How many days to spend in Mombasa?
How long should you stay in Mombasa? Well, there is no definitive solution to this issue. It all depends on what you expect from your trip.
We recommend spending three days to visit in Mombasa. Three days in Mombasa is plenty of time to tour the city's UNESCO-listed landmarks, sunbathe and sip cocktails, and go farther afield to interact with elephants and giraffes. From family-friendly water parks to multi-day safaris, here are our top tips for making the most of your time in Kenya’s oldest city.
Day 1
Spend your first day discovering Mombasa’s Old Town and the main island. To skip the hassle of getting around on your own, join a full- or half-day city tour that includes round-trip transport - most stop by top sights such as Fort Jesus and Mandhry Mosque. If you have time in the afternoon, cool off at a water park, cycle along rural trails, or learn more about the region’s flora and fauna at an eco-park. After a busy day, unwind on an evening dinner cruise along the coastline.
Day 2
Mombasa is an excellent starting place for further exploration in Kenya. Spend the day at Shimba Hills National Reserve searching for leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Alternatively, embark on a multi-day excursion through the famed Tsavo National Park, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, or Maasai Mara large-game reserve. Alternatively, mariners and marine life enthusiasts may spend a day away from the shore observing dolphins on a wildlife-watching boat.
Day 3
Two-day excursions usually extend into the next day, with lodging and food included. Otherwise, spend your final day exploring the city like a local. Explore a handful of Mombasa's museums, galleries, and cultural facilities. Then take a tuk-tuk or cab to one of the sandy beaches along the city's north coast and spend the day sunbathing, sipping drinks, or participating in water sports. Popular bars border Links Road and the adjoining streets, providing additional opportunities for after-dark revelers.