Mombasa Excursions

Excursions and Short Tours and Safaris From Mombasa, Kenya. The following are some of the Short Tours and Safaris you can book with us during your stay in the coastal Island of Mombasa, we are very flexible and welcome you to choose and make a combination other than those listed here.

Mombasa Town/City Tour

The island town of Mombasa on the Indian Ocean in Kenya is composed of a blend of ancient and modern buildings. Mombasa is Kenya’s principal port and the country’s second largest city. A comprehensive tour of Mombasa island will typically cover the old Arab town - 'Mji wa Kale' or old town, with it’s maze of narrow twisting alleys displaying the beautifully curved doors and verandahs, bazaars with curio and antique shops, the Dhow harbour which is still in use, a Hindu temple, a visit to the Akamba (a Kenyan tribesmen) wood carvers and a drive to the Old Market (MacKinnon Market) for a short shopping expedition. The high light of the tour is probably the visit to Fort Jesus. Built in 1593 by the Portuguese to guard the entrance to the old Dhow harbour, it is the island’s Landmark. Four hundred years old, the port still stands and serves as a historical museum.

Mombasa City Tour & Ngomongo Village

The colourful island town of Mombasa with its blend of ancient and modern buildings on the Indian Ocean is Kenya’s principal port and the country’s second largest city. A comprehensive tour of the island include the old Arab town, with it’s maze of narrow twisting alleys displaying the beautifully curved doors and verandahs, bazaars with curio and antique shops, the Dhow harbour still in use, a Hindu temple, a visit to the Akamba wood carvers and a drive to the bazaar for a short shopping expedition. The high light of the tour is probably the visit to Fort Jesus. Built in 1593 by the Portuguese to guard the entrance to the old Dhow harbour, it is the island’s Landmark. Four hundred years old, the port still stands and serves as a historical museum. Continue to Ngomongo Villages Theme Park for a cultural tour and lunch at trekkers Restaurant. Ngomongo Villages Park is a collection of 9 diverse rural Kenya tribal homesteads, each complete with hut, cultivated crops, domestic and wild animals (like crocodiles for the El Molo man) wild animal traps, charms and fetishes, tinsmiths and even a village witch doctor! Each village has tribe - specific activities for you to engage in, including archery, boating, rafting, tasting tribal foods and liquor, forest walk, hook fishing, grinding and pounding maize. After the trek through the village households, you get the "Deja vu" feeling that you have literally walked throughout rural Kenya in only 1 hour 30 minutes.

Real Africa Eco-tour and Ngomongo Village - Full Day

Pick up at 9am - 9.30am in the morning. Depart on a field trip to a real African village of the “Giriama” people to see their architecture, peasant farming, domestic animals, their abundant children and family life. Here you will see a "Giriama" tinsmith working on his goat-hide bellows to fire his iron items.

You will also meet local artisans weaving reeds mats, hats and baskets for sale. You will be amazed to watch “Giriama” wine trappers as they climb to the top of 60 ft coconut trees to tap coconut wine, locally known as “Mnazi”. You will also meet the village witchdoctor. If you are lucky he will “divine” a solution to your “problems”.

Continue to Ngomongo Villages Theme Park for a cultural tour and lunch at trekkers Restaurant. Ngomongo Villages Park is a collection of 9 diverse rural Kenya tribal homesteads, each complete with hut, cultivated crops, domestic and wild animals (like crocodiles for the El Molo man) wild animal traps, charms and fetishes, tinsmiths and even a village witch doctor! Each village has tribe - specific activities for you to engage in, including archery, boating, rafting, tasting tribal foods and liquor, forest walk, hook fishing, grinding and pounding maize. After the trek through the village households, you get the "Deja vu" feeling that you have literally walked throughout rural Kenya in only 1 hour 30 minutes.

Coastal Cultural Tour (Bush Tour)

The coastal countryside and its people offer a different perspective to Kenya’s tribal heritage. The tour provides a glimpse into the traditions and cultures of the coastal people with a visit to a Giriama or Digo Village with our local guide. Continue to Kaloleni to visit the local market and thereafter drive to Kenya Marine land on the North coast, which offers an opportunity to observe numerous species of tropical marine life in giant aquariums. A snake park, situated nearby is also visited and you can watch carvers at work producing the famous “Makonde” pieces of art.

Shimba Hills Tour/Mwaluganje elephant Sanctuary

The Shimba Hills are a short drive from Mombasa. South of the island, they are reached via the Likoni Ferry and are over a thousand feet high which offers one a view of both the Indian Ocean and the African bush. A visit to the MES is highly recommended and is located about 30 minutes from the glistening beaches of south coast. At MES you will experience a unique safari in a spectacular landscape. Elephants here never forget. Like them, you’ll always remember Mwaluganje. MES’s 60,000 acres feature dramatic cliffs and forested hills as well as bush land with baobabs – all striking for the wildlife. Apart from the elephant, you might see warthog, impala, bushbuck, sable, Cape buffalo and leopard.

Malindi and Gedi Tour

Depart from your coastal hotel and drive north to Kilifi through attractive country covered by extensive sisal plantations dotted with huge baobab trees. Cross the scenic creek and continue onto the ancient city of Gedi-a 13th century ruin in the heart of a dense forest. Thereafter proceed onto the coastal town of Malindi for lunch and an exploration of the marine park in a glass-bottomed boat where an experienced guide takes you on goggling and snorkeling. Later, visit a nearby village and watch the Giriama tribe perform exciting tribal dances before driving back to Mombasa by sundown.

Full Day – City Tour and Nature Tour

A comprehensive morning tour of the island including a visit to Fort Jesus is followed by lunch at Mamba Village. Mamba is the Swahili name for crocodile and this “village” is really a crocodile farm. Depart after lunch for the Bamburi Quarry Nature Trail. The wasteland of the stone quarry has been reclaimed and amongst the casuarinas trees and other tropical flora reside a variety of wildlife and birds, Eland and Buffalo, Crocodiles and other reptiles can be seen wandering with crowned cranes. The commercially viable aquaculture complex is also visited.

Tamarind Dhow Safari

At 12.00pm or 6.30 pm departure from the Tamarind jetty for the lunch cruise or evening cruise respectively. After a welcome cocktail the Tamarind Dhow Nawalicker (meaning Gateway to Heaven) cruises past the Old Town and Fort Jesus. Fantastic sea food meals prepared by the world famous Tamarind Restaurant are enjoyed while a local band plays music to suite all tastes. A tri-lingual guide, fully stocked bar and friendly service all add to the unforgettable atmosphere. 2.45 pm or 10.30 pm return to the jetty and thereafter your hotel.

Wasini Island Tour

Early departure from your hotel and drive across the Likoni ferry through Cashew, Coconut and Sugarcane plantations and the villages of the Digo people arriving at the tiny fishing village of Shimoni. Upon arrival at the jet you will board a Swahili sailing boat, now motorized for flexibility and sail through an enchanting Seascape of Islets and reef to marvels of the underwater world of Kisite. This is a great chance to snorkel with the Dolphins or scuba dive among the superb coral gardens. Enjoy your Seafood Lunch on the ancient Island of Wasini in a quite restaurant before sailing to the jet for your return transfer to your respective beach hotels.