Explore the unexplored side of Mombasa - Learn how to be a local in Mombasa, best activities, top tourist attractions, local food, and the arts & crafts industry. Visit https://www.travellersbeach.com/blog/a-travel-guide-to-the-hidden-gems-of-mombasa/ to know more.

1. A Travel Guide to the Hidden Gems of
Mombasa
Introduction: Explore the unexplored side of Mombasa. Mombasa is One
Of The Most Unvisited Wonders in Kenya
Mombasa is a coastal city in Kenya, and it has been an important port since
ancient times due to its strategic location. It was primarily a Portuguese trading
center and then a Swahili one under British colonial rule. The city is the
second-largest urban area in Kenya after Nairobi.

2. The city has been inhabited for centuries, with archaeological finds showing that
humans lived there from at least 2200 BC onward. It is believed that Arabs were
the first major group to settle down in Mombasa after being driven by drought
from their previous settlement on the coast of modern-day Somalia.
Mombasa has many stories that are still waiting to be told. Some of them might
never be uncovered by historians and archaeologists, but the city also holds the
potential to unlock new territories of innovation.
The unexplored side of Mombasa is rich in history and culture. As the city is
much bigger than what you see on Google Maps, chances are there’s something
interesting hiding in its dark corners.
While development has been swift in some areas, the city remains a surprising
mix of traditional markets, stunning beaches, and tree-lined streets. There is
plenty to see and do in Mombasa if you have an adventurous spirit.

3. The Best Time To Visit Mombasa –
Avoid Crowds & Enjoy the Weather
Mombasa is one of Kenya’s most popular coastal city. With a plethora of sights
and activities to offer, it has been attracting travelers from all over the world.
Many people wonder what the best time to visit Mombasa is.
Mombasa has two rainy seasons, the longest of which is in April and May. During
this time you should be prepared for heavy rain in the afternoon but also note that
it will not rain all day nor every day of the week.
The tourism hotspots are the busiest during December, November, & March.
Hotel prices and flights will be most expensive during these periods. You can
save if you purchase your trips/hotel reservations well in advance.
So, what’s the best time to visit Mombasa? Mombasa is a destination that is
popular all year, but June-August tends to be when it’s at its finest. You’ll find its
best climate & cost of travel during that period, plus you avoid the busiest times
of the year.
What Makes Mombasa Unique & Memorable
Mombasa is a coastal city of Kenya that has a rich and ancient history. The city is
famous for its natural beauty and it’s not only the beautiful landscape that draws
visitors to this area but also the historic places found there.
Geographically, it is located on the coast of East Africa, and it sits on one of the
longest peninsulas in the world.

4. The history of Mombasa is one of the most fascinating stories in Kenya-The city
was established by Somali traders who had left their country due to the decline of
the once vibrant Islamic trading empire.
The Swahili civilization started here, led by Arab traders who came to trade for
gold, ivory, and slaves. Mombasa became a center for Islamic scholars and
scientists during the 16th century until it was captured by Omani forces in 1698.
After Omani rule, Mombasa became part of the British East Africa Protectorate
before becoming Kenya’s first capital in 1963.
Mombasa is a hub of East African trade and commerce, it is also Kenya’s
second-largest city after Nairobi with an estimated population of 1.92 million
inhabitants as per 2017 census data.
Mombasa has a lot to offer – culturally, historically, geologically, geographically,
and archaeologically. It has a diverse and colorful history and is home to various
international communities. It’s what makes it so unique & memorable to tourists,
which isn’t common for many tourist spots globally.
How To Be a Local In Mombasa?
Mombasa is a city in Kenya and it’s an incredible place to visit. It’s famous for its
beaches and resorts, but the city has a lot more to offer than just that.
The city has great architecture, beautiful tourist spots, and interesting history.
Just like any other big city in Africa, Mombasa is known for being a hub of culture
and art with lots of attractions that will surely wow you.
Being a local in Mombasa can be quite challenging due to cultural differences
and language barriers. Here are a few activities you could indulge in to
experience what it’s like to be a local in Mombasa-
Learn about the history of Mombasa

5. Mombasa is a city in Kenya with a long history. It is the second-most populous
city in the country and was once a part of Arab Swahili culture. Some of the
places you should visit to learn about the history of Mombasa are listed below:
Old Town – Stroll the streets of Old Town, a historic district that is replete with
museums, art galleries, churches, restaurants, and cafes. Old Town Mombasa
was developed by British East Africa Company traders in 1828, who made it their
headquarters for their business. Diverse groups of the time, like the Arabs,
Portuguese, Asians, and British all lived throughout Old Town Mombasa.
Fort Jesus- Learn about history at Fort Jesus which served as a defense against
pirates and invaders. Originally built by the Omani Arabs to protect Mombasa
from African tribes, fort Jesus is now a popular tourist destination. The city’s fort
also houses many treasures of their history, including a mosque. Its importance
is emphasized by the fact that it is not simply a tourist attraction – locals often
visit the historical site.

6. Indulge in authentic Kenyan Food
Kenya is a paradise for foodies. It provides variety in cuisines with subtle flavors
and fresh ingredients. One of the most popular dishes is Kenyan stew. It’s made
by boiling vegetables, beef, or chicken in a spicy sauce. Other delicacies are
matoke, ugali, and beans & rice dishes made with different types of beans
ranging from red kidney beans to borlotti beans.

7. Kenyan cuisine is a fusion of East African, Indian, and Western cuisines. It is
known for its spiciness due to the use of locally available spices such as ginger,
cayenne, or green cardamom. This cuisine offers something for everyone
including meat dishes, vegetables, soups, rice dishes, and even desserts that are
made from local ingredients.
It’s said that the best Kenyan dishes are created by com bining traditional African
cooking with influences from Europe and Asia. If you’re looking for a new food
adventure, explore some of the unique culinary delights of Africa and its
neighboring countries.
[Also Read: Explore the best restaurants and varied cuisines in Mombasa]
Visit top tourist and local attractions in Mombasa

8. The city of Mombasa is a beautiful seaside town in Kenya. With a lot of historic
and cultural attractions, Mombasa is one of the top tourist destinations in East
Africa. It is also the gateway to Kenya’s coastal tourism. Here are a few top local
attractions you wouldn’t want to miss when visiting Mombasa-
Haller Park- Haller Park Mombasa is a hit with animal lovers. It started out life in
1971 after Dr. René Haller transformed the abandoned limestone quarries into a
thriving nature reserve. Haller Park is located in one of the most beautiful wildlife
parks in East Africa. The numerous natural waterfalls and diverse habitats create
outstanding views that are nearly impossible to beat while taking on any
adventure activities at this park.
Mombasa Marine National Park- Mombasa Marine National Park provides
protection to globally important marine habitats, including mangroves, seagrass
beds, sandy beaches & coral reefs. Mombasa Marine National Park is one of the
most popular tourist destinations in Kenya. It is a great place for outdoor
activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

9. Mombasa Tusks- Mombasa Tusks is a famous landmark in Mombasa. Mombasa
Tusks were built in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth’s 1952 visit. Constructed of
aluminum, they mark the entrance to the city center, where you’ll find most banks,
shops, and markets.

10. Mamba Village centre- Mamba Village Centre in East Africa’s largest crocodile
farm. Come to learn about the life cycle and behavior of these fascinating
amphibians. Mamba Village Centre offers a range of activities like horseback
riding, a botanical garden, and an aquarium.

11. Take part in fun activities with your family
The climate and culture in Mombasa make it a fantastic destination for families
to visit during the school year or summer break. The activities and attractions in
Mombasa will keep your family entertained and engaged no matter the season.
Below are some of the must-try activities in Mombasa-
Glass Bottom Boat Trips- The glass bottom boat trip in Mombasa is one of the
top tourist attractions in Kenya and it lasts around 45 mins. You can cruise inside
a clear-bottomed boat while looking at some of the most beautiful views of the
Mombasa Island.

12. Deep-Sea Diving- Mombasa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in
Kenya. These beaches provide visitors with a chance to go deep-sea diving.
Deep-sea diving has a number of purposes. It’s one way to experience new and
beautiful things like you wouldn’t otherwise.

13. Kiteboarding- It is no wonder that Mombasa has been a world-renowned
kiteboarding destination for decades. The vast panoramic views of its beautiful
land and culture are an unforgettable experience. So much so, in fact, that it
justifiably attracts tourists from around the world each year.

14. [Also Read: Water sports and activities you must try in Mombasa]
Mombasa Arts and Crafts Industry – The Hidden
Established Gems in Town
Mombasa is a coastal city in Kenya and has a rich heritage of arts and crafts.
The Mombasa Arts and Crafts industry has been around for decades, with
current businesses located in the city and many other towns and villages across
the country.
Mombasa’s Arts and Crafts Industry has grown significantly in recent years with
several factors contributing to its growth. These include international trade
agreements, increased access to trading, access to finance, growing demand for
locally produced goods, and increased global integration.

15. The secret behind this thriving industry is its diversity of products, skillsets,
culturally diverse workforce, and ability to adapt to changes in demand. The
Mombasa Arts and Crafts Industry is driven by the traditional skills of Kenyan
women who have been producing crafts for generations. Here are some places to
visit for Mombasa’s arts and crafts industry-
Akamba Handicrafts – The Akamba Handicrafts Cooperative manufactures and
exports hand-carved souvenirs, sculptures, decorative accessories, and fancy
customized goods. This cooperative employs over 10,000 local people.
You can find a wide array of different pieces at very affordably priced prices like
sculptures, paintings, and more.
Bombolulu Workshops – Bombolulu Workshops works with more than 100
people with different disabilities. They work with the artisans to help them
overcome their physical limitations and empower them economically and socially
to become fully integrated members of their communities.

16. Bombolulu designs are inspired by the vibrant cultures of different communities,
which they then incorporate into their product designs. They also work with a
variety of materials from canvas to leather to make a wide range of products for
everyday use.
Mombasa’s Local Food Scene
Mombasa’s rich culture has influenced many aspects of the local food scene.
There are over 80 different ethnic groups in this coastal Kenyan city, and these
groups have brought their unique flavors to the cuisine. The food scene in this
country was influenced by the diverse culture and the culinary skills of its
residents.
Immigrants from all corners of the world blended their cultures and flavors to
form a fusion of delight that is easily sought. Many people come to the country
looking for flavors they can’t find anywhere else. The local food scene is very rich
in diversity. Here are some of the famous Kenyan dishes that you should try-
Nyama Choma

17. Ugali na Sukuma Wiki
Mandazi
Githeri
Kenyan Pilau
Roasted Makai
Kenyan Stew
Where Can you Relax in Mombasa – Best Hotels &
Resorts in Town

18. The city of Mombasa is a beautiful seaside resort on the coast of Kenya. It is one
of the most popular tourist destinations in East Africa and the surrounding
region. Wanna know what’s the best hotel to stay at for a good experience?
Travellers Beach Hotel & Club in Bamburi Beach is an ideal destination for
business and leisure travelers. The hotel provides guests with upscale amenities
like comfortable rooms, spacious suites, and an ample swimming pool.
The hotel also offers various activities like water sports to help make your stay in
Kenya memorable. Travellers beach offers 288 individually furnished rooms, free
Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. There are televisions in every room so you can
always watch your favorite shows.
The hotel has a lot of recreational amenities for guests. One of them is the
private beach. Guests can relax here in between their adventures in nearby
attractions and activities. Outdoor tennis courts also let you enjoy a nice game
while you’re there!
Whether you want to dine at a private beach, enjoy a drink from one of their two
bars, or take part in events at the hotel. Travellers Beach Hotel & Club is a great
place to stay in North Coast Mombasa.
[Also Read: Guide to finding the best hotel in Mombasa for holidays]
How to Get Around Mombasa the Easiest Way
Possible?
We all want the fastest and most efficient way of getting from point A to point B
without wasting too much time. If you’ve ever been to Mombasa and wondered
how do I get here from there? Then there are a few options!
One of the best ways to get around Mombasa is to travel by boat. The Likoni ferry
keeps the southern mainland well within reach, so you’ll want to try & catch it if
you’re trying to head to Diani beach or anywhere south from there.
Another great options is Matatu and tuk-tuk. The most common form of
transport in Mombasa is the matatu(mini-buses). In Mombasa, they charge

19. between KSh30 and KSh50 for a short trip. There are also plenty of three-wheeled
tuk-tuks, which run from about KSh50 to KSh200. Speaking of three-wheelers,
these are the most common form of transportation in Mombasa.
Taxis are available, but they can be an expensive way of moving around.
Therefore, Tuk-tuks, boats, and matatus are the main ways to get around in
Mombasa without a car.
Read our full blog at -
https://www.travellersbeach.com/blog/a-travel-guide-to-the-hidden-gems-of
-mombasa/
Website - https://www.travellersbeach.com/
Email - reservations@travellershtl.com
Phone - +254 415 485121/6; +254 720 648 708;
+254 700 375 575
Address - P.O. Box 87649 - 80100 Mombasa, Kenya