Must See Travel Attractions in Mombasa

Mombasa has numerous attractions and sights that make it renowned as a tourist destination. From the rich historical and cultural background to the natural attractions of warm beaches and tropical forests, Mombasa has plenty to experience, whether by yourself, with the family or a group of friends. We have sought out the top 5 attractions that you must visit while in Mombasa, so make room for these in your travel itinerary. 1. Haller Park In the North Coast lies Haller Park, the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa. The Park has numerous kinds of reptiles, birds and fish, as well as beautiful botanical gardens that every nature lover will enjoy. Take the nature trail, preferably with a guide, to see and photograph the wonderful array of creatures in Haller Park, and you just might get the opportunity to feed some of the animals. The Park is very clean and well maintained, knowledgeable and friendly guides are available at a small fee, and you can be sure of an unforgettable experience in this gem in Mombasa. A small tip, though: do carry with you some mosquito repellent for your nature trail. Haller Park is indeed a forest, so you might encounter some bugs on the way. 2. Bombolulu Workshops If you are looking for genuine, handcrafted keepsakes to remember your Mombasa holiday with, the best place to get them is at the Bombolulu Workshops. The Workshops started as a project for physically handicapped people to make a living from their crafts, and since its inception in 1969, it has become one of the top attractions in Mombasa. The Workshops pride themselves in high quality, handmade jewelry, leather products, textile and carvings, and there is a showroom where you can view and buy these items at reasonable prices. You will also get to interact with the makers of these crafts, or even watch a craftsman create the final sculpture from scratch, right from a lump of wood to a masterpiece. A trip to the Bombolulu Workshops is definitely an eye-opener for all who visit. 3. Nyali Beach Clean, white sand, warm blue water and spectacular sunrises and sunsets characterize Nyali Beach in the North Coast of Mombasa. Some visitors even reckon that the water there is warmer than in most Mexican beaches, and it is a great place to go snorkeling, too. A number of great hotels such as the Voyager Beach Resort and the Nyali Beach Hotel are right on this beach, so you can enjoy a great stay and a view of the ocean every day of your Mombasa vacation. Of course, you will encounter the many beach boys and trinket sellers along the beach. The best advice on handling them is to be firm and assertive when declining their offers, but do keep your eyes open because you just might find that unique keepsake that you may not find sold anywhere else. 4. Gedi Ruins As one of the most history-laden ruins in Mombasa, the Gedi Ruins will take your breathe away given its size and the story behind it. The small town of Gedi was built entirely of stones and rocks back in the 15th century and are legally protected as a rich cultural and historical site. With a tour guide you can learn some very interesting facts about the ruins, which also make for excellent backgrounds in your photos. 5. Fort Jesus Museum Another historical site in Mombasa is the Fort Jesus Museum, which dates back to the 16th century and was built by the Portuguese whose artifacts have been well preserved for viewing. The interior of the Fort has prison cells and torture rooms where slaves were kept, and prominently visible are the canons and other weapons used at the time to defend the fort from invasion. Do visit as many of these spots as your vacation will allow, and you will definitely want to come back for more.