Incredible Things to Do in Mombasa

Incredible Things to Do in Mombasa

eaglesouladventure
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eaglesouladventure
Tour Expert
August 29, 2025 (Updated)

Incredible Things to Do in Mombasa

mombasa

Mombasa is not just a coastal city ,it is a living archive of Swahili civilization, a blend of African, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese influences echoing through its old streets, white-sand beaches, and bustling markets.

At Eagle Soul Adventure, we see Mombasa not as a place to pass through, but as a destination rich in heritage, rhythm, and soul. From ancient forts and sacred forests to dhow sails and seafood markets, Mombasa invites you to live slowly and explore deeply.


Walk Through the Past at Fort Jesus

Walk Through the Past at Fort Jesus

Built by the Portuguese in 1593, Fort Jesus stands as Mombasa’s most iconic landmark. Its coral-stone walls have witnessed centuries of conflict, trade, and cultural convergence between Europeans, Arabs, and Swahili people.

Inside the fort, you’ll explore ancient prison cells, soldier quarters, and archaeological finds  with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean from the battlements.

Stroll the Alleys of Old Town

Stroll the Alleys of Old Town

Just beyond Fort Jesus lies Mombasa’s Old Town, where Swahili, Omani, Indian, and European architectural styles merge. Narrow alleys wind past intricately carved doors, coral-stone houses, and antique wooden balconies that whisper centuries of tradition.

Take a guided heritage tour, visit spice shops, and stop for Swahili coffee and snacks at a local café.


Relax at Diani or Nyali Beach

Relax at Diani or Nyali Beach

Diani Beach (south of Mombasa) and Nyali Beach (just north) offer powder-soft sands, warm waters, and palm-lined horizons. Whether you want to kite surf, snorkel, swim, or simply bask in the sun, these beaches offer both adventure and serenity.

Nyali is more accessible for short city escapes, while Diani is ideal for multi-day beach getaways.


Experience Swahili Culture at the Bombolulu Workshops

Experience Swahili Culture at the Bombolulu Workshops

Run by the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya, Bombolulu Cultural Centre offers dance performances, Swahili house tours, artisan workshops, and local crafts for purchase. Guests can learn how traditional jewelry, leatherwork, and fabric printing are done all while supporting social inclusion.

Take a Sunset Dhow Cruise on Tudor or Mtwapa Creek

Take a Sunset Dhow Cruise on Tudor or Mtwapa Creek

Board a traditional Swahili dhow for a romantic sail along the calm waters of Tudor Creek or Mtwapa Creek. As the sun dips into the Indian Ocean, enjoy freshly grilled seafood and local music aboard the boat.

Private and group options are available, ideal for couples, photographers, or anyone craving a slower pace.


Wander Through the Haller Park Nature Reserve

Wander Through the Haller Park Nature Reserve

Once a barren limestone quarry, Haller Park has been transformed into a thriving sanctuary for giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and more. Visitors can walk shaded trails, hand-feed giraffes, or observe massive tortoises roaming freely.

It’s a story of ecological restoration and education wrapped into one immersive nature walk.


Visit the Sacred Kaya Forests of the Mijikenda

Visit the Sacred Kaya Forests of the Mijikenda

Located a bit inland, Kaya Kinondo Forest and other sacred Mijikenda forests are UNESCO-recognized heritage sites. These forests are not just natural reserves but spiritual spaces — home to centuries-old rituals, burial sites, and indigenous wisdom.

Visits are guided by local custodians, often involving short nature walks and storytelling beneath ancient trees.


Discover Local Street Food at Mackinnon Market

Discover Local Street Food at Mackinnon Market

Located in central Mombasa, Mackinnon Market (also called Marikiti) is where you’ll find the freshest produce, spices, fabrics, and iconic Swahili street food — like mishkaki (meat skewers), viazi karai (fried potatoes in batter), and mabuyu (candied baobab seeds).

Join a local guide for a culinary tour of Mombasa’s vibrant food scene — savory, spicy, and unforgettable.


Explore the Digo and Swahili Traditions in Rural Villages

Explore the Digo and Swahili Traditions in Rural Villages

Just outside Mombasa, rural communities offer cultural immersion programs where visitors can experience homestead life, learn about Swahili or Digo customs, participate in coastal cooking classes, or join in song and storytelling with elders.

These experiences are co-designed with the communities and emphasize ethical, respectful tourism.


Visit the Mombasa Tusks on Moi Avenue

Visit the Mombasa Tusks on Moi Avenue

Erected in 1952 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s visit, the giant aluminum elephant tusks on Moi Avenue have become a symbolic photo stop and central landmark. They form an arch across the road, representing both Mombasa’s wild heritage and its colonial past.

From here, continue on foot to explore bookstores, old cathedrals, coastal banks, and tea houses.

Why it’s special: It’s iconic, symbolic, and marks the entrance to Mombasa’s urban core.

Where the Ocean Meets the Storyteller

At Eagle Soul Adventure, we believe Mombasa is not just a beach town. It is a melting pot of memory, trade winds, and storytelling — where every coral wall has something to say and every meal comes with heritage.

Whether you’re spending a weekend or a week, Mombasa is the kind of place that lingers in the heart. Let us guide you beyond the sand — into the soul of the Swahili Coast.

Plan your Mombasa experience with Eagle Soul Adventure:

Email: info@eaglesouladventure.com

Instagram: @eaglesouladventure

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