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How to Enjoy Mombasa Like a Local
Located 488 km from Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi is the seaport city of Mombasa. The city boasts of a mix of Indian, Arabic and Swahili cultures. It’s evidently seen in food, architecture, art, and religion. Getting to the city is easy. Common means of transport are air, sea, rail, and road. Local and international flights frequent Moi International Airport daily. The recently built railway transport (SGR) is an alternative.
On getting there, what does the city have to offer? How do the locals enjoy the city? There’s plenty in store for you. Magical experiences. Let’s get right into it.
Enjoy the white sandy beaches
Mombasa is famous for this. Everyone that comes yearns to visit the beach. Indulge yourself in swimming, camel rides, bicycle riding, football, sunbathing, and boat rides. Experience snorkeling and scuba diving at Mombasa Marine Park. Local food and drinks are available here. Famous beaches include Jomo Kenyatta Public (Pirates) beach, Bamburi beach, Mombasa beach, and Nyali beach.
You don’t pay anything to enjoy these beaches. Most locals throng the beaches on weekends, public holidays and festive seasons.
Eat the local delicacies
Coastal residents of Mombasa are known for cooking delicious meals. It’s where you’ll eat food you haven’t tasted elsewhere. Common delicacies include pilau, maharagwe ya nazi, Biryani, mahamri, mishkaki, chapati, and nyama choma (roast meat).
Try a street food tour to best experience the city’s culture.
Take a stroll in the city
Whether during the day or night, experience the sights and sounds. The city has plenty to see. Here are of places to visit.
– The Old town.
– Fort Jesus.
– Mombasa Tusks.
Take a tuk-tuk ride, the local means of transport, or walk to these destinations to have the best feel of the city.
Go shopping
Mombasa has an array of shopping destinations. Visit malls like City Mall and Nyali Center.
For a feel of the African culture, visit Bombolulu Workshop and Culture Center. Buy groceries and African fabrics from Marikiti Market right at the heart of Mombasa. Biashara (meaning business) Street is also an ideal place to shop.
Visit Nature Parks
Come face to face with wildlife in parks like Haller Park, Nguuni Sanctuary and Mamba Village. You’ll see animals like oryx, crocodiles, tortoises, giraffes, antelopes, and hippos.
Enjoy sunset at Mama Ngina Drive Waterfront
Also known as Light House, the locals come here to eat, drink, and relax experiencing the cool ocean breeze. Park your car and enjoy a cup of coffee, eat cassava, drink coconut water and other beverages.
Go clubbing
Party all night long in many night clubs. Mombasa Raha meaning joy or happiness is not short of that. Popular places not to miss out are Mtwapa, Nyali, and Bamburi. Locals mostly frequent the joints on weekends and festive season to dance, wine and dine. Buy local drinks like Balozi and Tusker here.
Bottom Line
Don’t just read or wait to hear about Mombasa, come and experience the magic. If you are looking for a mix of the above and more, visit Mombasa and enjoy it like a local.
Oh, and by the way, the locals are welcoming.