Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya and it is located near the African coastline of the Indian Ocean.
The city is a great destination for families, lovers, or for honeymoon. The good news is that Nigerians can visit this city for 90 days without a visa.
Here are the best places to visit in Mombasa
Fort Jesus
Built in 1593 to 1596 by the Portuguese, Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mombasa’s top tourist attractions. Italian architect Cairati designed the structure, which is one of the world’s finest examples of 16th-century Portuguese military architecture.
The fort built in the shape of a man was given the name of Jesus as a clear religious reference.
The fort changed hands nine times between 1631 and 1875 before finally resting with the British.
Although partially ruined, Fort Jesus houses a museum built over the former barracks for the garrison. Exhibits include a vast collection of ceramics and pottery reflecting the various cultures that traded along the coast.
Fort Jesus has many battlements and ruined buildings within the compound, including Omani house, built in the late 18th century, which houses Omani jewelry and displays on Swahili life. The Passage of Arches was cut through the coral to give access to the sea.
Haller Park
Haller Park Mombasa is a hit with animal lovers. Formerly called Bamburi Nature Trail, this inspirational project began in 1971 when Dr. René Haller transformed the abandoned limestone quarries here into a thriving nature reserve.
Dr. Haller increased the mineral content of the soil, planted trees, added a fish farm, and created a wildlife park where each animal has a function within the flourishing ecosystem.
Wildlife found here includes giraffes, Cape buffalo, zebras, waterbucks, and hippos. A highlight is the giraffe feeding, but be sure to check the times before visiting.
The park was also home to a famous interspecies couple that became an Internet sensation after the 130-year-old tortoise, Mzee, adopted Owen, an orphaned hippo.
Birds are also abundant in the park. More than 160 species have been introduced to the area including weaver birds, cranes, pelicans, and storks.
Walking and cycling paths wind through the groves of casuarina, and a reptile park, palm garden, butterfly pavilion, and crocodile pens are other attractions.
North Coast Beaches
Who goes to Mombasa without visiting the beaches? Absolutely no one!
When choosing the beaches to relax, the beaches on the north side of Mombasa are a little livelier than on the south coast.
Palm-lined shores, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and a profusion of water sports, resorts, and entertainment venues provide plenty of tourist action.
The resorts are also closer to the airport and Mombasa City. Like many Mombasa beaches, one of the most popular things to do at the beach is ride camels along the shore.
Mamba Village Centre
Mamba Village Centre in Nyali is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm. Here, you can learn about the life cycle and behavior of these fascinating amphibians.
Kids love the chance to hold a baby croc, and another highlight for many visitors is watching the crocodiles fight for tasty morsels during feeding time.
Mamba Village Centre also offers horseback riding and a botanical garden with an aquarium. Orchids and aquatic plants are the specialties, but the gardens also display carnivorous species.
Carnivores will love the restaurant, which specializes in game meat such as crocodile, ostrich, and zebra.
