Here are a few amazing places to visit while at Mombasa.

Wasini Island

Wasini Island fishermen
Generally reached by dhow, Wasini Island is a popular day trip from Mombasa. Dolphins regularly cruise these waters and passengers can stop to snorkel and dive the coral reefs along the way. The island itself is tiny – only 5 sq km. Sightseeing opportunities include visiting Wasini Village, strolling around the coastal scrub where ancient Swahili ruins lie, exploring the exposed coral gardens, and dining on fresh seafood at the small restaurant. The village of Shimoni is the launching point for Wasini Island tours and was once the headquarters of the Imperial British East Africa Company. Here, visitors can explore the Shimoni Caves, thought to hold slaves before their shipment to Arabia.

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
South of Wasini Island, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is a popular spot for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin spotting – usually from the decks of a traditional dhow. The park encompasses four small islands surrounded by fish-rich coral reef. Dolphins frolic in the Shimoni Channel, and humpback whales swim these waters between August and October. Other marine life includes moray eels, angelfish, grouper, snappers, and green sea turtles. Deep-sea fishing is fantastic south to the Pemba channel.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve, about 33 km south of Mombasa, offers a peaceful getaway from the hubbub of the busy beach resorts. Woodlands, waterfalls, lily-topped ponds, savanna, and rainforest provide a home for a rich diversity of plants and animals. Among the rare plants are endangered species of cycads and orchids. The park also protects one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Kenya, along with leopards, sable antelope, and abundant birdlife.

Guided forest walks are available, and visitors can cool off in the swimming hole and picnic area at the scenic Sheldrick Falls on the Machenmwana River. Shimba Rainforest Lodge in the reserve is a popular treetop-style lodge with a walkway through the rainforest, viewing platform, and a water hole that lures plenty of wildlife.

 

Gede Ruins

Gede Ruins
Nestled in lush rainforest, Gedi was one of the ancient Arab towns along the East African Coast, which was probably rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, visitors can tour the ruins where the Great Mosque, the Palace, coral-stone houses, and pillar tombs have been unearthed. The houses in Gedi display a traditional Swahili style, and some have ancient drawings on their plaster walls. Ming Chinese porcelain and glass as well as glazed earthenware from Persia indicate trade links and a taste for luxury by those who prospered here. These items as well as Spanish scissors and Swahili cultural artifacts are on display in the on-site museum.

Arabuko-Sokoke National Forest

Golden-rumped elephant shrew
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is East Africa’s largest remaining indigenous coastal forest. The forest plays host to plenty of rare species including birds, butterflies, amphibians, and plants. More than 260 species of birds are found here, including several threatened species such as the spotted ground thrush and Clarke’s weaver. Rare mammals that call the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest home are the golden-rumped elephant shrew, bushy-tailed mongoose, and Ader’s duiker. The forest is a favorite picnic spot for residents and visitors.

Watamu

Watamu

About 112 km from Mombasa, Watamu is a Swahili fishing village that has blossomed into a small beach resort and offers superb snorkeling and diving. The coast is broken into three coves divided by rocky headlands. Offshore from Watamu is the southern part of the Malindi Marine National Reserve. The forests of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve and the Swahili ruins of Gede are also close by. More than 600 species of fish are found within the marine reserve, and whale sharks and manta rays are seasonal visitors to the reef.

Watamu is also a vital turtle breeding area with green and hawksbill turtles as the primary species. Glass-bottomed boats transport visitors to the reefs and provide a window to the kaleidoscopic world of coral and fish. For travelers looking for something other than snorkeling and diving, Watamu offers windsurfing, relaxing on the beach, dolphin-watching trips, and thriving rock pools.

Kilifi

Kilifi

Kilifi is a small beach resort on the banks of Kilifi Creek where yachts bob about in the breeze. One of the top tourist attractions here are the Mnarani Ruins, an ancient Swahili coastal settlement dating back to the early 14th century. A huge baobab tree amongst the ruins is rumored to be the largest on the Kenyan coast. Kilifi is also home to a top notch golf club. At one time, Kilifi could only be reached by ferry but in recent years a bridge was constructed to make it more accessible.