper. Birds near the mangroves and estuaries encompass the western reef heron and lesser crested tern. There are over 450 species of chook withinside the coastal vicinity and adjoining forests.

Mombasa County-Kenya

Mombasa county- Kenya

Overview

Mombasa County is a coastal county located in the southeastern part of Kenya. It covers an area of approximately 212.5 square kilometers and has a population of over 1.2 million people, according to the 2019 census. Its largest city and capital, Mombasa, gives its name to the county and serves as a major economic and cultural hub for the region.

The Indian Ocean situates the county. And Kilifi County borders it to the northeast. Kwale County borders it to the south, and the Republic of Tanzania borders it to the southwest. Its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and diverse culture are well-known.

The majority of the population in Mombasa is of the Mijikenda tribe. Although there are also significant populations of Swahili, Arabs, Indians, and Europeans. The official languages spoken in the county are Swahili and English.

The economy of Mombasa County is primarily driven by tourism, with the county receiving over one million visitors annually. The county is also a major transportation hub. With the Port of Mombasa being the largest port in East Africa. And serving as a gateway to other countries in the region.

The county government that governs Mombasa County is headed by the governor. And it is divided into six sub-counties, namely Mvita, Nyali, Changamwe, Jomvu, Likoni, and Kisauni.

Mombasa County Demographics

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) 2019 Census report. The total population of Mombasa County was 1,208,333 people. Out of this population, 605,576 were male, while 602,750 were female.

The county has a population density of 4,294 people per square kilometer. Which is higher than the national average of 83 people per square kilometer. The majority of the population lives in urban areas. With the rural population accounting for only 16.5% of the total population.

The most widely spoken languages in Mombasa County are Swahili and English. Islam is the dominant religion in the county, with over 90% of the population being Muslim.

The median age of the population in Mombasa County is 20 years, which is significantly lower than the national median age of 20.7 years. The county has a relatively young population, with about 68% of the population being below the age of 30 years.

In terms of education, the county has a literacy rate of 79.7%, with the male literacy rate being higher than that of females. The county also has a relatively high poverty rate, with about 33% of the population living below the poverty line.

Mombasa County Population distribution

Proximity to key networks of social and physical infrastructure impacts the county’s population distribution and settlement patterns.

These include roads, housing, water, and power. Security and ease of access to employment possibilities are additional elements that affect how people choose to settle.

Social economic activities

Mombasa County is a coastal county in Kenya that is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant economy. The county has a population of over 1.2 million people and is home to a diverse range of social and economic activities. Some of the key social and economic activities in Mombasa County include:

  1. Tourism: Mombasa County is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its beautiful beaches, cultural heritage, and wildlife parks. Tourists flock to the county to enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, and game drives. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Mombasa County include Fort Jesus, Mombasa Marine National Park, and Haller Park.
  2. The fishing industry in Mombasa County has a large presence, and fishermen catch a majority of the fish that are either sold locally or exported to other countries. The county’s location on the coast makes it an ideal location for fishing, and many local residents rely on fishing for their livelihoods.
  3. Port operations: The Port of Mombasa is the largest port in Kenya and plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. The port handles a significant amount of cargo, including imports and exports, and provides employment opportunities for thousands of people.
  4. Trade: Mombasa County is a major hub for trade in East Africa, with many traders importing and exporting goods through the port. The county is also home to several markets, including the famous Kongowea Market, which sells a wide range of goods, from fresh produce to electronics.
  5. Manufacturing: Mombasa County has a small but growing manufacturing sector, with businesses producing products such as cement, textiles, and processed foods. The county’s location on the coast makes it an attractive location for businesses that rely on imports and exports.
  6. Agriculture.
  7. Education.