Mombasa is a stunning coastal destination with a variety of wonders up its sleeve. Bask on gorgeous white sandy beaches, relax and unwind while you enjoy the warmth of the sun, swim in pristine azure waters of the Indian Ocean, shop at the local markets, enjoy the freshest and delicious seafood in the seaside restaurants or explore the nightlife as the city lights up after the sun has gone down.
New adventures await you in this beautiful city every day and night. Just be warned, Mombasa can be addictive. It’s so easy to drop crazy shillings on almost everything that we occasionally forget that the city really offers a variety of cheap things to do. If you’re on a budget or trying not to spend extravagantly every time you do something new, here are some things you can do in Mombasa for 15 dollars.
Make the most of Mombasa on a Budget
1. Visit Fort Jesus
For less than $15, you can explore this historical gem – Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in 1593. If you’re a history buff, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about the history of the landmark. There’s a museum attached that showcases a collection of artefacts from several historical areas in the city including the fort. The entrance fee is from $5.
Fort Jesus
2. Visit Mamba Village
For $10, you can visit and explore the largest crocodile farms in East Africa – Mamba Village. The village features a wide range of crocodiles from the baby crocodiles to the giant ones. See the spectacular blood-thirsty crocodiles during their feeding time as they fight for food. It’s an incredible experience you shouldn’t miss!
Mamba Village
3. Go sight-seeing at Mombasa Old Town
Mombasa Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well-known for its cultural diversity, ancient buildings and architecture with intricately carved doors and ornate balconies. There’s so much to see in the old town as you walk around its precariously narrow streets.
Mombasa Old Town
4. Head to the Mama Ngina Drive
Enjoy the Indian Ocean breeze while you relax and unwind at Mama Ngina Drive. The park features a tranquil and quiet environment with comforting benches and shady trees. You can enjoy a picnic with your loved ones here while you relax, forget about the sun and enjoy the enchanting views in the area
Mama Ngina Drive
5. Take a leisure walk through Haller Park
Haller Park is a paradise for nature lovers. The park features lush forests, streams, lakes, wildlife and a wide range of fun activities. You can take a leisure stroll through the nature trails in the park while you experience the beauty of the environment. If you love bird watching, the park is home to several bird species. You will also see animals like giraffes, zebras, hippos, waterbucks and Cape Buffaloes here. The entrance fee for tourists is from approximately $14 or KSH1400.
Haller Park
6. Enjoy go-kart racing
Start your engines and race! If you’re looking for some family fun, Mombasa Go-Karting may be just the place to be. Your family can have some fun racing for less than $15. There are other activities to enjoy such as Bulldozing, Paintball, Archery, Mechanical Bull riding and Off-road Buggies.
Go-kart racing
7. Go see a movie
Many of the shopping malls in Mombasa have cinemas or movie theatres, where you can watch a movie for under $15. Nyali Cinemax showcases the latest Hollywood and Bollywood movies every week. There's also a 10 Pin Brunswick Bowling Alley – Hollywood Bowl and an Authentic Indian Restaurant – Bollywood Bites at the cinema.
Cinemax-Nyali
8. Browse through the Maasai Market
With its artsy atmosphere, the Maasai Market is worth strolling through in the afternoon. The market features a wide variety of souvenirs, which includes wood carvings, arts and crafts. You can purchase several cheap souvenirs for your friends and family.
Maasai Market
9. Explore the Marikiti Market
If you’re looking to get some spices, fruit tea, and the renowned Kenyan coffee, you should head to Marikiti Market. Discover some quality souvenirs such as crafts, fabrics, and khangas. While you explore the streets, you can enjoy the popular freshly squeezed sugarcane juice sold by vendors in the market.
The Marikiti Market
10. Spend some time on the beach
Mombasa features fabulous stretches of white sand beaches and warm azure waters – picture perfect spots for people who love the sun, sand and sea. Talk a stroll along the beach, wiggle your toes in the sand and play in the warm waters. The beaches in Mombasa are the perfect place to lie back, relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the ocean. Every day is bright and dazzling at Mombasa beaches, make sure you pack your sunglasses.
Mombasa Beach
11. Get out on the water
The Tudor Water Sports Marina offers a variety of water sports and boat rides. You can indulge in fishing, kayaking and rowing, or enjoy interesting boat rides in a glass bottom boats or fun paddle boats.
Tudor Water Sports Marina
12. Enjoy a Ferry Ride
Take a Mombasa ferry ride to the South Coast. It’s an interesting experience you shouldn’t miss. Take selfies, chat with the locals and enjoy the ocean views.
Mombasa Ferry Boat
13. Visit the Mombasa Marine National Park
The Mombasa Marine National Park offers a wide range of attractions and activities to enjoy such as snorkelling, windsurfing, water skiing, and deep sea diving. The park features white sandy beaches with swaying palm trees and warm crystal-clear waters. It is home to a wide variety of marine species such as stonefish, corals, starfish, seagrasses, turtles, urchins, and some migratory birds.
the Mombasa Marine National Park: Kenya wild life services
14. Take a TukTuk ride
TukTuk is an affordable way of getting around Mombasa. It’s usually cheaper than other modes of transportation including taxis. It’s also an exciting experience that you shouldn’t miss. You can take a ride for less than $2 from one place to another in the city.
TukTuk ride: The Star, Kenya
15. Try the traditional Swahili coffee
Who wouldn’t love an opportunity to try the Swahili coffee or tea? The Jahazi Coffee House is the perfect place to relax while you enjoy the traditional spicy tea or coffee with some delicious snacks like bhajias and samosas at affordable prices. The charming coffee house also serves milkshakes, smoothies and fresh juices.
Jahazi Coffee House
16. Enjoy delicious meals at Pistachios
If you’re looking for a great place to eat some good food, you should visit Pistachios Restaurant. Here you’ll find a selection of delicious meals at very affordable prices such as pork chops in mustard sauce, beef or chicken curry with vegetable pilau. Don’t miss their Friday Pizza night for delicious slices.
Pistachios Restaurant
17. Try some island dishes
For less than $15, you can enjoy some delicious dishes at this Swahili restaurant – New Island Dishes and Barbeque. Try their marinated grilled meat kebabs also known as Mishikaki, Swahili pizza – mkate mayai and chicken tikka fish with coconut.
Island dishes: New island Dishes & Barbeque Mombasa
18. Dine at the floating restaurant
With less than $15, you can enjoy delicious seafood at Moorings – a floating restaurant on the Mtwapa Creek in Mombasa. The restaurant has a beautiful waterfront setting and features a spectacular view of the ocean. The menu is diverse, lobsters, fishes, prawns, and crabs are served as well as with a variety of desserts and salads.
The Moorings Restaurant
19. Drink wine and spirits at Bob’s Bar
Hit up Bob’s Bar for a variety of affordable drinks. The bar is always packed, and it has a great atmosphere for both locals and tourists. If you’re looking for some cheap drinks and good entertainment, Bob’s bar is a place to be. The bar also serves a variety of dishes – intercontinental, seafood and local dishes for very affordable prices.
Bob's Bar
20. Enjoy the pulsating nightlife
Mombasa’s nightlife features a wide range of nightclubs and bars, which entice party animals and pleasure seekers. The city is trendy with everything from glitzy clubs to local bars. Join the locals at clubs like Casablanca, Bella Vista, and Sheba which offer affordable drinks and an opportunity to dance the night away.
The Nightlife
Experience Mombasa on a Budget
If you are heading to Mombasa and on a bit out of a budget, try our suggestions and still have a great time. If you come across any more activities to add to the list, let us know on social media or contact us at social@tripindigo.co.za
Hot Tip: Looking to get great prices on flights to Mombasa? Search, compare and book your tickets to Mombasa safely and securely on Tripindigo!
