Tourist attractions in Mombasa are relatively affordable despite offering unique experiences of nature, recreation, and social interaction.
There are so many fun places to visit in Mombasa without necessarily requiring a huge budget. With as little as 100 KSH(0.77 USD in today’s exchange rates), there are so many choices whereas some choices are absolutely free.
Here are the top 7 affordable or free Mombasa tourist destinations worth adding to your bucket list of places to visit when you come to this coastal city of Kenya.
1. Fort Jesus—One Of The Most Famous Tourist Attractions In Mombasa
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the famous tourist attractions in Mombasa.
Located approximately 1.5 km (0.93 miles) from Mombasa CBD and overlooking the Indian Ocean, it offers a rich history that involves the Portuguese, Ottoman Empire, and Omani Arabs.
Did you know that King Philip I of Portugal built Fort Jesus in 1593?
This ancient fort served as a military fortification against the above rival empires. The Portuguese were obsessed with securing its control over Mombasa and the East African coast in general, to safeguard its strategic trade routes.
Fort Jesus boasts panoramic ocean views and stunning ancient Portuguese architecture that reminds us of the region’s rich colonial history and the strategic battles fought for control.
Fort Jesus Gate Fees
| Kenyan Citizens(KSH) | East African Residents(KSH) | Non-Residents(KSH) | |
| Adults | 200 | 400 | 1200 |
| Kids(Under 16 years) | 100 | 200 | 600 |
2. Old Town Mombasa
Situated southeast of the Mombasa CBD, approximately 1 kilometer(0.6 miles) from the CBD, the Old Town is one of the most famous Mombasa tourist sites.
The town was established around the 12th century by Persian, Indian, and Arab merchants as a result of the Indian Ocean trade.
It served as an important trading hub for centuries ago, allowing natives and communities from the interior parts of Kenya and East Africa as a whole to exchange commodities with the merchants.
Eventually, the Old Town absorbed a rich blend of cultural influences from foreign merchants that shaped its unique heritage.
It’s a great place to experience Swahili culture, which is heavily influenced by Omani Arab traditions. Visitors can also shop for souvenirs and antiques to take home or enjoy authentic Swahili cuisine.
Entrance Fees? Free to all.
3. Haller Park—One Of The Most Affordable Tourist Attractions In Mombasa
Serving as a habitat for a variety of animals, Haller Park is one of the most fun places to visit in Mombasa. Here’s where you’ll get to meet the famous 100+ years old tortoise called “Mzee”.
Did you know that the word “Mzee” means “Old” in Swahili?
Haller Park also has lots of buffalos, monkeys, antelopes, monitor lizards, and a variety of birds, snakes, and insects.
This thriving nature park is located along the Mombasa-Malindi Highway (A109), near Bamburi at approximately 3.9931°S, 39.7356°E.
Notably, its history dates back to the 1970s when it was started by a Swiss environmentalist called, Dr. René Haller. His main aim was to restore the barren land by planting trees and introducing animals, creating a sustainable ecosystem where plants depend on animals and vice versa.
Originally, the site was a limestone quarry owned by a nearby cement manufacturing company.
Haller Park Gate Fees
| Kenyan Citizens & East African Residents(KSH) | Non-Residents(KSH) | |
| Adults | 500 | 1400 |
| Children(3-12 years) | 200 | 600 |
4. Mombasa Marine National Park
The Mombasa Marine National Park is arguably one of the most thrilling Mombasa places to visit as a tourist or park enthusiast.
This marine national park is located in the Indian Ocean at approximately the following coordinates: 3.9956°S, 39.7486°E, and near Haller Park, Nyali Beach, and Bamburi Beach.
It’s a tropical paradise that offers exciting water activities and incredible marine biodiversity.
Visitors can see dolphins, whales, a wide range of fish(including barracudas), sea turtles, crustaceans & mollusks, plus an endless variety of marine plants and vegetation.
Mombasa Marine National Park Entrance Fees:
| Kenyan Citizens and East African Residents(KSH) | Non-Residents(USD) | |
| Adults | 100 | 10 |
| Children | 100 | 10 |
5. Diani Beach
Diani Beach remains Africa’s leading beach destination. Located approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Mombasa CBD, it beats many tourist attractions in Mombasa in terms of adventure thrills.
Characterized by pristine waters and white sands, this magnificent beach offers a rare blend of natural beauty, top-notch hospitality, and a diverse range of thrilling activities.
For example, it’s perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, swimming, diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, kite surfing, scuba diving, and jet skiing. Further, visitors get an opportunity to see dolphins, sea turtles, spectacular coral reefs, and other marine wildlife.
Visitors can also explore the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve, home to lush green landscapes, elephants, and the rare sable antelope.
What’s more, this destination is home to world-class beach resorts that cater to different budgets. Check out this page for its top four luxury options, offering an unparalleled accommodation experience in East and Central Africa.
6. Nyali Beach—One Of the Free Tourist Attractions In Mombasa
Nyali Beach is also a good choice for the top Mombasa tourist destinations.
Situated approximately 6 to 7 kilometers (3.7 to 4.3 miles) from Mombasa CBD(3.9945°S, 39.7400°E), this magnificent beach is characterized by crystal clear waters, white sands, and lush palm trees.
It offers many fun beach activities including; swimming & sunbathing, and a wide range of watersports e.g. surfing(kite & wind), along with kayaking & paddleboarding.
Visitors can also indulge in scuba diving & snorkeling or participate in many beach-friendly sports, including volleyball, long jump, rugby, and soccer. They can also take a relaxing walk during sunrise or sunset, a perfect way to enjoy the scenic and breathtaking views of the expansive beach and ocean.
Entrance Fee: Free to all.
7. Mama Ngina Waterfront Park
Mama Ngina Waterfront Park is one of the best places to visit in Mombasa.
Located approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from Mombasa CBD, this spectacular waterfront park offers thrilling views of an Indian Ocean Harbour where ships and other large water vessels can be seen navigating through a channel.
The tranquil waterfront lets you shelter away from the sun and relax while relishing the spectacular views of the nearby lush greenery and the vast expanse of the ocean, characterized by gently rolling waves.
Visitors can also indulge in roller skating as there is a large tarmac pavement for the sport by this waterfront.
You can also indulge in local street foods which are often sold by vendors around this place. These affordable delights include ice cream, grilled meat skewers(Mshikaki), samosas & kebabs, octopus & prawns, roasted maize/corn, mahamri, alongside Viazi karai & Bajia.
Entrance Fee: Free to all.
Final Thoughts On Tourist Attractions In Mombasa
Mombasa offers a wealth of budget-friendly attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore without breaking the bank.
From Fort Jesus and Old Town, all of which have historical significance to Haller Park and Diani Beach, there are many thrilling yet budget-friendly, or absolutely tourist attractions in Mombasa. There’s also Nyali Beach, Mombasa Marine National Park, Mama Ngina Waterfront Park, and much more.
Mombasa abounds with many exciting places you can visit without straining your budget. To explore Mombasa, go to this page, and engage with us, or use the contact details below:
- Telephone Number: +254735133781.
- Email: admin@wildafrica.pro.