Things To Do In Mombasa: Kenya’s Coastal Second City
Indie Indie Bang Bang: “Something For Everyone”
October 28, 2017
A Tropical Oasis: Serena Beach Resort and Spa Review
November 3, 2017
While Nairobi may be the big brother that gets most recognition, Mombasa is a must-see city in Kenya. Offering a much different atmosphere than the urban metropolis of Nairobi, Kenya’s coastal second city is worlds apart from its capital city. Located on the eastern coast of the country, it has an island vibe with beautiful, unspoiled coastlines to match.
Kenya’s Coastal Second City: How to get there
When flying internationally, you’ll either fly directly into Moi International Airport or, most likely, be connected via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia—a major airport hub in the Eastern region of Africa. In the event of a long layover, I recommend to hire a cab and venture outside the airport. This will provide a few hours to experience Ethiopia’s capital city. Doing so will be an inexpensive way to quickly check out the lively city of Addis Ababa. Keep in mind; however, that you will be required to pay a single-entry visa fee of $50 if you plan to do so.
National Museum of Ethiopia: Home of Lucy, the oldest hominid ever discovered
Ethiopian Airlines Review
More than likely, the cheapest and most practical airline choice is Ethiopian Airlines. While many westerners may be unfamiliar with this carrier, it is one of Africa’s largest airlines and it won the 2017 Skytrax World Airline Award for best airline in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines houses the largest fleet of any airline in Africa. Additionally, many of their growing arsenal of planes are modern, spacious and offer exceptional amenities. Great food, with several vegetarian options, paired with personal in-flight entertainment and a beautiful onboard staff make even a long-haul flight most enjoyable. Although occasional delays may occur, after several flights with Ethiopian Airlines I remain satisfied and, overall, impressed with the service.
© Ethiopian Airlines
Things to do in Mombasa
My personal decision to visit Mombasa was to have a relaxing beach holiday before traveling on to Tanzania. It served as the “calm before the storm” of summiting Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. I entered the country with limited knowledge of Kenya’s coastal second city. However, I still had three major goals in mind of things to do in Mombasa:
- Chill out on beautiful secluded beaches along the coast.
- Visit a lesser-known attraction in the area.
- See the iconic giant aluminum tusks on the primary thoroughfare of the city, Moi Avenue.
Mombasa Beach
A stunning stretch of white sand coastline and turquoise waters. Free-roaming camels and fresh seafood along this stretch of ocean definitely did not disappoint!
Indian Caves
Being a coastal city, Mombasa offers a diversity unlike anywhere else in Kenya. With a blend of cultures ranging from Omani, to African, to Indian, to Chinese and more this amalgamation of traditions is present everywhere from food to religion. While exploring one Mombasa’s many beaches, it is a must to venture into one of the numerous Indian Caves. Stumble upon a haven of artwork and sculpture carved into stone, or simply marvel at the peaceful solitude of your surroundings.
Giant Elephant Tusks
Originally erected to commemorate a 1956 visit by Princess Margaret to Mombasa, these giant tusks are a landmark of the city. Although the street they stand on is a busy avenue, there really isn’t much else to see in the immediately surrounding area. Even with that said, no trip to Mombasa is complete without at least passing through this iconic structure.
Have you been to Mombasa? In the comments below, recommend your favorite coastal city or any other must-see attractions of Kenya’s coastal second city!
40 Comments
Mombasa sounds like a great place to vacation. I keep saying one day I’m going to travel outside of the United States. This would be a great place to start.
This post is making we wish I was going. So hundreds of people purchased the error fare when they had cheap tickets to Kenya. Unfortunately they canceled a refunded everyone money. I was going to still go but decided I needed more than 10 days to see both Kenya and Tanzania. I hope to visit one day and will keep Mombasa on my radar.
Ohhh, I remember that fare. Sucks that it didn’t work out. I would have still gone for just the ten days..it may have meant cutting one or two things out but you at least could have solidly explored at least 2 cities. How long do you want to travel there for?
Such rustic and raw beauty. BTW I love the name of your site reborn Stronger. In fact, that should be a goal for us all.
Thank you, I totally agree. I chose the name because after breaking my neck at age 22 I was told I may never walk again, walk the same again, or even survive the emergency surgery..however I never doubted that I would come back even stronger than I was pre-injury!
These pictures are gorgeous! I am excited to add Mombasa to the “go to” list!
That’s awesome..definitely deserves a spot on that list!
While we’ve never been to Kenya, the entrance to Mombasa is beautiful! I don’t know that I could handle free roaming camels on the beach though!
They were actually really friendly. I had to get super close for that photo but they remained chill.
Wow, this is such a beautiful place in Africa. The coast is amazing with those camels. The elephant tusks are massive and your photographs show off the beauty of this African city.
I can’t let my photography take all the credit…the beauty of the city made it easy!
Going to Kenya period is on my travel bucket list and now I must add Mombasa too!
You absolutely must…no trip to Kenya would be complete without visiting there!
Kenya is definitely on my bucket list. I can’t wait to go now. Thanks for sharing this guide.
I’m glad it’s on your list now!
I’ve never been to Kenya before. Mombasa sounds amazing! Would love to visit some day.
You should definitely add it to your list of places to go!
You should!
Woah those elephant trunks are pretty dang cool, I would love to photograph them! Mombasa looks beautiful though, I would love to visit one day.
Secret confession…the tusks were one of my major motivations to go there!
I thought they were too…they’re massive!
Oh wow, how beautiful! I’d love to go to Mombasa Beach the best. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Add it to your list!
I hope you get there!
This post shows a beautiful side to an unknown part of Africa.
I completely agree, that’s the beauty of travel!
Looks stunning! You could definitely catch me on the beach lol
I ain’t mad at you..that’s how I spent a majority of my time there!
I would take it all in There is so much culture and history to take in. I need to experience Beautiful white sands.
They are truly amazing…and it felt like I had the place all to myself!
Free-roaming camels on the beach?!! That’s amazing! I’ve never been to Africa but have plans to travel there soon. Thank you for featuring this jewel of a city!
You should definitely go…sooner rather than later!
GAH! This looks GORGEOUS! I agree with your assessment of Ethiopian Airlines. I was pleasantly surprised when traveling with them a couple of years ago, and I would definitely use them again. Mombasa has to be put on my list, and I feel like I’m going to need a full month to travel within Africa every year! Thank you so much for sharing the reasons we should step foot into this city, and why it’s pertinent to experience more than what you plan.
Just one month?!? Well, hey, if I could I’d definitely do that once a year!
Those giant tusks look so fascinating. Mombassa is definitely a beautiful place to visit and explore 🙂
Yes it is!
Looks like an amazing trip. Definitely will add to my list!
It was…definitely check out the coast!
I had no idea you could see camels roaming free next to the beach! I love the entrance of this city with the big elephant tusks also!
I had no idea either…imagine my surprise!